Chris Gratton

Chris Gratton
Born	(1975-07-05) July 5, 1975 (age 41) Brantford, ON, CAN
Height	6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Weight	230 lb (100 kg; 16 st 6 lb)
Position	Centre
Shot	Left
Played for	Tampa Bay Lightning Philadelphia Flyers Buffalo Sabres Phoenix Coyotes Colorado Avalanche Florida Panthers Columbus Blue Jackets
National team	Canada
NHL Draft	3rd overall, 1993 Tampa Bay Lightning
Playing career	1993–2009

Christopher A. Gratton (born July 5, 1975) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who last played with the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League. He is the cousin of Josh Gratton, who had also briefly played in the NHL as a member of the Philadelphia Flyers and the Phoenix Coyotes.

Gratton played his minor hockey in his hometown of Brantford, playing for such programs as the Brantford Nodrofsky Steelers (same program Wayne Gretzky played in many years earlier) and the Brantford CKPC Knights. As a 15-year-old, he played one season with the Jr B Brantford Classics.

In 1991, Gratton was selected third overall in the OHL Priority Selection by the Kingston Frontenacs. After his rookie year in the OHL, Gratton received the Emms Family Award as rookie of the year. In 1993, he was selected third overall in the NHL Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Gratton made his NHL debut for the Tampa Bay Lightning on October 6, 1993 against the New Jersey Devils. He recorded his first career point (a powerplay assist on a Bob Beers goal) in his second game against the New York Rangers the next night. He scored his first career goal against Robb Stauber of the Los Angeles Kings in a 4-3 Lightning loss on October 20, 1993

In 1997 Gratton signed with the Philadelphia Flyers as a free agent after four seasons with the Lightning, earning a $9 million signing bonus. In 1997–98, Gratton matched his career high of 62 points and recorded a career-best plus/minus rating of +11. Gratton was traded back to Tampa Bay the next season.

...
Wikipedia