Tom Poti is a retired American professional ice hockey player who played as a defenseman. He was born on March 22, 1977, in Worcester, Massachusetts, and began his hockey career at Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, Massachusetts. Poti was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the third round of the 1996 NHL Entry Draft, and he made his NHL debut with the team in the 1998-1999 season.
Poti played for the Oilers for four seasons before being traded to the New York Rangers in 2002. He played for the Rangers for three seasons, during which he established himself as a reliable defenseman and a key player on the team. In 2005, Poti signed with the Washington Capitals as a free agent, and he played for the team for seven seasons. During his time with the Capitals, Poti was a consistent performer and a leader on the team, and he helped the team reach the playoffs in four consecutive seasons from 2008 to 2011.
Poti's career was marked by his strong defensive play, his ability to move the puck up the ice, and his leadership on and off the ice. He was known for his calm and composed demeanor, and he was respected by his teammates and opponents alike. Poti was also a versatile player who could play in all situations, including on the power play and penalty kill.
Poti's career was not without its challenges, however. He suffered a number of injuries throughout his career, including a groin injury that sidelined him for much of the 2006-2007 season. He also suffered a concussion in 2010 that forced him to miss the entire 2010-2011 season.
Despite these setbacks, Poti remained a dedicated and committed player throughout his career. He retired from professional hockey in 2014, having played in 824 NHL games and scored 69 goals and 258 assists for a total of 327 points. Poti's career was a testament to his skill, determination, and leadership, and he remains a respected figure in the world of hockey.
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