Rostislav Klesla was born March 21, 1982 in Prague, Czech Republic. The first round, fourth overall selection of the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, Klesla played one season with the Sioux City Musketeers of the USHL before joining the OHL's Brampton Battalion in the fall of 1998.
An offensively gifted defenceman, Klesla played two seasons in the OHL with the Battalion and was the recipient of numerous awards and honours including; OHL and CHL All-Rookie Team (2000)and CHL Top Prospect Award (2000) to name a few. Klesla's strong showing at camp in 2000-01 forced the Blue Jackets brass to keep him on the roster in the early part of the season. The young blue liner saw action in eight games with Columbus notching his first two NHL goals, before the team felt it would be best to return him to his junior team in Brampton. Upon his return to junior, Klesla would lead all Battalion defencemen in scoring for the second straight year with 54 points (18-36-54) in 45 games and was instrumental in leading his native Czech Republic to a gold medal at the 2000 World Junior Championships.
In 2001-02, Klesla played his first full NHL season with the Blue Jackets, leading all NHL rookie defencemen in goals and earning NHL All-Rookie Team honours. Following a strong rookie season, Klesla returned to the Columbus lineup in 2002-03 equalling his point total from the previous year with 16 points (2-14-16) in 72 games. Injuries limited the young blueliner in 2003-04.
Klesla emerged as a leader on the young Blue Jackets squad. His strong, gritty play and good nature made him a favourite among fans and teammates alike, who referred to the defenseman as "Rusty."
On February 28, 2011, Klesla was traded from the only NHL club he had ever known. He was shipped to the Phoenix Coyotes along with Dane Byers in exchange for Scottie Upshall and Sami Lepisto.
