Happy birthday Marty (Photo: Bridget Samuels/flickr)

In honor of our top scorer’s birthday yesterday, today’s player profile will focus on Predators forward Martin Erat.

This lovely Czech was drafted in 1999 in, get this, the seventh round. What were you thinking Nashville? But that seventh round pick is now on the first line, kicking puck and taking names.

No one can deny, this man is on FIRE when he takes the ice.

It all started when Erat began playing in the Czech Republic junior league. While here, he represented his country in the Under 18 World Championships.

Once the NHL entry draft was out of the way, Erat shipped off to North Americato play in the WHL starting in 1999. He made one more showing at the World Junior Championships before joining the Predators on the ice in the 2001 season. 

Erat kicked off his NHL career with an 80 game season, posting 33 points. Now there is a rookie season!

Unfortunately, the next year saw our dear Marty spending more time in Milwaukee than in Music City, playing only 27 games with the Predators in 2002-2003.

Just as his NHL career was getting back on track, lockout struck and sent Erat back to the Czech league for the 2004-2005 season. But fear not, for our lovely right winger came back with a bang, posting 49 points the next season.

Since the lockout, Erat has regularly posted over 50 points each season. Erat has also kept up his presence on the international scene. He has represented the Czech Republic at three IIHF World Championships and two Olympic Games.

With three years left on his contract, you can bet Erat will continue to wow the crowds with his awesome play. Happy 31^st Marty!

Season Stats:

Games played: 71

Goals: 19

Assists: 39

Penalty minutes: 30

Game winning goals: 3

Shots on goal: 107