Josef Melichar

Josef Melichar is a Czech defenseman on the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Melichar was drafted in 1997 by the Pittsburgh Penguins and joined them in 2000. After debuting with the Penguins in 2000-01, Melichar struggled through the next two seasons with shoulder problems. He played 82 games in 2003-04, however, and upon returning from the lockout, set career highs with 12 assists and 15 points. He spent 2007-08 in Europe, playing with Ceske Budejovice and Linkopings. He signed with Carolina in 2008, and was traded to Tampa Bay at the 2009 trade deadline.