Tom Laidlaw, a Canadian-born defenseman, embarked on his professional hockey journey after being drafted by the New York Rangers in the 1978 NHL Amateur Draft. Selected in the sixth round as the 93rd overall pick, Laidlaw began his NHL career with the Rangers in the 1979-1980 season. Known for his steady defensive play, he quickly became a reliable presence on the blue line.
Laidlaw's tenure with the Rangers spanned seven seasons, during which he played a total of 510 games. His style of play was characterized by a strong defensive acumen and a physical approach, making him a dependable player in the defensive zone. Throughout his time in New York, Laidlaw contributed both on and off the ice, serving as an alternate captain for the team. His leadership qualities were evident as he helped guide younger players and provided stability to the Rangers' defensive corps.
In 1987, Laidlaw was traded to the Los Angeles Kings, where he continued to demonstrate his defensive skills. Over the course of three seasons with the Kings, he played 202 games, further solidifying his reputation as a solid defenseman. While with the Kings, Laidlaw was part of a team that included legendary players such as Wayne Gretzky, who joined the Kings in 1988. Although Laidlaw's role was primarily defensive, his presence contributed to the overall team dynamic during a transformative period for the franchise.
Throughout his NHL career, Laidlaw played a total of 705 regular-season games, scoring 25 goals and providing 112 assists. His playoff experience included 57 games, where he added 11 points. Known for his durability, Laidlaw was often relied upon to play significant minutes, particularly in critical defensive situations.
After retiring from professional hockey in 1990, Laidlaw transitioned into a career as a sports agent, representing fellow athletes and leveraging his experience and knowledge of the game. His post-playing career also included appearances as a hockey analyst, where he provided insights based on his years of experience on the ice.
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