Patrik Stefan

Patrik Stefan (born on September 16, 1980) is a Czech retired professional ice hockey player who was drafted 1st overall by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.

At the NHL level, he is regarded by some as one of the greatest draft busts in league history.

Playing Career
Prior to being drafted by the Thrashers, Patrik played for HC Sparta Praha in the Czech Republic, and the Long Beach Ice Dogs of the IHL.

For six seasons, he played for the Atlanta Thrashers scoring 177 points. On October 23, 2004, Patrik signed as a free agent by Ilves Tampere during the 2004-05 NHL lockout.

In 37 games, Patrik collected a total of 41 points including 28 assists. In the playoffs, he had six assists and a goal in seven games.

On June 24, 2006, Patrik was traded to the Dallas Stars along with Jaroslav Modry for Niko Kapanen and a 7th round draft pick (Will O'Neill) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

He earned significant notoriety when he missed and fell on a breakaway towards an empty net against the Edmonton Oilers on January 4, 2007 which allowed a play to develop where fellow Czech Ales Hemsky scored with two seconds remaining to send the game to overtime.

The Edmonton goal tied the game 5-5, but Dallas then won 6-5 in a shootout. After his contract expired in 2007, the Dallas Stars chose not to re-sign him.

On August 15, 2007, Patrik signed with SC Bern of the Nationalliga A as a free agent but he only played three games for them before officially retiring on October 7, 2007 due to a serious hip injury.

Post-Playing Career
Patrik is currently a player agent in Laguna Beach, California and a coach at the Orange County Ice Palace.