Chris Gratton is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over 16 seasons. He was born on July 5, 1975, in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. Gratton started his hockey career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Kingston Frontenacs in 1991. He played two seasons with the Frontenacs, scoring 70 goals and 157 points in 118 games.
Gratton was drafted third overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut in the 1993-94 season and played for the Lightning for four seasons. He was known for his physical play and his ability to score goals. In his first season, he scored 30 goals and 52 points in 84 games. He was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team and finished second in voting for the Calder Trophy.
After four seasons with the Lightning, Gratton was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in 1998. He played for the Flyers for two seasons before being traded to the Buffalo Sabres in 2000. He played for the Sabres for two seasons before being traded back to the Lightning in 2002. He played for the Lightning for two seasons before being traded to the Florida Panthers in 2004.
Gratton played for the Panthers for two seasons before being traded to the Colorado Avalanche in 2006. He played for the Avalanche for one season before being traded back to the Lightning in 2007. He played for the Lightning for one season before being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2008. He played for the Blue Jackets for one season before being traded back to the Panthers in 2009.
Gratton retired from professional hockey in 2010. He played in 1,084 NHL games, scoring 214 goals and 354 assists for 568 points. He was known for his physical play and his ability to score goals. He was also known for his leadership on and off the ice.
Gratton represented Canada in international competition, winning a gold medal at the 1994 World Junior Championships. He also played for Canada at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey and the 1998 Winter Olympics.
In conclusion, Chris Gratton had a successful career in the NHL, playing for eight different teams over 16 seasons. He was known for his physical play and his ability to score goals. He was also known for his leadership on and off the ice. Gratton represented Canada in international competition, winning a gold medal at the 1994 World Junior Championships. He retired from professional hockey in 2010.
🏒