Since joining the NHL in 1991-92, Adam Foote has emerged as one of the top positional defencemen in the NHL. His ability to play the body and move the puck ahead to his forwards has made Foote a source of frustration and admiration for the opposition.
The native of Toronto, Ontario was a stalwart on the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds' blueline during three OHL seasons. He was chosen 22nd overall by the Quebec Nordiques in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft and was named to the OHL First All-Star Team in 1991. Foote was impressive in his first four seasons with the Nordiques but occasionally battled injuries.
Foote remained with the franchise when it relocated to Denver in 1995. A few months later he was an integral part of the Colorado Avalanche's Stanley Cup triumph. His rugged and consistent defensive play was a key component of his team's success. Foote's skating ability and accurate shot also enabled him to play a more offensive role when required. A measure of Foote's importance was his plus/minus rating of +11 in the 1996 post-season, the second best mark in the league.
Prior to the start of the 1996-97 season, he suited up for Canada at the inaugural World Cup of hockey. He continued to help the Avalanche stay among the NHL's elite and played for Canada at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. In 2000-01 Foote was his usually steady self as the Avalanche won their second Stanley Cup in a hard-fought seven game final against the New Jersey Devils and most recently added a Gold Medal to his two Stanley Cups after Canada's 5-2 win over the U.S. at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
In 2002-03, Foote entered his 12th season with the Colorado/Quebec franchise and at the time was only one of three original Nordiques remaining with the franchise, along with forwards Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg. The hard-nosed blueliner continued to his gritty play for the Avs in 2003-04 and was instrumental in helping Canada capture the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
In the summer of 2005, Foote became an un-restricted free-agent and became a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was immediately named the alternate captain of the club and later named captain when their leader Luke Ricahrdson left. Over two and a half seasons in Columbus, Foote often led the club in ice time and provided veteran leadership on a relatively young Columbus team. However, at the 2008 NHL trading deadline, the Blue Jackets unloaded Foote back to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for a conditional draft pick.
