Wade Redden's journey in professional hockey began when he was drafted second overall by the New York Islanders in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. However, his rights were traded to the Ottawa Senators before he played a game for the Islanders. Redden quickly became a cornerstone of the Senators' defense after making his NHL debut in the 1996-1997 season. Known for his smooth skating and strong defensive play, he was a reliable presence on the blue line.
Throughout his tenure with the Senators, Redden was a consistent performer, contributing both offensively and defensively. He was instrumental in helping the team reach the playoffs multiple times, including their run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2007. During his time in Ottawa, Redden was often paired with Zdeno Chara, forming one of the league's most effective defensive duos. His ability to read the game and make smart plays under pressure made him a valuable asset to the team.
In 2008, Redden signed a lucrative contract with the New York Rangers. His time in New York, however, was marked by challenges. Despite initial expectations, Redden struggled to find the same level of success he had in Ottawa. The pressure of his contract and the high expectations from fans and media contributed to a difficult period in his career. In 2010, Redden was assigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack, the Rangers' AHL affiliate, due to salary cap considerations.
Redden spent two seasons in the AHL, where he served as a mentor to younger players while continuing to play at a high level. In 2013, following the NHL lockout, he was bought out by the Rangers and subsequently signed with the St. Louis Blues. His return to the NHL was met with enthusiasm, and he provided veteran leadership and stability to the Blues' defensive corps.
Later that year, Redden was traded to the Boston Bruins, where he played a supporting role during their playoff run. After the 2012-2013 season, Redden announced his retirement from professional hockey. Over his career, he played in over 1,000 NHL games, recording more than 450 points.
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