Ed Jovanovski

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Lore & Background

Selected first overall by the Panthers in the 1994 NHL entry draft, Jovanovski was surprised at the top selection, as he had not been ranked first at any point in his draft-eligible season. Czech prospect Radek Bonk was ranked first overall by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau, but Panthers President Bill Torrey preferred to select a defenceman over a forward. After signing a four-year, $5.7 million contract in June 1995, Jovanovski broke his right hand during a pre-season fight with Hartford Whalers forward Brendan Shanahan, causing him to miss the first 11 games of the season. He scored his first career NHL goal against the Whalers on December 2, 1995, a game-winner in a 5–3 victory. During the regular season, he was encouraged by Panthers management to play more conservatively than he was used to in the OHL, focusing on defensive positioning.

In Their Own Story

Ranking fourth in the Eastern Conference going into the 1996 playoffs, Jovanovski helped the Panthers advance to the Stanley Cup Final. He scored his first career Stanley Cup playoff goal in game two of the first round against Boston Bruins goaltender Craig Billington. Facing the Colorado Avalanche in the Finals, the Panthers were defeated in four-straight games. Jovanovski contributed a goal and nine points in 22 post-season games. It would be his only Stanley Cup Final appearance. In the off-season, he was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team. He was also nominated for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the League's rookie of the year, alongside Chicago Blackhawks forward Éric Dazé and Ottawa Senators forward Daniel Alfredsson, who ultimately won the award. On November 23, 1996, Jovanovski received a three-game suspension from the NHL without pay for illegally leaving the penalty box ready to fight during a break in play against the Dallas Stars. Later in the 1996–97 season, he suffered a knee injury against the Edmonton Oilers in January 1997, sidelining him for several weeks. The following month, he was involved in an on-ice altercation with San Jose Sharks forward Bernie Nicholls, resulting in a two-game suspension. The accumulated injuries and suspensions caused Jovanovski to miss 21 games in his second NHL season. In 1997–98, Jovanovski appeared in 81 games, recording nine goals and 23 points. With his contract set to expire following the 1998–99 season, Jovanovski was beginning to be seen as a disappointment in Florida, failing to improve on his successful rookie year. On January 17, 1999, after three-and-a-half seasons with the Panthers, Jovanovski was traded in a seven-player deal to the Vancouver Canucks.

Reader's Guide

Jovanovski's tenure with the Florida Panthers spanned two separate stints: his rookie season through the 1998–99 season, and a later return for three seasons before retiring in 2015. In his rookie season (1995–96), he finished with 10 goals and 21 points over 70 games. He scored his first career NHL goal on December 2, 1995, a game-winner against the Hartford Whalers. In the 1996 playoffs, he contributed a goal and nine points in 22 post-season games, helping the Panthers reach the Stanley Cup Final. In his second season (1996–97), he scored seven goals and 23 points over 61 contests, missing 21 games due to injuries and suspensions. In 1997–98, he appeared in 81 games, recording nine goals and 23 points. In his final partial season with Florida (1998–99), he played 41 games before being traded on January 17, 1999. Combined with his games played with the Canucks that season, he totalled 27 points in 72 games. Jovanovski returned to the Panthers for three seasons before retiring in 2015.

Did You Know?

• Jovanovski was selected first overall in the 1994 NHL entry draft by the Florida Panthers, despite not being ranked first at any point in his draft-eligible season.
• He broke his right hand during a pre-season fight with Hartford Whalers forward Brendan Shanahan, causing him to miss the first 11 games of his rookie season.
• Jovanovski scored his first career NHL goal on December 2, 1995, a game-winner in a 5–3 victory against the Hartford Whalers.
• He was nominated for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the League's rookie of the year in 1996, alongside Éric Dazé and winner Daniel Alfredsson.
• On November 23, 1996, Jovanovski received a three-game suspension for illegally leaving the penalty box ready to fight during a break in play.