Bryan Berard: The Forgotten Franchise Player

“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”-John Wooden There is no better quote on the planet that could describe the career of former NHL defenseman Bryan Berard. Bryan Berard was originally drafted first overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 1995 NHL entry draft. Shortly thereafter, Berard, who had scored 31 goals and 58 assists as a member of the OHL Detroit Whalers prior to the draft, informed the Senators that he would not report to the team. As a result of his refusal to join the Senators, Berard, along with Martin Straka, was traded to the New York Islanders for defenseman Wade Redden and goaltender Don Beaupre.With the scandal of his refusal to play for the Senators behind him, Berard entered the 1996-97 NHL season as a member of the upstart New York Islanders. Berard did not disappoint, scoring 8 goals and adding 40 assists, while posting 86 penalty minutes. His poise with the puck while in the offensive zone was well documented and his skat...