Zbynek Michalek

Zbynek Michalek is a Czech defenseman on the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Michalek was undrafted, but signed with Minnesota in 2004. He was traded to Phoenix after the lockout, and has played with the Coyotes since. He set career highs in 2006-07, with 24 assists and 28 points. He had another good year in 2008-09, scoring 6 goals and 27 points. The following year, he helped the surprising Coyotes reach the playoffs and nearly knocked off the Detroit Red Wings. He became an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, and signed with Pittsburgh during the summer.

He played for the Czech Republic at the 2006, ’07 and ’08 World Championships, winning a silver medal in 2006.