Lawrence Nycholat
Undrafted defenseman who scored first NHL goal against Martin Brodeur.
Lawrence D. Nycholat (born May 7, 1979) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who suited up for five NHL teams: the New York Rangers, Washington Capitals, Ottawa Senators, Vancouver Canucks, and Colorado Avalanche. He went undrafted but carved out a long pro career, starting in the Minnesota Wild system and later becoming a standout in the American Hockey League, where he captained the Hershey Bears to a Calder Cup title in 2006.
Nycholat played minor hockey with the Calgary Junior Flames, appearing in the 1992 and 1993 Quebec International Pee-Wee Tournaments. He then spent four seasons with the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League, beginning in 1996–97. In his final junior year (1999–2000), he posted a career-high 80 points in 70 games and was named a WHL East First Team All-Star.
After going unselected in the NHL draft, he signed with the Minnesota Wild in August 2000 and spent three seasons in their farm system, playing for the Jackson Bandits (ECHL), Cleveland Lumberjacks (IHL), and Houston Aeros (AHL). In March 2003, after 39 points in 66 games with Houston, Minnesota traded him to the New York Rangers for Johan Holmqvist. He finished that season with the Rangers’ AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, notching 11 points in 15 games. He made his NHL debut with the Rangers in 2003–04, appearing in nine games, and remained with the Hartford organization through the 2004–05 season.
In August 2005, Nycholat signed with the Washington Capitals as a free agent. He spent the entire 2005–06 season with the Hershey Bears, scoring an AHL career-high 57 points in 73 games and adding 14 points in 16 playoff games as the Bears won the Calder Cup. The following season, he played 18 games for the Capitals and scored his first NHL goal on December 29, 2006, against Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils. He also served as Hershey’s team captain and was named a starter for Team Canada at the 2007 AHL All-Star Classic.
On February 26, 2007, Washington traded him to the Ottawa Senators for Andy Hedlund and a sixth-round draft pick. He re-signed with Ottawa to a multi-year contract that summer. Over two seasons with the Senators organization, he played mostly for their AHL affiliate in Binghamton, recording 49 points in 77 games in 2007–08.
Just before the 2008–09 season, Ottawa traded him to the Vancouver Canucks for Ryan Shannon.
Quick Facts
- Height
- 5 ft 10 in
- Weight
- 192 lb
- Played for
- New York Rangers; Washington Capitals; Ottawa Senators; Vancouver Canucks; Colorado Avalanche; Krefeld Pinguine
- Position
- Defence
- Shoots
- Left
- Born
- 7 May 1979
- Birthplace
- Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Draft
- Undrafted
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Nycholat played youth hockey with the Calgary Junior Flames and later joined the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League for four seasons, recording a junior career-high 80 points in 1999–2000. Undrafted, he signed with the Minnesota Wild in August 2000 and spent three seasons in their farm system before being traded to the New York Rangers in March 2003. He made his NHL debut with the Rangers in 2003–04, appearing in nine games.
After signing with the Washington Capitals as a free agent in August 2005, Nycholat spent the 2005–06 season with the Hershey Bears, scoring an AHL career-high 57 points and adding 14 points in the playoffs to help the Bears win the Calder Cup. In 2006–07, he played 18 games for the Capitals and recorded his first NHL goal against Martin Brodeur on December 29, 2006. He also served as team captain for the Bears and was named a starter for Team Canada at the 2007 AHL All-Star Classic.
Nycholat was traded to the Ottawa Senators at the 2007 trade deadline and later re-signed to a multi-year contract. He played primarily in the AHL with Binghamton before being traded to the Vancouver Canucks prior to the 2008–09 season. After a brief stint with the Canucks, he was claimed off waivers by the Calgary Flames and then traded the next day to the Colorado Avalanche, where his season ended due to a concussion. He returned to the Canucks in 2009–10 and finished his career with the Hershey Bears in the AHL and Krefeld Pinguine of the German DEL.
Reader's Guide
Lawrence Nycholat's career is notable for his journey as an undrafted defenseman who carved out a professional path through strong AHL performances and brief NHL stints. His most significant achievement came as captain of the Hershey Bears, leading the team to a Calder Cup championship in 2006 while posting an AHL career-high 57 points. That season established him as a reliable two-way defenseman at the minor-league level, earning him three AHL All-Star Classic selections and a starting role for Team Canada in 2007.
Though his NHL tenure was limited to 46 games across five teams, Nycholat's first NHL goal came against Hall of Fame goaltender Martin Brodeur, a highlight of his time with the Washington Capitals. His career also illustrates the volatility of a depth defenseman's path: he was traded multiple times, claimed off waivers, and dealt again within 24 hours in March 2009. After suffering a concussion with the Colorado Avalanche, he returned to the Vancouver Canucks organization for one more season before finishing his playing days in Germany. Nycholat later transitioned to coaching his children's hockey teams and joined his family's logistics company.
Did You Know?
- Nycholat scored his first NHL goal against Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils on December 29, 2006.
- Nycholat was traded from the Calgary Flames to the Colorado Avalanche the day after being claimed off waivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Lawrence Nycholat born?
Lawrence Nycholat was born on 7 May 1979 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
What position did Lawrence Nycholat play?
Lawrence Nycholat's position is listed as Defence.
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