Marek Židlický facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Marek Židlický
Židlický with the New Jersey Devils in 2013
Born	(1977-02-03) 3 February 1977 (age 48) Most, Czechoslovakia
Height	5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight	190 lb (86 kg; 13 st 8 lb)
Position	Defence
Shot	Right
Played for	HC Kladno Helsingin IFK Nashville Predators Minnesota Wild New Jersey Devils Detroit Red Wings New York Islanders
National team	Czech Republic
NHL Draft	176th overall, 2001 New York Rangers
Playing career	1994–2016

Marek Židlický (born February 3, 1977) is a former professional ice hockey player from the Czech Republic. He played as a defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL). The New York Rangers picked him in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.

Playing Career

Marek Židlický was chosen by the New York Rangers in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. This happened on June 24, 2001. Before this, Židlický had a great season in Finland with a team called HIFK. He was one of the top players on his team for assists and total points. He was also the best defenseman in the league for points.

However, Židlický and the Rangers could not agree on a contract. Židlický wanted a "one-way contract." This means he would get paid the same amount of money whether he played in the NHL or a lower league. He was worried he might spend too much time in the minor leagues. The Rangers only offered a "two-way contract," which would pay him less if he played in the minor leagues. Because they could not agree, Židlický stayed in Finland and kept playing for HIFK.

Židlický continued to play very well for HIFK for two more years. He was the top scorer for his team in both 2001–02 and 2002–03. Since the Rangers knew Židlický would not come to North America without a one-way contract, they traded him. On December 12, 2002, the Rangers sent Židlický to the Nashville Predators.

Židlický as a member of the Minnesota Wild

Židlický joined the Nashville Predators for the 2003–04 season. This was a very good year for him. He earned his first NHL point in his very first game on October 10, 2003. He scored his first NHL goal the next day. He was the first Predators player to play all 82 games in his first season.

During the first-ever Predators playoff game, Židlický got injured. He had a concussion and could not play for the rest of the series. When the NHL had a lockout in 2004–05, Židlický went back to play for HIFK in Finland. In 2006, he signed a new four-year contract with the Predators.

On July 1, 2008, Židlický was traded to the Minnesota Wild. He signed a new three-year contract with the Wild in 2010.

On February 24, 2012, Židlický was traded again. This time, he went from the Minnesota Wild to the New Jersey Devils. The Devils re-signed him in 2013 and again in 2014.

On March 2, 2015, the Devils traded Židlický to the Detroit Red Wings. The Red Wings needed a skilled defenseman who shot right-handed for their power play. Židlický fit this need perfectly. In his very first game with the Red Wings on March 4, Židlický scored the winning goal in overtime!

On September 18, 2015, Židlický signed a one-year contract with the New York Islanders. He played his last NHL season with them before retiring in 2016.

Records

• Nashville Predators team record for assists in one game (5)
• Nashville Predators team record for power play points in one season (35)

Career Statistics

Regular Season and Playoffs

International Play

Medal record
Representing  Czech Republic
Olympic Games
Bronze	2006 Turin
World Championships
Gold	2005 Vienna
Bronze	2011 Bratislava