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Luke Gazdic

Luke Gazdic is a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger born in Toronto, Ontario, in 1989.

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

Luke Gazdic is a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger born in Toronto, Ontario, in 1989. He was drafted by the Dallas Stars in 2007 and played in the NHL for the Edmonton Oilers and New Jersey Devils before retiring in 2021. Since 2023, he has worked as an analyst for NHL coverage on Sportsnet.

Early life and junior career

Gazdic was born in Toronto and played major junior hockey with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League. He was known as a physical winger and accumulated significant penalty minutes during his junior career.

Professional career

Selected by the Dallas Stars in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Gazdic spent time in the Stars organization before reaching the NHL with Edmonton in 2013. He later played for the New Jersey Devils and also spent much of his career in the AHL.

Retirement and broadcasting

Gazdic announced his retirement from professional hockey in 2021. In 2023, he began working as an NHL analyst for Sportsnet.

Playing style

Gazdic was mainly used as an enforcer and physical depth winger. His role emphasized toughness, protection of teammates, and short shifts rather than offensive production.

Key facts

  • Gazdic played 147 regular-season NHL games and recorded 8 points (5 goals, 3 assists).
  • He was known primarily as a physical forward and enforcer.
  • He made his NHL debut with the Edmonton Oilers in 2013.
  • He retired from professional hockey in 2021 after an 11-season pro career.
  • He later became a hockey analyst for Sportsnet.
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Canadian context

Gazdic is Canadian and was born in Toronto, Ontario. He is part of the Canadian junior and professional hockey system and later became a Canadian hockey media personality.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Luke Gazdic?
Luke Gazdic is a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger who played in the NHL for the Edmonton Oilers and New Jersey Devils.
When was Luke Gazdic born?
He was born on July 25, 1989, in Toronto, Ontario.
Which NHL team drafted Luke Gazdic?
The Dallas Stars selected him 172nd overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
When did Luke Gazdic retire?
He announced his retirement from professional hockey in June 2021.
What does Luke Gazdic do now?
Since 2023, he has served as an analyst for NHL coverage on Sportsnet.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_Gazdic
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, NHL teams, draft selection, retirement, and post-playing analyst role.
  2. Elite Prospects — https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/15037/luke-gazdic
    Supports: Birth details, nationality, position, size, draft information, shooting side, and retired status.
  3. Ontario Hockey League — https://chl.ca/ohl/otters-graduate-luke-gazdic-announces-retirement/
    Supports: Junior career with Erie Otters, NHL games played, career path, and retirement announcement.
  4. CBS Sports — https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/players/1639396/luke-gazdic/
    Supports: NHL teams, games played, career points, and retirement note.
  5. StatsCrew — https://www.statscrew.com/hockey/stats/p-gazdilu01
    Supports: Career NHL statistics including games played, goals, assists, and seasons.