Carlo Colaiacovo is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player who played as a defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on January 27, 1983, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and began his hockey career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Erie Otters in 1999.
Colaiacovo was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round, 17th overall, in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Maple Leafs in the 2002-03 season and played with the team for six seasons. During his time with the Maple Leafs, Colaiacovo was known for his offensive skills and his ability to move the puck up the ice. He scored his first NHL goal on November 6, 2003, against the New York Islanders.
In 2008, Colaiacovo was traded to the St. Louis Blues, where he played for three seasons. He continued to be an offensive threat from the blue line and was a key player on the power play. Injuries, however, limited his playing time during his tenure with the Blues.
After his time with the Blues, Colaiacovo played for several other NHL teams, including the Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers, and Buffalo Sabres. He also played briefly in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) for HC Slovan Bratislava during the 2013-14 season.
Throughout his NHL career, Colaiacovo was known for his offensive skills, his ability to move the puck up the ice, and his strong skating ability. He was also a solid defensive player and was often relied upon to play against the opposing team's top players.
In total, Colaiacovo played in 470 NHL games, scoring 32 goals and 135 assists for 167 points. He also played in 20 playoff games, scoring one goal and six assists for seven points.
After the 2015-16 season, Colaiacovo announced his retirement from professional hockey. He has since worked as a hockey analyst for various media outlets, including TSN and Sportsnet.
Overall, Carlo Colaiacovo had a successful NHL career, playing for several teams and making a name for himself as an offensive defenseman. His strong skating ability and offensive skills made him a valuable player on the ice, and he will be remembered as a talented and hardworking player by fans and teammates alike.
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