David Legwand facts for kids

Quick facts for kids David Legwand
Legwand with the Buffalo Sabres in 2016
Born	(1980-08-17) August 17, 1980 (age 45) Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Height	6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight	207 lb (94 kg; 14 st 11 lb)
Position	Center
Shot	Left
Played for	Nashville Predators EHC Basel Detroit Red Wings Ottawa Senators Buffalo Sabres
National team	United States
NHL Draft	2nd overall, 1998 Nashville Predators
Playing career	1999–2016

David A. Legwand (born August 17, 1980) is an American former professional ice hockey player. He played as a forward for 16 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). David was the very first player ever chosen by the Nashville Predators in the NHL Draft. He played with the Predators for 12 full seasons and set many team records. Towards the end of his career, he also played for the Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators, and Buffalo Sabres.

David Legwand's Hockey Journey

Starting Out in Hockey

David Legwand went to Grosse Pointe North High School. When he was younger, he played in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament in 1993 and 1994. He played for the Detroit Little Caesars team.

He then played junior hockey for the Plymouth Whalers in the OHL. In the season before he was drafted into the NHL, he scored 54 goals and made 51 assists. This added up to an amazing 105 points! He also won the Red Tilson Award, which is given to the best player in the OHL.

Joining the Nashville Predators

Before the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, the Nashville Predators wanted to pick David. Their general manager, David Poile, made a trade to get the second overall pick. This allowed them to draft Legwand as the second player chosen in the entire draft.

After getting sick during training camp, David went back to play for the Plymouth Whalers for the 1998–99 OHL season. He also missed some games due to a family loss and playing in the World Juniors tournament. He still had a great season, scoring 31 goals and 49 assists. After the Whalers finished their playoffs, he signed a three-year contract with the Predators. He then played his very first NHL game against the New Jersey Devils.

First NHL Seasons

Before the 1999–2000 season, David was encouraged to gain more weight. He worked with the team's coaches and got stronger. He made the Predators' team for opening night. He scored his first ever NHL goal in a 4–2 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs. By the end of March, he had 28 points and led all new players with 13 goals.

In his second season, David had a tough start. After making some mistakes in a game, he was benched for the first time. On December 23, 2000, he made history in a game against the New York Rangers. He became the first NHL player to score a goal on a penalty shot in overtime. Since the Predators did not make the playoffs that year, David played for Team USA in the 2001 IIHF World Championship.

During the NHL lockout season in 2004–05, David played hockey in Switzerland. He played for a team called EHC Basel.

David Legwand playing for the Nashville Predators in May 2011.

After several years of losing in the first round of the playoffs, David and the Predators finally made it to the second round in 2011. This was a first for the team and for David's career. However, they were defeated by the Vancouver Canucks in six games.

In November 2005, David hurt his knee. Before returning to the Predators, he played two games in the American Hockey League (AHL). He played for the Milwaukee Admirals to get back into shape.

On March 5, 2014, David was traded from the Predators to the Detroit Red Wings. This trade happened in his final year of contract with Nashville. He left Nashville as the team's all-time leader in points, goals, and games played. He played 956 games for the Predators.

Later Years in the NHL

On July 4, 2014, David signed a two-year contract with the Ottawa Senators. This happened after the Senators traded their star player, Jason Spezza. In his only season with Ottawa in 2014-15, David brought experience to the team. He helped the Senators make it to the playoffs. He scored 9 goals and had 27 points in 80 games that season.

On June 26, 2015, David was traded again. He went to the Buffalo Sabres along with his Senators teammate, Robin Lehner. They were traded for a draft pick.

David Legwand officially announced his retirement from professional hockey on December 22, 2016.

Life Outside of Hockey

David Legwand is married to Lindsey, and they have two children. Their first child, a son, was born on November 21, 2009.

In January 2015, David and another former NHL player, Derian Hatcher, agreed to buy the Sarnia Sting. This is a team in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where David used to play. The deal was approved and completed on March 4, 2015.

Career Statistics

Regular Season and Playoffs

International Play