Slovak professional ice hockey player who played in the NHL and internationally, winning multiple awards and representing his country in the Olympics.
Andrej Meszro is a Slovak professional ice hockey player, renowned for his exceptional skills on the rink, having played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with several prominent teams, including the Buffalo Sabres, Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Ottawa Senators. His impressive career, spanning over two decades, has earned him a reputation as one of the most talented defensemen in the sport.
Born on October 13, 1985, in Slovakia, Meszro began his ice hockey journey at a young age, participating in the 1999 Quebec International PeeWee Hockey Tournament with a team from Bratislava. He later played for Dukla Trenn in the Slovak Extraliga as a 17-year-old in the 2002-2003 season, showcasing his potential to become a top-notch player.
In the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Meszro was selected 23rd overall by the Ottawa Senators, marking the beginning of his illustrious NHL career. After being drafted, he played junior ice hockey in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Vancouver Giants, where he recorded 41 points in 59 games, earning him a spot on the Western Conference's Second All-Star Team.
Meszro made his NHL debut with the Ottawa Senators in the 2005-2006 season, registering his first NHL point, an assist, on October 10, 2005. He scored his first NHL goal on December 9, 2005, a game-tying goal in the third period of a shootout loss against the Vancouver Canucks. During his rookie season, he finished with 10 goals and 39 points, earning him a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team.
Throughout his career, Meszro has played for several teams, including the Buffalo Sabres, Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, and Tampa Bay Lightning, demonstrating his adaptability and resilience as a player. His impressive plus-minus rating of 39, tied for third in the league overall and first among rookies during the 2005-2006 season, highlights his exceptional defensive skills.
Andrej Meszro's remarkable career has inspired a new generation of Slovak ice hockey players, highlighting the importance of dedication, hard work, and perseverance in achieving success at the highest level. His contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark on the NHL, cementing his place as one of the greatest Slovak players in the history of the league.
Meszro's partnership with Zdeno Chra, a fellow defenseman, during his time with the Ottawa Senators, is often cited as one of the most successful defensive pairings in the NHL. Their on-ice chemistry and dedication to their craft have been praised by coaches and teammates alike.
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | P | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005-2006 | Ottawa Senators | 80 | 10 | 29 | 39 | 39 |
47 Years Old
Slovakian right winger who played for several NHL teams, winning three Stanley Cups and earning numerous accolades for his impressive scoring and defensive skills.
44 Years Old
Slovak professional ice hockey winger who played in the NHL for 15 seasons, winning the Art Ross Trophy as the league's top scorer in 2001-02. Known for his speed, skill, and scoring prowess.
51 Years Old
Slovakian forward who played in the NHL for 16 seasons, earning 768 points and representing his country in multiple international tournaments.
52 Years Old
Slovak professional ice hockey player who played in the NHL and won numerous awards, including the Stanley Cup. Known for his defensive skills and strong shot-blocking ability.
47 Years Old
Slovakian right winger who played for several NHL teams, winning three Stanley Cups and earning numerous accolades for his impressive scoring and defensive skills.
54 Years Old
Slovakian ice hockey player who competed in the 1948 Winter Olympics and won several national championships, known for his speed and agility on the ice.
50 Years Old
Slovak professional ice hockey player who played in the NHL for 12 seasons, winning the Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins in 2011. Known for his speed and scoring ability.
49 Years Old
Slovak professional ice hockey player who played in the NHL and represented Slovakia in international competitions. Known for his skills as a left winger and scoring abilities.