Drew Stafford is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on October 30, 1985, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and grew up playing hockey in Minnesota. Stafford played college hockey at the University of North Dakota before being drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.
Stafford made his NHL debut with the Sabres in 2006 and quickly established himself as a reliable forward. He was known for his scoring ability, physical play, and versatility, as he could play both wing positions and even center if needed. Stafford played for the Sabres for nine seasons, from 2006 to 2015, and was a consistent contributor during that time. He scored 20 or more goals in four different seasons and was a key player on the team's power play unit.
In 2015, Stafford was traded to the Winnipeg Jets, where he played for parts of two seasons. He continued to be a productive player, scoring 21 goals in his first full season with the Jets. However, the team struggled to make the playoffs during his time there, and Stafford was eventually traded to the Boston Bruins in 2017.
Stafford played for the Bruins for one season before becoming a free agent. He signed with the New Jersey Devils in 2018 and played for them for one season before announcing his retirement from professional hockey in 2019.
Throughout his career, Stafford was known for his work ethic and leadership qualities. He was a respected veteran in the locker room and was often called upon to mentor younger players. Stafford was also active in the community, participating in various charitable initiatives and events.
Overall, Drew Stafford had a successful career in the NHL, playing for four different teams and scoring over 400 points in over 900 games. He was a reliable and versatile player who was respected by his teammates and opponents alike. While he may not have been a superstar, Stafford's contributions to the game of hockey will not be forgotten.
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