Jan Hejda

Jan Hejda (born June 18, 1978 in Prague, Czechoslovakia) is a Czech professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing with the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League.

Playing career
Hejda was originally selected in the 4th round, 106th overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the Buffalo Sabres. He played six seasons with HC Slavia Praha of the Czech Extraliga, two seasons with HC CSKA Moscow of the Russian Super League, and one season with Khimik Moscow Oblast, also of the Russian Super League.

In July 2006, Hejda was traded to the Oilers by the Sabres in exchange for a seventh round draft-pick. He subsequently signed a one-year contract with the Oilers in the same week.

Hejda scored his first NHL goal on January 8, 2007 against the Los Angeles Kings netminder Mathieu Garon. The Kings' Konstantin Pushkarev had scored his first NHL goal in the game's third period to send the game into overtime; Hejda's goal in overtime gave the Oilers their 2–1 win.

In July 2007, Hejda signed a 1-year, $1 million deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He turned out to be one of the club's best defensemen the following season, ending with a +20 plus-minus on a team that had never had anyone finish higher than +13 before. He subsequently signed a 3-year deal worth $6 million on April 29, 2008. After not scoring the previous season, Hejda scored three goals in addition to 18 assists during the 2008-09 NHL season. He also played in three of the Blue Jackets four playoff games in their opening round series against the Detroit Red Wings, Columbus' first ever playoff appearance.

International play
Hejda played his first game in the national squad in 2002, and has played 82 times for the national team (as of Jan 3 2009).

Played for the Czech Republic in:


 * 2003 World Championships
 * 2004 World Championships
 * 2005 World Championships (Gold medal)
 * 2006 World Championships (Silver medal)
 * 2008 World Championships