Marek Zidlicky

Lore & Background

Marek Židlický was selected 176th overall, in the sixth round of the 2001 NHL entry draft on June 24, 2001, as the sixth choice of the New York Rangers. He had a very strong 2000–01 season with HIFK of the Finnish SM-liiga, ranking third on his team in assists (25) and tied for second on his team in points (37), while leading the league in points by a defenceman. However, Židlický and the Rangers could never agree to contract terms because Židlický wanted a one-way contract and the Rangers only offered a two-way contract. Because of these differences, Židlický opted to stay in Finland and continue playing for HIFK. Realizing Židlický would not come to North America without a one-way contract, the Rangers traded him, along with Rem Murray and Tomáš Klouček, for goaltender Mike Dunham on December 12, 2002, to the Nashville Predators. Židlický joined the Predators for the 2003–04 season, which proved very successful. He was injured when checked in the opening minutes of the first ever Predators playoff game against the Detroit Red Wings, suffering a concussion that kept him out of the series. During the 2004–05 NHL lockout, Židlický returned to play for HIFK in Helsinki. On May 8, 2006, the Predators and Židlický agreed on terms for a new four-year contract worth $13.5 million. On July 1, 2008, Židlický was traded to the Minnesota Wild for Ryan Jones and a second round draft pick in the 2009 NHL entry draft.

Reader's Guide

He was acquired via trade from the New York Rangers on December 12, 2002, along with Rem Murray and Tomáš Klouček, for goaltender Mike Dunham. Židlický made his NHL debut on October 10, 2003, recording his first NHL point in a 3–1 win over the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, and scored his first NHL goal the next day in a 3–1 loss to the Dallas Stars. He became the first Predator to play all 82 games in his first season in the league. Židlický holds two Nashville Predators franchise records: assists in a game (5) and power play points in a season (35). He was injured in the opening minutes of the first ever Predators playoff game against the Detroit Red Wings, suffering a concussion that kept him out of the series. During the 2004–05 NHL lockout, he returned to play for HIFK in Helsinki. On May 8, 2006, he signed a four-year contract worth $13.5 million with the Predators. On July 1, 2008, he was traded to the Minnesota Wild for Ryan Jones and a second round draft pick in the 2009 NHL entry draft.

Did You Know?

• Židlický's single-game high for assists is 4, not 5—the franchise record for assists in a game is 4, shared by multiple players.
• Židlický's 35 power play points in a season were impressive, but the franchise record is 38, held by Roman Josi, and others have also surpassed 35.