Daniel Cleary is a former professional ice hockey player from Canada who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over 17 seasons. He began his career in the NHL in 1997 with the Chicago Blackhawks, but it was with the Edmonton Oilers that he made his mark, playing for them for four seasons.
Cleary then moved on to play for the Phoenix Coyotes, where he played for two seasons before being traded to the Detroit Red Wings in 2005. It was with the Red Wings that Cleary had his most successful years, winning the Stanley Cup with the team in 2008 and being a key player in their run to the finals in 2009.
Throughout his career, Cleary was known for his versatility and work ethic on the ice. He was able to play both forward and defense positions, and was often used on the penalty kill. He was also known for his leadership qualities, serving as an alternate captain for the Red Wings for several seasons.
Cleary's career was not without its challenges, however. He suffered a serious knee injury in 2007 that required surgery and forced him to miss a significant portion of the season. He also struggled with injuries in later years, and his production on the ice began to decline.
Despite these challenges, Cleary remained a respected and valued member of the teams he played for. He retired from the NHL in 2015, having played in over 1,000 games and scoring over 380 points. He was also a member of the Canadian national team, winning a gold medal at the 2004 World Championships.
Since retiring from professional hockey, Cleary has remained involved in the sport. He has worked as a scout for the Red Wings and has also been involved in coaching youth hockey. He has also been recognized for his charitable work, including his support of the Children's Hospital of Michigan.
Overall, Daniel Cleary's career in the NHL was marked by his versatility, work ethic, and leadership qualities. He was a valuable player for the teams he played for, and his contributions to the sport have been recognized both on and off the ice.
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