Kevin Klein is a former professional ice hockey player who played as a defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born on December 13, 1984, in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. Klein started his hockey career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Toronto St. Michael's Majors in 2001. He played for the Majors for three seasons before being drafted by the Nashville Predators in the second round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.
Klein made his NHL debut with the Predators in the 2005-06 season and played for the team for over nine seasons. He was known for his solid defensive play and his ability to block shots. He was also a reliable penalty killer and was often used in crucial situations. During his time with the Predators, Klein played in 403 games and scored 16 goals and 66 assists.
In January 2014, Klein was traded to the New York Rangers in exchange for Michael Del Zotto. He quickly became a fan favorite in New York due to his physical play and his willingness to sacrifice his body for the team. He played for the Rangers for three and a half seasons and was a key member of the team that reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2014. During his time with the Rangers, Klein played in 224 games and scored 22 goals and 31 assists.
Klein announced his retirement from professional hockey on July 7, 2018, at the age of 33. He cited personal reasons for his decision to retire and said that he was looking forward to spending more time with his family.
Overall, Kevin Klein had a successful career in the NHL, playing for two teams and earning the respect of his teammates and opponents alike. He was known for his toughness, his work ethic, and his ability to play a solid defensive game. While he may not have been a superstar player, he was a valuable member of every team he played for and will be remembered as a hard-working and dedicated player.
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