Martin Skoula

Martin Škoula (born October 28, 1979 in Litoměřice, Czechoslovakia) is a professional ice hockey defenceman, currently with the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League.

Playing career
Skoula was selected in the first round of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, 17th overall, by the Colorado Avalanche. After playing two seasons in the Czech Republic, Škoula came over to North America in 1997, playing for the Barrie Colts of the OHL. His size and offensive ability made him an instant success. After only one game in the American Hockey League, with the Hershey Bears, Škoula joined the Avalanche, despite being only twenty years old.

In 2001, Škoula was a part of the Avalanche team that won the Stanley Cup. The following season, he played for his native country at the 2002 Olympics. Despite these successes and a solid statistical record, Škoula was often criticized by fans for poor defensive positioning and decisions, and offensive ability that failed to live up to expectations.

On February 21, 2004, Škoula was dealt by the Avalanche to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim for Kurt Sauer and a 4th round pick (Raymond Macias). After playing only twenty games with the Ducks, Škoula left as an unrestricted free agent. He spent the 2004 NHL Lockout in the Czech Extraliga with HC Litvínov.

On August 3, 2005, prior to the 2005–06 season, Škoula was signed by the Dallas Stars to a two-year contract. He spent less than a season, before he was dealt at the trade deadline by the Stars, along with Shawn Belle to the Minnesota Wild for Willie Mitchell and a 2nd round pick.

Prior to the 2007–08 season on June 30, 2007, Skoula re-signed with the Wild for an additional 2 years.

Awards and achievements

 * 1998–99 OHL  Second All-Star Team
 * 1998–99 OHL  Plus/Minus Award
 * 2000–01 NHL  Stanley Cup  (Colorado Avalanche)

International play
Played for Czech Republic in:


 * 2002 Winter Olympics
 * 2004 World Championships
 * 2004 World Cup of Hockey
 * 2006 World Championships (Silver Medal)

Transactions

 * June 27, 1998 - Škoula drafted by Colorado
 * February 21, 2004 - Škoula traded by Colorado to Anaheim in exchange for Kurt Sauer and a 4th round draft pick (Raymond Macias)
 * August 3, 2005 - Škoula signs with Dallas.
 * March 9, 2006 - Škoula traded by the Dallas Stars along with Shawn Belle to the Minnesota Wild for Willie Mitchell and the Wild's second-round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.