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Brooks Laich

Brooks Laich is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Brooks Laich is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre. He played in the National Hockey League for the Ottawa Senators, Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Los Angeles Kings, and was drafted by Ottawa in 2001. He retired from professional hockey in 2021.

Early life and junior career

Laich grew up in Saskatchewan and developed as a hockey player before being drafted into the NHL. His early career included junior and minor-league experience prior to becoming a regular NHL player.

NHL career

Laich debuted with the Ottawa Senators in 2003–04 and was traded to the Washington Capitals in 2004. He later played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Los Angeles Kings, becoming known as a reliable two-way forward.

Achievements and playing style

Laich was a left-shooting centre and was valued for his defensive responsibility and versatility. He won the Calder Cup with the Hershey Bears in 2006.

Retirement

Laich announced his retirement from professional hockey in 2021, ending a career that lasted more than a decade in the NHL.

Key facts

  • Brooks Laich was born in Wawota, Saskatchewan, Canada.
  • He was drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
  • He played for four NHL teams, most notably the Washington Capitals.
  • He retired from professional hockey in 2021.
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Canadian context

Laich is a Canadian-born NHL player from Wawota, Saskatchewan, and his career is part of Canada's long hockey tradition.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Brooks Laich?
Brooks Laich is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played in the NHL for four teams, most notably the Washington Capitals.
When was Brooks Laich born?
He was born on June 23, 1983.
Which NHL teams did Brooks Laich play for?
He played for the Ottawa Senators, Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Los Angeles Kings.
When was Brooks Laich drafted?
He was drafted in 2001 by the Ottawa Senators in the sixth round, 193rd overall.
When did Brooks Laich retire?
He retired from professional hockey in 2021.

References

  1. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/stats/_/id/2180/brooks-laich
    Supports: Birthdate, birthplace, position, draft information, and NHL team history.
  2. Elite Prospects — https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/9518/brooks-laich
    Supports: Birthplace, nationality, position, shooting side, draft details, retirement status, and basic career facts.
  3. NBC Washington — https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/sports/nbcsports/brooks-laich-announces-retirement-three-years-after-his-last-game/2711999/
    Supports: Retirement announcement and Washington Capitals career context.
  4. OfficePools — https://www.officepools.com/nhl/entity/player/2011/regular/3287
    Supports: Career summary, Washington Capitals tenure, and team transaction history.
  5. German Wikipedia — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooks_Laich
    Supports: Trade history, minor-league and Swiss league stint, and Calder Cup win context.