Rory Fitzpatrick, a defenseman hailing from Rochester, New York, embarked on his professional hockey journey after being drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round, 47th overall, in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. His career in the National Hockey League (NHL) spanned over a decade, during which he played for several teams, showcasing his skills as a reliable defenseman.
Fitzpatrick's NHL debut came during the 1995-1996 season with the Canadiens. However, his time in Montreal was brief, and he soon found himself traded to the St. Louis Blues. His tenure with the Blues was also short-lived, and he spent much of his early career moving between teams and honing his abilities in the American Hockey League (AHL), the primary developmental league for the NHL.
In 1998, Fitzpatrick was traded to the Nashville Predators, a newly established franchise at the time. He played a handful of games for the Predators but spent the majority of his time with their AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals. His perseverance paid off when he was claimed off waivers by the Edmonton Oilers in 2000, although he did not play any games for the team.
The turning point in Fitzpatrick's career came when he joined the Buffalo Sabres in 2001. It was with the Sabres that he found more stability, playing parts of four seasons with the team. Fitzpatrick became known for his steady defensive play and his ability to contribute when called upon. His time in Buffalo allowed him to establish himself as a dependable presence on the blue line.
In 2005, Fitzpatrick signed with the Vancouver Canucks, where he continued to play a supporting role on defense. During his time with the Canucks, he became a fan favorite, not just for his play on the ice but also for his involvement in the 2007 NHL All-Star Game voting controversy. A grassroots campaign by fans nearly succeeded in voting him into the All-Star Game, highlighting his popularity despite his role as a depth player.
Fitzpatrick's career continued with a brief stint with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2007, after which he returned to the AHL, playing for the Philadelphia Phantoms. He eventually retired from professional hockey in 2008, concluding a career that saw him play over 300 NHL games.
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