Phoenix Coyotes Preseason Countdown: 11 Days

Martin Hanzal was drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes during the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, 17th overall, after spending his entire junior career (up to that point) in the Czech Republic. He didn't make his debut with the Coyotes until the 2007-08 season, but he made an instant with his 8-27-35 season. He was ranked 6th on the team in scoring and 9th among NHL rookies during that season. Hanzal's rookie season with the Coyotes remains his best in terms of both points and assists, although his 2011-12 season is a close second with 26 assists and 34 points.

During his sophomore season with the Yotes, Hanzal earned a spot in the Coyotes record book by recording his first career hat trick, on a short handed goal, 20:27 into the game.

Hanzal was named alternate captain for the Coyotes in 2011 and has spent a lot of time playing with fellow Czech player Radim Vrbata. The two have great chemistry together and have been involved in some very big moments in recent Coyotes history. It appears likely the two will remain together unless Head Coach Dave Tippett decides to break up the pair to have Vrbata play with the shiny new center, Mike Ribeiro.

Though he doesn't do it often, Hanzal isn't afraid to drop the gloves if he needs to as he has been in 7 fights in his career.

In his six-year career with the Desert Dogs, Hanzal has played in 391 regular season games and 23 playoff games. During that time, he scored 65 goals, 117 assists and 182 points in the regular season and four goals, eight assists and 12 points in the playoffs.