Eric Desjardins is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over 17 seasons. He was born on June 14, 1969, in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, Canada. Desjardins began his hockey career in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with the Granby Bisons in 1986. He played for the Bisons for two seasons before being drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round of the 1987 NHL Entry Draft.
Desjardins made his NHL debut with the Canadiens in the 1988-89 season. He quickly established himself as a reliable defenseman and was a key member of the Canadiens' Stanley Cup-winning team in 1993. Desjardins played for the Canadiens for 11 seasons, during which he was named to three NHL All-Star teams and won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman in 1998.
In 1999, Desjardins was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers, where he played for the remainder of his career. He continued to be a top defenseman for the Flyers and was named to two more NHL All-Star teams. Desjardins retired from the NHL in 2006, having played in 1,143 regular-season games and 184 playoff games.
Throughout his career, Desjardins was known for his offensive skills as well as his defensive prowess. He scored 136 goals and 439 assists for a total of 575 points in his NHL career. He was also a strong skater and had a powerful shot from the point.
Desjardins was a respected leader both on and off the ice. He served as captain of the Flyers for two seasons and was known for his work ethic and dedication to the game. He was also involved in various charitable organizations throughout his career, including the Eric Desjardins Foundation, which supports children's charities in Quebec.
In recognition of his contributions to the game, Desjardins was inducted into the Philadelphia Flyers Hall of Fame in 2014. He was also inducted into the Quebec Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.
Overall, Eric Desjardins had a successful and distinguished career in the NHL. He was a skilled and reliable defenseman who played for two of the league's most storied franchises and was recognized as one of the best at his position during his prime.
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