Height: 6-0
Weight: 195 lbs.
Born: May 13, 1972 in Edmonton, Alberta
Drafted: Selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the first round (seventh pick overall) of the 1990 NHL EntryDraft.
Acquired: Traded by the Los Angeles Kings with a 1996 fifth-round draft pick to the Dallas Stars for Doug Zmolek and Shane Churla on Feb. 18, 1996.
Led team defensemen and third on team in plus-minus. Third on team in assists. Missed three games due to family reasons, ending consecutive games-played streak at 319.
Sydor broke into the league as an offensive defenseman in Los Angeles, lost all confidence in that aspect of his game, came to Dallas, put his defensive play in order without even thinking offense, and now has a well-balanced game. Dallas asked him to be more accountable defensively, and he has emerged on a top four defenseman on one of the league's top defensive teams. A forward in junior until he was converted to a defenseman, Sydor is a very good skater with balance and agility and excellent lateral movement. He can accelerate well and changes directions easily. He's not a dynamic defenseman, but he's better than average. Sydor was used up front with the Stars during injury emergencies. Sydor's offensive game can kick in at anytime. He has a fine shot from the point and can handle power-play time. He has good sense for jumping into the attack and controls the puck ably when carrying it, though he doesn't always protect it well with his body. He makes nice outlet passes and has good vision of the ice. He can rush with the puck or play dump-and-chase. In his own zone, he has developed into a safe, reliable defender.
Sydor wants and needs to establish more of a physical presence. He is very intense and has to be reined in. He learned that sometimes going nowhere is better than trying to go everywhere. He competes hard and could still get stronger.
Sydor's season lost and gained all meaning with the sudden death of his mother. Athletes have to deal with tragedy just like the rest of us, only we don't do it under the glare of thousands of fans and a TV audience. Sydor handled it with grace and courage.
Sydor is poised to move into elite scoring range with a 50- to 60-point season this year.
