The Czech born winger was a CBJ original, and only played for one NHL team, the Blue Jackets
David Výborný was drafted in 1993 by the Edmonton Oilers, but never played a single game for them. When he did come to North America, he played in 76 games for the Cape Breton Oilers of the AHL. He showed his flash by scoring 23 goals and grabbing 61 points. After one season in the AHL, Výborný headed back to Europe until 2000.
Výborný signed with the expansion Columbus Blue Jackets on June 8th, 2000. And then on October 7th in his first NHL game, he scored a goal. Fans instantly fell in love with the little known young Czech.
In the Inaugural year for the Jackets, David went on to score 13 goals and had 32 points. The next year was nearly identical with 13 goals and 31 points.
In the 2002-03 season, Výborný would finally break the 20 goal mark, netting 20 goals and dishing out 26 assists. The 2003-04 season again would see him break 20 goals, this time with 22 goals and 53 points. And then comes 2004-05, a lockout that would last the entire NHL season. Výborný went back to his native Czech Republic to play 51 games for Sparta Praha.
The next two seasons saw Výborný break out in a big way. The 2005-06 season saw him again score 22 goals, but would also grab 43 assists for 65 points. In the 2006-07 season, he would again have a great year. Only scoring 16 goals, but would have 48 assists, and total 64 points.
The 2007-08 season saw the then 33 year old have a season he would rather forget. He played in only 66 games. Had 7 goals and only 26 points. All of his stats were down that season, and CBJ fans were sad he was having such a bad year. Výborný was such a likable guy, and to see him struggle so much, hurt.
After that season, Výborný chose to return home and play in his homeland. He would on to play another 8 seasons, win back-to-back championships in the Czech second-division in 2013 and 2014, and earning his team a promotion to the top Czech league. But after suffering a torn ACL, he would retire in 2016.
David Výborný currently sits 7th all-time in games played for the CBJ (543). 6th all-time on goals (113). 2nd all-time in assists (204). 5th all-time in points (317). 4th in PP goals (36) and 3rd in SHG (7). He once held the Blue Jackets record for most consecutive games played, with 161. And he also scored the first penalty shot in CBJ history on October 15th, 2000.
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David Výborný played his way into the hearts of fans in Columbus with his offense. Just about everyone loved him. and he has stood the test of time. Many CBJ fans from day 1, will name David Výborný as their all-time favorite Blue Jacket, or a close second behind Rick Nash.
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David Výborný was the original #9, and in some eyes, the greatest #9 to wear the Union Blue. Today we salute the Magic Man David Výborný.