Milan Hejduk

Czech American forward who spent his entire NHL career with the Colorado Avalanche, winning the Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy in 2003 and the Stanley Cup in 2001.

Milan Hejduk (; born February 14, 1976) is a Czech American former professional ice hockey forward. Nicknamed "the Duke", he spent his entire 14-year National Hockey League (NHL) career with the Colorado Avalanche and retired holding the record for most career games as an Avalanche player with 1,020. In 2003, he won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy as the NHL's leading goal scorer. He is a member of Czech Ice Hockey Hall of Fame.

Quick Facts

Born: 14 February 1976
Birthplace: Ústí nad Labem, Czechoslovakia
Position: Right wing
Shoots: Right
Played for: HC Pardubice; Colorado Avalanche
Draft: 87th overall
Drafted by: Quebec Nordiques

Lore & Background

Hejduk was drafted 87th overall by the Quebec Nordiques in the fourth round of the 1994 NHL entry draft. He played for HC Pardubice in the Czech Extraliga until 1998 before transferring to the NHL. He won the Stanley Cup in the 2000–01 season with the Avalanche. He scored 50 goals in the 2002–03 season to win the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy. He served as team captain for part of the 2011–12 season. He retired as the last Avalanche player from their 2001 Stanley Cup-winning team. His number 23 jersey was retired by the Avalanche on January 6, 2018.

Did You Know?

Hejduk scored his 300th career NHL goal on January 18, 2009, against the Calgary Flames.
He became the first Avalanche player to appear in 1,000 games for the club on February 4, 2013.
Hejduk was the last player drafted by the Quebec Nordiques still active in the NHL after Tim Thomas opted for a year on hiatus.
He became an American citizen in 2016.