Michal Handzus is a Slovakian former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over 15 seasons. He was known for his versatility as a forward and his strong defensive skills.
Handzus began his professional career in Slovakia, playing for HK Dukla Trencin in the Slovak Extraliga. He was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the fourth round of the 1995 NHL Entry Draft, but did not make his NHL debut until the 1998-99 season.
Over the course of his career, Handzus played for several NHL teams, including the Blues, the Phoenix Coyotes, the Philadelphia Flyers, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Los Angeles Kings, and the San Jose Sharks. He was known for his ability to play in all situations, including on the power play and penalty kill.
Handzus was a key player for the Blackhawks during their Stanley Cup championship run in the 2012-13 season. He scored two game-winning goals in the playoffs, including one in triple overtime against the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup Final.
In addition to his NHL career, Handzus also represented Slovakia in international competition. He played in several World Championships and was a member of the Slovakian team that won the bronze medal at the 2003 IIHF World Championship.
Handzus retired from professional hockey in 2015, finishing his career with 196 goals and 405 assists in 1,009 NHL games. He was known for his leadership and work ethic both on and off the ice, and was respected by teammates and opponents alike.
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