{{Short description|Canadian ice hockey player (born 1974)}} {{Infobox ice hockey player | image = Patrick Traverse.jpg | image_size = 230px | caption = Traverse with the Worcester Sharks in 2007 | alt = | played_for = Ottawa Senators<br>Mighty Ducks of Anaheim<br>Boston Bruins<br>Montreal Canadiens<br>Dallas Stars<br>DEG Metro Stars<br>Hamburg Freezers | position = Defence | shoots = Left | height_ft = 6 | height_in = 4 | weight_lb = 207 | ntl_team = CAN | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1974|3|14|mf=y}} | birth_place = Montreal, Quebec, Canada | draft = 50th overall | draft_year = 1992 | draft_team = Ottawa Senators | career_start = 1993 | career_end = 2012 }}
'''Patrick Traverse''' (born March 14, 1974)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/t/travepa01.html |title=Patrick Traverse |website=hockey-reference.com |access-date=March 7, 2020}}</ref> is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman. He played 279 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) with five teams including the Ottawa Senators, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens, and Dallas Stars. He was selected by the Ottawa Senators in the third round, 50th overall, in the 1992 NHL entry draft and joined the organization in 1993. In 2009, he left North America to play in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga in Germany with the DEG Metro Stars and Hamburg Freezers. He played internationally for Canada at the 2000 World Championship.
==Playing career== ===Amateur=== As a youth, Traverse played in the 1988 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a minor ice hockey team from Hochelaga-Maisonneuve.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.publicationsports.com/ressources/files/439/Joueurs_Pro.pdf|title=Pee-Wee players who have reached NHL or WHA|year=2018|website=Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament|access-date=January 26, 2019|archive-date=March 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306085544/https://www.publicationsports.com/ressources/files/439/Joueurs_Pro.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> He played with the Montreal-Bourassa Canadiens, a AAA minor hockey team, in 1990–91, earning the Guy Lafleur Award of Excellence, which celebrates the combination of academic excellence and sports.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-desjardins-measures-up-to-la/179106626/ |title=Desjardins measures up to Lafleur prize |work=Montreal Gazette |last=Zurkowsky |first=Herb |page=36 |date=June 7, 1991 |access-date=August 17, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref>
Traverse was selected by the Shawinigan Cataractes of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) in the 1991 QMJHL entry draft in the first round, fourth overall.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lhjmq-records.qc.ca/franchises/18/repechages?season_id=45 |title=Shawinigan Cataractes – Séance de sélection LHJMQ {{!}} 1991 {{!}} 1991-05-25, Montréal, Aréna Maurice Richard |website=Section Histoire et Records de la Ligue de hockey junior Maritimes Québec |language=fr |access-date=August 17, 2025}}</ref> He joined the Cataractes for the 1991–92 season and recorded three goals and 11 assists for 14 points in 59 games.<ref name="hockeydb">{{cite web|access-date=August 17, 2025 |title=Patrick Traverse |url=https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=6397 |website=hockeydb.com}}</ref> The Cataractes qualified for the playoffs and advanced to the division finals where they were eliminated.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-qmjhl-playoff-final-set-to-b/179121146/ |title=QMJHL playoff final set to begin |work=Montreal Gazette |date=April 25, 1992 |access-date=August 17, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> Traverse appeared in ten playoff games, going scoreless.<ref name="hockeydb"/> He returned to Shawinigan for the 1992–93 season marking five goals and 29 points in 53 games.<ref name="hockeydb"/> He was considered an imposing, physical defenceman, with a good first pass out of the defensive zone. Ahead of the 1993 playoffs, Traverse and two other players were traded to the Saint-Jean Lynx on February 17, 1993.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pNAtAAAAIBAJ&dq=%22Patrick+Traverse%22+%2B+St.+Jean&pg=PA26&article_id=4749,3052939 |title=Les Lynx s'arment pour les séries |last=Malette |first=Yves |page=A48 |work=La Canada Français |language=fr |date=February 17, 1993 |access-date=August 17, 2025 |via=Google News Archive}}</ref> Traverse made 15 regular season appearances for the Lynx, scoring one goal and seven points.<ref name="hockeydb"/> In the playoffs, Traverse recorded one assist in four playoff games as the Lynx were swept in four games by the Hull Olympiques in the first round.<ref name="hockeydb"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-hull-schedule-set/179123612/ |title=Hull schedule set |work=Ottawa Citizen |page=D2 |date=April 8, 1993 |access-date=August 17, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> In his first full season with Saint-Jean in 1993–94, Traverse marked 15 goals and 52 points in 66 games.<ref name="hockeydb"/> The team qualified for the playoffs and faced the Sherbrooke Faucons in the first round.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/national-post-qmjhl-playoffs/179249788/ |title=QMJHL playoffs |work=National Post |page=46 |date=March 30, 1994 |access-date=August 19, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> The Lynx were eliminated and Traverse made five playoff appearances, recording four assists.<ref name="hockeydb"/>
