Wade Redden (born June 12, 1977) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player best known for his long service as a right-shot defenceman in the National Hockey League. Drafted second overall in 1995, Redden established himself as an effective puck-moving defender who contributed on the power play and logged heavy minutes against top competition. He is frequently described in accounts of late-1990s and 2000s NHL defencemen for his combination of skating, puck skills and positional play. Canadian defenceman

Professional career

Redden spent the formative part of his NHL career with the Ottawa Senators, where he developed into a reliable top-pairing blueliner. Over eleven seasons with Ottawa he was a regular in the lineup, trusted to quarterback the power play and to eat minutes in all situations. In 2008 he left Ottawa as a free agent and signed with the New York Rangers; initially he was assigned to the organization’s American Hockey League affiliate, the AHL Connecticut Whale as he worked to re-establish his game at the professional level.

Playing style and role

Redden’s game is characterised by steady puck possession, good outlet passing and the ability to join the rush while remaining defensively aware. He was often relied upon to move the puck out of the defensive zone, to make first passes that set up offensive plays, and to serve on special teams. Coaches and teammates historically viewed him as a veteran presence who could be counted on in key defensive matchups.

International appearances

On the international stage Redden represented Canada on multiple occasions. He appeared for Canada at several tournaments, including the IIHF World Junior Championships, where he earned two gold medals, and at the World Cup of Hockey, where he was part of a gold-medal winning team. His international experience complemented his NHL resume and illustrated his standing among Canadian defencemen of his era.

Legacy and context

Wade Redden’s career is often discussed in two lights: his long, productive run in Ottawa, and the later chapters that followed a high-profile move in free agency. He remains a familiar name to fans of late-1990s and 2000s hockey as an example of a skilled, two-way defenceman who made significant contributions at both club and international levels.

Quick facts

  • Position: Defence
  • Draft: 2nd overall, 1995 NHL Entry Draft
  • Major NHL clubs: Ottawa Senators, New York Rangers organization
  • Minor league assignment: AHL affiliate Connecticut Whale
  • International: Two World Junior golds; World Cup of Hockey gold with Canada

For concise statistical records, season-by-season breakdowns and deeper career analysis, consult dedicated hockey databases and team histories for more detail. Defenceman profiles and team pages often provide game logs and advanced metrics for readers seeking granular data. Additional reading and sources include team media guides and tournament archives for the international competitions mentioned. AHL records and club announcements likewise document his professional movements within North American hockey leagues.