Martin Erat

Martin "Marty" Erat (born August 28, 1981) is a Czech professional ice hockey player. He currently plays for the Nashville Predators in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Career
Erat was selected 191st overall during the 7th Round of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. He was the 12th selected choice of the Nashville Predators.

During his rookie year as a Predator (2001 - 2002), he set three rookie records for games played (80), assists (24), and points (33). He also made an impression after establishing himself as a member of the "vowel line", which consisted of himself on left wing, Vladimir Orszagh as right wing, and Denis Arkhipov as center.

His first point in the NHL came from a game-winning goal on October 11, 2001, against the Calgary Flames. He gained his first playoff point with an assist during a 2-1 loss against the Detroit Red Wings in the Western Conference Quarterfinals on January 19, 2004.

During Erat's second season (2002 - 2003) in the NHL, he began to struggle. This led to him spending the majority of the season with the Predators' Minor League affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, of the American Hockey League.

Erat changed his number for 19 to 10 during the offseason and his game play improved during his third season (2003 - 2004). With career highs in goals (16), assists (33), and points (49), he ranked second on the team with a +10 rating.

During the 2004-2005 NHL Lockout, Erat went to play for the HC Zlin in the Czech Extraliga. He finished eighth in the league, having scored 20 goals and 23 assists in only 48 games.

In his fourth season as a Predator (2005 - 2006), Erat acheived another career high with 20 goals, while tallying 49 points. He also participated in the Olympics in Turin, playing for the Czech National Team, where he secured a bronze medal.

During the 2006 - 2007 season, Erat proved himself as a legitimate first-line player, gaining 57 points in 68 games. He was most often teamed up with Paul Kariya and David Legwand, forming the team's top play unit. Unfortunately, he missed the final five weeks of the season after tearing his MCL.

Erat once again posted a career high in goals (23) during the 2007 - 2008 season. He added 34 assists to those goals and again reached a 57 point plateau.

After the 2007 - 2008 season, he signed a 7-year, $31.5 million dollar contract with the Predators.

Martin has two career hat tricks under his belt. The first came against the Edmonton Oilers, while the second was gained against the Vancouver Canucks on December 8, 2009.

Records

 * Games Played by a Nashville Predators Rookie: 80
 * Assists by a Nashville Predators Rookie: 24
 * Points by a Nashville Predators Rookie: 33