Radim Vrbata

Radim Vrbata is a Czech winger on the Phoenix Coyotes.

Vrbata was drafted in 1999 by the Colorado Avalanche after scoring 74 points in the QMJHL in ’98-99 with the Hull Olympiques. He spent another season in the QMJHL, scoring 120 points with the Shawnigan Cataractes. He joined Colorado in 2001, and scored 60 points with the Avalanche in two seasons. He was traded to Carolina in 2003, where he spent two seasons before returning to Europe during the lockout. He returned to Carolina in 2005, but was traded to Chicago after only 16 games. He spent two seasons with the Blackhawks, scoring 14 goals and 41 points in 2006-07. He was traded to Phoenix in 2007, where he had the best season of his career in 2007-08, scoring 27 goals and 56 points. He was signed by Tampa Bay in 2008, but played only 18 games before returning to the Czech Republic, where he finished the season. Vrbata was traded to Phoenix upon returning to North America in 2009.

Vrbata has played for the Czech Republic a number of times, winning gold medals at the 2001 World Juniors and the 2005 World Championships.