Brian Leetch

Brian Leetch (born March 3, 1968 in Corpus Christi, Texas, USA) is a professional ice hockey defenseman who plays for the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins.

Related Topics:
March 3 - 1968 - Corpus Christi, Texas - USA - Professional - Ice hockey - Defenseman - National Hockey League - Boston Bruins

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He went to Avon Old Farms for prep school and later to Boston College. He was drafted by the New York Rangers in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft, First Round, Ninth Overall. He played from 1987 to 2004 for the New York Rangers. Brian's best season was in 1991-1992, when he recorded 102 points and won the Norris Trophy for best defenceman. (Leetch also won the Norris Trophy in 1997). Brian was an integral part of the Rangers Stanley Cup championship in 1994; for his performance, he received the Conn Smythe Trophy for best player in the playoffs. Leetch was the first non-Canadian born player to receive the Conn Smythe Trophy. To earn that, he recorded 34 points in 23 playoff games. Leetch, along with Rangers' Captain Mark Messier, provided the spark, enthusiam, and excellence of play that led them to the Stanley Cup. It its expected that the Rangers, upon his retirment, will retire the number 2, which he wore his entire Ranger career.

Related Topics:
Avon Old Farms - Boston College - New York Rangers - 1986 NHL Entry Draft - 1987 - 2004 - Norris Trophy - Defenceman - 1997 - Stanley Cup - 1994 - Conn Smythe Trophy - Mark Messier

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Over the next several years following the Rangers Cup win in 1994, Leetch remained a team leader and fan favourite (and served as Captain from 1997-2000). These years however were marked by disappointing performances that saw the Rangers miss the playoffs from 1997 to 2004. After the especially unsuccessful 2004 campaign, the Rangers began "rebuilding," and traded most of their high-priced veterans, including Brian Leetch. Leetch was traded to Toronto just prior to the trade dealine for prospects Maxim Kondratiev, Jarkko Immonen, and a 1st Round Pick in 2004, which became Kris Chucko, and a 2nd Round Pick in 2005, which became Michael Sauer. Leetch played a solid, but unspectacular, role on the Leafs who once again failed to make much progress in the post season.

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After the 2004-05 NHL Lockout, Leetch was signed by the Boston Bruins to a one-year, $4-million contract.

Related Topics:
2004-05 NHL Lockout - Boston Bruins - Contract

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