| Born: | Nov 24, 1984 | Draft: | 2004 Panthers, 53rd Overall |
| Hometown: | Detroit, Michigan | Position: | Left Wing/Right Wing |
| Known For: | U20 WJC Gold Medal | Shoots: | Left |
| National Team: | United States | Current Status: | 2021-22 Vålerenga (Norway) |
David Booth (born November 24, 1984) is an active American ice hockey player, having played his final year in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings during the 2017-2018 season. Drafted 53rd overall by the Florida Panthers in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Booth returned to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), playing two more seasons with Michigan State University. He joined the Panthers for the 2006-07, appearing in 48 games while spending the remainder of the season with their minor-league affiliate. The following year, he registered 22 goals in 73 games, solidifying his role on the team as a capable goal-scoring winger. He proved that by scoring 31 goals the following year, leading the team in that regard while finishing in second for points with 60, one point behind captain Stephen Weiss. After two more full seasons, Booth was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in a four-player deal, six games into the 2011-12 season.
Joining the Canucks, he was put on a line with fellow Americans Ryan Kesler and Chris Higgins, and dubbed the “American Express” line. Kesler and Booth played together during their childhood, and clicked together as Booth registered 16 goals in 53 games with Vancouver. His season was cut short due to an MCL tear following a knee-on-knee hit from Kevin Porter of the Colorado Avalanche, sidelining him for six weeks. He experienced injury troubles over the course of the next two seasons with the Canucks, limiting his playing time and ultimately landing him in the AHL for the remainder of his time.
Booth signed a one-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs and appeared in 59 games, registering seven goals and six assists. Unable to continue his scoring ways, he left the NHL at the conclusion of the season. In two seasons in the KHL, Booth played for Admiral Vladivostok and Avangard Omsk, before returning to the NHL on a one-year deal with the Red Wings. The tenure would last 28 games as the winger was used sparingly, and he formerly announced his retirement following the season’s end. The retirement was short-lived, as he returned to Europe and played one season with the KHL’s Dinamo Minsk. Booth currently plays for Vålerenga of the Norway hockey league.
David Booth Statistics
Deeper Dive
Achievements
- U18 WJC Gold Medal (2002)
- NCAA (CCHA) All-Rookie Team (2003)
- U20 WJC Gold Medal (2004)