Tom Gilbert (ice hockey)

**Thomas Kelly Gilbert** (born January 10, 1983) is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman. He played parts of 11 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for the Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, Montreal Canadiens, and Los Angeles Kings. Outside of the NHL, Gilbert has also played for Thomas Sabo/Nürnberg Ice Tigers of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL).

## Career

Before playing in the NHL, Gilbert played parts of two seasons with the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League (USHL) and four years with the Wisconsin Badgers of the Big Ten Conference (B1G). He had a successful time with the Badgers, being named to the All-WCHA Third Team, All-WCHA First Team, AHCA West Second-Team All-American, and the All-NCAA All-Tournament Team.

He was drafted 129th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2002 NHL entry draft but never played a game with them. On March 9, 2004, the Avalanche traded Gilbert to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Tommy Salo and a 2005 sixth-round draft pick. On January 16, 2007, Gilbert made his NHL debut in a 3–2 win against the San Jose Sharks. On November 20, Gilbert scored his first NHL goal against Martin Gerber in a 4–3 shootout loss against the Ottawa Senators. On April 11, 2008, Gilbert signed a six-year, $24 million contract to stay with the Oilers.

On February 27, 2012, the Oilers traded Gilbert to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for Nick Schultz. Over parts of two seasons, he scored 3 goals and recorded 15 assists. On July 3, 2013, the Wild bought out Gilbert's contract and he became a free agent.

On September 28, 2013, Gilbert signed a one-year contract to join the Florida Panthers. He found his confidence again, scoring 3 goals and recording 25 assists in 73 games with the team.

On July 1, 2014, Gilbert signed a two-year contract to join the Montreal Canadiens. During his two seasons with the Canadiens, he scored 5 goals and 9 assists.

On July 1, 2016, Gilbert signed a one-year, $1.4 million contract to join the Los Angeles Kings. He played 18 games with the Kings, scoring 1 goal and recording 4 assists.

On February 15, 2017, the Kings traded Gilbert to the Washington Capitals in exchange for a conditional 5th round draft pick. He did not play any game with the Capitals and mainly played for their AHL-affiliate Hershey Bears.

On July 21, 2017, Gilbert headed overseas and signed a one-year contract with the Thomas Sabo Ice Tigers of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL).

Gilbert retired from playing professional ice hockey in 2021.

## Infobox (ice hockey player)

- **image**: Tom Gilbert - Montreal Canadiens.jpg
- **caption**: Gilbert during his time with the Montreal Canadiens on January 2, 2015
- **position**: Defenceman, Defense
- **shoots**: Right
- **birth place**: Bloomington, Minnesota, Bloomington, Minnesota
- **height ft**: 6
- **height in**: 3
- **weight lb**: 206
- **league**: National Hockey League, NHL
- **played for**: Edmonton Oilers
Minnesota Wild
Florida Panthers
Montreal Canadiens
Los Angeles Kings
Nürnberg Ice Tigers
- **ntl team**: USA
- **draft**: 129th overall
- **draft year**: 2002
- **draft team**: Colorado Avalanche
- **career start**: 2006
- **career end**: 2021