Rostislav Klesla

Rostislav Klesla (born March 21, 1982 in Novy Jicin, Czech Republic) is a professional ice hockey defenceman and an alternate captain for the Phoenix Coyotes of the NHL. During the off season, Klesla spends his time in the Czech Republic.

Playing career
Klesla was selected 4th overall by Columbus in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, making him the first ever pick in an Entry Draft by the Blue Jackets. He also played with the Brampton Battalion of the OHL. He used to be No. 44 on the Blue Jackets, but is currently wearing No. 97.

On April 18, 2006, he signed a four-year contract extension with the Blue Jackets.

On September 26, 2006, Klesla was suspended for two 2006 regular season matches (the first one was on October 6 vs. Vancouver and the second was on October 7 at Chicago) for a hit on Chicago's Tuomo Ruutu in a preseason match on September 22. The hit resulted in a grade II sprain in Ruutu's knee which put him out of action for 10 games.

During the 2006–07 season, when new coach Ken Hitchcock assumed his position, Klesla's talent as a young defencemen became apparent when he earned top defensive pairing with Veteran Adam Foote. Klesla spent 20–25 minutes on the ice during the 75 games he played.

Since David Výborný departed for HC Sparta Praha of the Czech Extraliga during the 2008 offseason, Klesla is now the only remaining player from the Blue Jackets inaugural season.