Topic: Martin Havlat

Martin Havlát (Czech pronunciation: ; born April 19, 1981) is a Czech professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Havlát was drafted out of the Czech Extraliga in the first round of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft (26th overall) by the Ottawa Senators. He remained in the Czech Republic for one more season following his draft before joining the Senators for his rookie NHL season in 2000–01. Havlát recorded 19 goals and 42 points in his first year and was a finalist for the Calder Trophy for top rookie. Playing for the Senators, he earned the nickname "Mach 9" for his speed and the jersey number he wore.

In his third year with the club, he notched his second consecutive 20-goal campaign with 24 goals and 59 points before helping the Senators on a 2003 playoff run to the Conference Finals. He was criticized in the second round by Philadelphia Flyers coach Ken Hitchcock for his stickwork against the Flyers during the series. The Senators went on to eliminate Philadelphia in six games, but could not get past the eventual Stanley Cup champions, the New Jersey Devils in the third round. Havlát finished the playoffs with 11 points in 18 games.