Derek Armstrong is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He began his career in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Prince Albert Raiders and the Saskatoon Blades before being drafted by the New York Islanders in 1992.
Armstrong made his NHL debut with the Islanders in the 1994-95 season, but spent most of his early career in the minor leagues. He played for several teams in the American Hockey League (AHL) and International Hockey League (IHL) before finally establishing himself as a regular NHL player with the Ottawa Senators in the late 1990s.
After a brief stint with the New York Rangers, Armstrong was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in 2002. He spent the next six seasons with the Kings, becoming a fan favorite for his hard work and gritty play. He also served as an alternate captain for the team during his final two seasons in Los Angeles.
In 2008, Armstrong signed with the St. Louis Blues as a free agent. He played one season with the Blues before returning to the Kings for his final NHL season in 2009-10. He retired from professional hockey in 2010 at the age of 36.
Throughout his career, Armstrong was known for his versatility and work ethic. He played both center and wing positions and was often used on penalty kill and power play units. He was also a strong faceoff man and a reliable defensive player.
Off the ice, Armstrong was known for his leadership and community involvement. He was a finalist for the NHL's King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 2006, which recognizes players who demonstrate leadership on and off the ice and make significant humanitarian contributions to their communities.
Overall, Derek Armstrong had a successful career as a professional hockey player, playing in over 400 NHL games and earning the respect of his teammates and fans for his hard work and dedication to the game.
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