Peter Zezel
15 Interesting Facts
A versatile centre and former soccer standout, he enjoyed a 15-season NHL career defined by his faceoff expertise and defensive reliability.
He was selected 41st overall in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft.
He played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League.
He appeared in the 1986 film Youngblood as a hockey player.
He was an accomplished youth soccer player who was drafted by the Toronto Blizzard.
He set a team record for assists by a rookie with 46 during his first season.
He suffered a ruptured disc in his lower back during a pre-game warm-up in 1993.
He was the first recipient of the Brian Budd Award in 2010.
He refused to report to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim after being traded at the 1999 deadline.
He hosted teammate Wendel Clark in his family home during the regular season.
His family name was anglicized from the original Croatian spelling of Žeželj.
He played for the North York Rockets in the Canadian Soccer League during the summer of 1991.
He recorded a career-high 33 goals during the 1986-87 season.
He was sent to the minor leagues for the first time in his career while with the New Jersey Devils organization.
He passed away due to complications from a rare blood disorder known as hemolytic anemia.
He was a member of the Canadian national under-20 team at the 1982 CONCACAF U-20 Tournament.
About Peter Zezel
A skilled centre who transitioned from a high-scoring offensive threat to a reliable defensive specialist, he played 15 seasons in the NHL. Known for his faceoff ability and strength along the boards, he was a key contributor for several franchises including the Flyers, Blues, and Maple Leafs.
Career Achievements & Milestones
Brian Budd Award
2010
Stanley Cup Finalist
1985
Stanley Cup Finalist
1987
Player Information & Stats
Detailed career statistics and background information about Peter Zezel.
Player Info
Physical Stats
Career Stats
Season Scoring
Teams & Career
Peter Zezel played for 7 different teams during his 15 seasons career. He was originally drafted 2nd overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1983.