Sheldon Souray, a Canadian defenseman known for his powerful slap shot, spent his professional hockey career playing in the National Hockey League (NHL) for several teams. Born on July 13, 1976, in Elk Point, Alberta, Souray began his journey in the world of hockey at a young age. His professional career took off when he was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the third round, 71st overall, in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft.
Souray made his NHL debut with the Devils during the 1997-1998 season. His time with New Jersey was marked by steady development as he honed his skills on the ice. However, it was his trade to the Montreal Canadiens in 2000 that provided him with a larger platform to showcase his abilities. During his tenure with the Canadiens, Souray became known for his offensive prowess from the blue line, particularly his booming slap shot, which became a significant asset on the power play.
The 2006-2007 season was a standout year for Souray. He set a then-NHL record for most power-play goals in a single season by a defenseman, scoring 19 goals with the man advantage. That season, he finished with a career-high 26 goals and 64 points, earning him a spot in the NHL All-Star Game. His performance during this period solidified his reputation as one of the league's top offensive defensemen.
In 2007, Souray signed a five-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers, returning to his home province of Alberta. His time with the Oilers was marred by injuries, which limited his playing time and affected his performance. Despite these setbacks, he continued to demonstrate his offensive capabilities when healthy. However, tensions arose between Souray and the Oilers' management, leading to his placement on waivers and eventual loan to the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL) for the 2010-2011 season.
Souray's NHL career saw a resurgence when he signed with the Dallas Stars for the 2011-2012 season. He played a solid role on the Stars' blue line, contributing both offensively and defensively. His performance with Dallas led to a contract with the Anaheim Ducks in 2012. During his time with the Ducks, Souray continued to be a valuable presence on the ice, though injuries again limited his playing time.
Throughout his career, Souray was known for his physical style of play, his leadership qualities, and his ability to contribute offensively from the defense position. His powerful slap shot was a defining feature of his game, making him a constant threat on the power play. Despite facing challenges with injuries, Souray's career in the NHL spanned over a decade, during which he played for several teams and left a lasting impression with his offensive skills and on-ice presence.
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