===Professional=== ==== Ottawa Senators ==== Ahead of the National Hockey League (NHL)'s 1992 entry draft in June 1992, Traverse was scouted by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau, and was ranked as the sixth best player coming out of the QMJHL in December 1991.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star-nhl-central-scouting-bu/179106483/ |title=NHL Central Scouting Bureau's Ratings |last=McKenzie |first=Bob |author-link=Bob McKenzie (broadcaster) |work=Toronto Star |page=35 |date=December 19, 1991 |access-date=August 17, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> By the end of April 1992, he was rated as the 18th best North American player available in the draft, and was considered a possibility to go in the first round.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-windsor-winger-warrin/179106880/ |title=Windsor winger Warriner tops scouting rankings |last=McKenzie |first=Bob |work=Toronto Star |page=58 |date=April 28, 1992 |access-date=August 17, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> Ultimately, Traverse was selected by the Ottawa Senators in the third round, 50th overall, in the entry draft, and the second player from the QMJHL.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-quebec-juniors-ignored-in-dr/179122097/ |title=Quebec juniors ignored in draft's first round |work=Montreal Gazette |last=Cowan |first=Stuart |page=C2 |date=June 21, 1992 |access-date=August 17, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> After his junior team was eliminated, Traverse joined Ottawa's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the New Haven Senators, for the final two games of the 1992–93 season, going scoreless.<ref name="hockeydb"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-senators-visit-farm-o/179250732/ |title=Senators visit farm on final road trip |work=Ottawa Citizen |last=MacKinnon |first=John |page=G2 |date=April 10, 1993 |access-date=August 17, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> For the second year, after his junior team had been eliminated from the playoffs in April 1994, he was assigned to Ottawa's AHL affiliate, the Prince Edward Island Senators, for the remainder of the 1993–94 season.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-senators-end-of-seas/179264370/ |title=Senators' end-of-season schedule far from cakewalk |work=Ottawa Citizen |last=Mayoh |first=Rick |page=C3 |date=April 6, 1994 |access-date=August 17, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He played in three games in the AHL, recording one assist.<ref name="hockeydb"/>
In June 1994, Traverse signed a contract with the Ottawa Senators.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/niagara-falls-review-transactions/179250938/ |title=Transactions |agency=The Canadian Press |work=Niagara Falls Review |page=C2 |date=June 10, 1994 |access-date=August 17, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He attended the Senators 1994 training camp, but faced strong competition as general manager Randy Sexton had brought in veteran defencemen, including Jim Paek, Chris Dahlquist and Sean Hill and prospects such as Radim Bičánek and Stanislav Neckář in an effort to improve Ottawa's defence.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-shaw-in-tough-to-make/179253590/ |title=Shaw in tough to make Senators defence corps |work=Ottawa Citizen |last=Mayoh |first=Rick |page=D3 |date=September 9, 1994 |access-date=August 17, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> However, he was assigned to Prince Edward Island in September, with Sexton and head coach Rick Bowness agreeing that Traverse needed more development.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-senators-cut-five-mor/179264975/ |title=Senators cut five more from training-camp roster |work=Ottawa Citizen |page=C3 |last=Mayoh |first=Rick |date=September 16, 1994 |access-date=August 17, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He spent the entire 1994–95 season in the AHL, tallying five goals and 18 points in 70 games.<ref name="hockeydb"/> Prince Edward Island finished first in the Atlantic Division and advanced to the second round of the 1995 Calder Cup playoffs before being eliminated by the Fredericton Canadiens.{{sfn|Chaimovitch |2024|p=265}} In seven playoff games, Traverse added two assists.<ref name="hockeydb"/>
