Tom Gilbert, an American defenseman, embarked on his professional hockey journey after being drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the fourth round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. However, it was with the Edmonton Oilers that he began his NHL career. Gilbert joined the Oilers in the 2006-2007 season, quickly establishing himself as a reliable presence on the blue line. His ability to read the game and contribute both offensively and defensively made him a valuable asset to the team.
During his tenure with the Oilers, Gilbert consistently logged significant ice time, often being called upon in crucial situations. His performance peaked in the 2008-2009 season when he recorded a career-high 45 points, including 40 assists. This offensive output highlighted his capability to support the attack while maintaining his defensive responsibilities. Gilbert's steady play earned him a six-year contract extension with Edmonton in 2008, reflecting the team's confidence in his abilities.
In 2012, Gilbert was traded to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for defenseman Nick Schultz. His time with the Wild was marked by solid defensive play, although his offensive numbers dipped compared to his peak years with the Oilers. After a season and a half with Minnesota, Gilbert was bought out of his contract, making him a free agent.
The Florida Panthers signed Gilbert for the 2013-2014 season, where he experienced a resurgence in his performance. Playing alongside veteran defenseman Brian Campbell, Gilbert found a renewed offensive touch, contributing 28 points over the course of the season. His efforts with the Panthers did not go unnoticed, leading to a two-year contract with the Montreal Canadiens in 2014.
In Montreal, Gilbert continued to provide steady defensive play, though injuries began to take a toll on his performance and availability. Despite these challenges, he remained a dependable option on the Canadiens' blue line when healthy. After his stint in Montreal, Gilbert signed with the Los Angeles Kings for the 2016-2017 season. However, his time with the Kings was short-lived, as he was traded to the Washington Capitals later that season. Gilbert did not see much action with the Capitals and spent the remainder of the season in the American Hockey League (AHL) with their affiliate, the Hershey Bears.
Following the conclusion of the 2016-2017 season, Gilbert's professional playing career came to an end.
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