Senators by the Numbers: #82

Martin Straka C 1994-1995, 1995-1996

Born in Plzeň in 1972, Straka was drafted 19^th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1992. He got off to a slow start in Pittsburgh and was traded to the Senators in April 1995, for Norm Maciver and Troy Murray. Straka played less than a full season in Ottawa, as he was traded to the Islanders in January 1996 with Bryan Berard and Don Beaupre for Damian Rhodes and Wade Redden. He was waived by the Islanders and claimed by the Florida Panthers, who would in turn, not re-sign him. A UFA, Straka signed with Pittsburgh, and became one of the most explosive offensive players in the game. He broke his leg in 2001-2002 and didn't regain his speed or scoring touch until 2005-2006 while playing with the New York Rangers. He won Olympic gold with the Czech Republic in 1998 and won gold at the 2005 World Championship. His last season in the NHL was with the Rangers in 2007-2008. He returned to the Czech Republic and spent five seasons playing for Plzeň, his first pro team. On March 28, 2014 he announced his retirement from pro hockey. Straka is currently GM and majority owner of HC Plzeň.