Kyle Calder, Canadian ice hockey player
Kyle Charles Calder, born on January 5, 1979, is a distinguished Canadian former professional ice hockey forward whose impactful career spanned a decade in the highly competitive National Hockey League (NHL). Hailing from Mannville, Alberta, Calder was recognized for his tenacious two-way play and offensive contributions, leaving his mark on multiple prominent franchises across North America.
A Detailed Look at Kyle Calder's NHL Career
Calder's journey to the NHL began when he was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks as the 200th overall pick in the eighth round of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft. This selection marked the start of a professional career that saw him become a reliable and durable forward, known for his relentless effort on both ends of the ice. He spent the majority of his NHL tenure with the Blackhawks, where he truly established himself as a significant player.
Key Teams and Career Highlights
Throughout his National Hockey League career, which spanned from 1999 to 2009, Kyle Calder played for five different teams, accumulating 590 regular season games. His consistent performance led to a career total of 119 goals, 188 assists, and 307 points. He was particularly effective during the 2005-2006 season with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he recorded a career-high 26 goals and 59 points, showcasing his offensive capabilities as a top-six forward.
- Chicago Blackhawks (1999–2006): Calder began and spent the most significant portion of his career with the team that drafted him. He developed into a versatile forward, consistently providing energy and offensive sparks.
- Philadelphia Flyers (2006–2007): Following his tenure with the Blackhawks, Calder was traded to the Flyers, where he continued to play a grinder's role while contributing offensively.
- Detroit Red Wings (2007–2008): He joined the storied Red Wings, a period that saw him contribute to a contending team, providing depth and veteran experience.
- Los Angeles Kings (2008–2009): Calder then moved to the West Coast, bringing his veteran presence to the Kings organization.
- Anaheim Ducks (2009): His final NHL stint was with the Ducks, rounding out a comprehensive career in the league.
Beyond the NHL
Following his National Hockey League career, Kyle Calder continued to play professional hockey internationally, demonstrating his enduring passion for the sport. He notably played in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) for Ak Bars Kazan and in the Swiss National League A (NLA) for HC Davos. With HC Davos, he achieved success, including winning the prestigious Spengler Cup, further cementing his legacy as a globally experienced and accomplished hockey player.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kyle Calder
- Who is Kyle Charles Calder?
- Kyle Charles Calder is a former professional ice hockey forward from Canada, best known for his ten-year career in the National Hockey League (NHL) playing for five different teams.
- What position did Kyle Calder play?
- Kyle Calder played as a forward, primarily known for his role as a tenacious two-way player who contributed both offensively and defensively.
- Which NHL teams did Kyle Calder play for?
- Kyle Calder played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Anaheim Ducks during his NHL career.
- When was Kyle Calder born?
- Kyle Calder was born on January 5, 1979.
- How many points did Kyle Calder score in the NHL?
- Kyle Calder accumulated 307 points (119 goals and 188 assists) in 590 regular season NHL games.
- Was Kyle Calder drafted into the NHL?
- Yes, Kyle Calder was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks as the 200th overall pick in the eighth round of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft.