Radim Vrbata

Radim Vrbata (born June 13, 1981 in Mladá Boleslav, Czechoslovakia) is a former professional ice hockey winger who played 16 seasons of the NHL. He played for the Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Arizona Coyotes, Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers.

Playing career
Vrbata was drafted in the 8th round, 212th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. He won the 2001 World Junior Championship and the 2005 World Championships with the Czech Republic.

In March, 2003 Vrbata was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Bates Battaglia. He was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes by the Chicago Blackhawks on December 30, 2005 for future considerations. After two subpar seasons in Chicago, he was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes on August 11, 2007 for Kevyn Adams. During his 1st year in Phoenix, he set career highs in goals, and assists, and lead the team in scoring.

On July 1, 2008, Vrbata, as a free agent, signed a three-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning. After starting the 2008-09 season out of form and citing confidence issues, and the fact that his wife was having difficulty during pregnancy, Vrbata asked, and was granted permission to return home to the Czech Republic on December 8, 2008. On January 2, 2009 he joined hometown team, BK Mladá Boleslav. Vrbata's stint with Boleslav was cut short when he was sent on loan to HC Bílí Tygři Liberec on January 29, 2009.

After finishing the season in the Czech Republic, Vrbata advised the Lightning he intended to return to the NHL for the second year of his contract in the 2009-10 season. Having filled Vrbata's roster spot the Lightning had no interests in retaining Vrbata and his agent, Rich Evans, was given permission to work out a trade. On July 21, 2009, Vrbata was traded by the Lightning back to the Coyotes in exchange for David Hale and Todd Fedoruk for a second stint with the team.

On 7 April 2018, Vrbata announced his retirement from professional hockey after 16 seasons.

International play
Played for the Czech Republic in:


 * 2001 World Junior Championships (Gold Medal)
 * 2003 World Championships
 * 2005 World Championships (Gold Medal)
 * 2008 World Championships