Rob Zettler's journey through the world of professional hockey began when he was drafted by the Minnesota North Stars in the third round, 55th overall, in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft. A defenseman by trade, Zettler's career in the National Hockey League (NHL) spanned over a decade, during which he played for several teams and became known for his steady presence on the blue line.
Zettler made his NHL debut with the Minnesota North Stars during the 1988-1989 season. His time with the North Stars was relatively short, as he was claimed by the San Jose Sharks in the 1991 NHL Expansion Draft. Joining the Sharks for their inaugural season, Zettler became part of the team's foundational years, contributing to the development of the franchise in its early stages.
After his stint with the Sharks, Zettler was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in 1994. His tenure with the Flyers added another chapter to his career, as he continued to provide reliable defensive play. In 1995, Zettler was on the move again, this time to the Toronto Maple Leafs. His time in Toronto saw him become a regular fixture on the team's defense, where he played until 1998.
The Nashville Predators selected Zettler in the 1998 NHL Expansion Draft, marking another new beginning as he joined the league's latest expansion team. However, his time with the Predators was brief, and he was traded to the Washington Capitals during the 1998-1999 season. Zettler's experience and steady play were assets to the Capitals' defensive corps.
Throughout his career, Zettler was known for his defensive reliability and ability to play a physical game. While not a prolific scorer, his role was primarily focused on defense, where he used his size and strength to his advantage. Over the course of his NHL career, Zettler played in over 500 games, recording a modest number of points but providing valuable minutes on the ice.
After retiring as a player, Zettler transitioned into coaching and management roles within the hockey world. His post-playing career included various positions, such as assistant coaching roles with NHL teams, where he continued to share his knowledge and experience with younger players.
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