Traverse was assigned to Prince Edward Island to start the 1995–96 season.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-gleaner-habs-host-pei-saturday/179308966/ |title=Habs Host P.E.I. Saturday |work=Daily Gleaner |page=20 |last=Hunt |first=Bill |date=October 4, 1995 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> In October he suffered a broken thumb, causing him to miss time.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-robinsons-kings-play/179309113/ |title=Robinson's Kings playing at both ends and winning |work=Ottawa Citizen |last=Panzeri |first=Allan |page=D2 |date=October 26, 1995 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> After returning from the injury, he was recalled by Ottawa on December 29, 1995<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/press-and-sun-bulletin-bowman-tops-list/179309317/ |title=Bowman tops list in games coached |work=Press-and-Sun Bulletin |agency=Associated Press |page=5D |date=December 30, 1995 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> and made his NHL debut in the 1995–96 season in a 4–1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on December 30.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-there-are-the-habs-a/179309514/ |title=There are the Habs, and the Hab-nots |work=Ottawa Citizen |page=E1 |last=Warren |first=Ken |date=December 31, 1995 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He appeared in five games, going scoreless, before being returned to the AHL at the NHL's all-star break on January 18.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-allison-blasts-senato/179309869/ |title=Allison blasts Senators for less-than-enthusiastic workout before break |work=Ottawa Citizen |last=Panzeri |first=Allen |page=B3 |date=January 19, 1996 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> During the five games, he was routinely played with other inexperienced defencemen such as Neckář, Jaroslav Modrý, and Dennis Vial, as the Senators went through an injury crisis among their defence corps.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-loser-attitude-haunts/179309996/ |title=Loser attitude haunts Senators |work=Ottawa Citizen |page=G1 |last=Panzeri |first=Allen |date=January 13, 1996 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He finished with four goals and 25 points in 55 games with Prince Edward Island.<ref name="hockeydb"/> The AHL Senators finished first in the Atlantic Division again and made the playoffs, but were knocked out by Fredericton for the second year in a row, this time in the first round.{{sfn|Chaimovitch|2024|p=265}} In five playoff games, Traverse recorded one goal and three points.<ref name="hockeydb"/>
Ottawa assigned Traverse to its new AHL affiliate, the Worcester IceCats to begin the 1996–97 season.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-senators-slash-camp-r/179313368/ |title=Senators slash camp roster |work=Ottawa Citizen |page=B3 |last=Casey |first=Tom |date=September 25, 1996 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> In 24 games with Worcester, he notched only four assists.<ref name="hockeydb"/> However, he suffered torn ligaments in his knee and missed time.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-gleaner-ahl-notes/179315394/ |title=AHL Notes |work=Daily Gleaner |page=17 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> In March 1997, he was reassigned by Ottawa to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the International Hockey League.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star-transactions/179315781/ |title=Transactions |work=Toronto Star |page=D13 |date=March 20, 1997 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> In ten games with Grand Rapids, Traverse scored two goals and three points.<ref name="hockeydb"/> The Griffins qualified for the 1997 Turner Cup playoffs and lost in the first round to the Orlando Solar Bears.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-o-bears-rally-adva/179316177/ |title=O-Bears rally, advance, 3-2 |work=Orlando Sentinel |last=Turner |first=Tim |page=D1 |date=April 29, 1997 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> Traverse appeared in two playoff games, notching one assist.<ref name="hockeydb"/>
In the offseason, Traverse was a restricted free agent and was offered a qualifying offer.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-missoulian-nhl-free-agents/179316831/ |title=NHL free agents |work=The Missoulian |page=C9 |date=September 14, 1997 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> However, he did not sign with Ottawa, instead agreeing to terms with the Hershey Bears of the AHL right before the start of the 1997–98 season, though Ottawa retained his NHL rights.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/york-daily-record-departed-bears-home-fo/179321288/ |title=Departed Bears home for ceremony |work=York Daily Record |last=Sottile |first=Dave |page=3B |date=October 3, 1997 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref name="senscontract">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-dudley-takes-flyer-on/179324190/ |title=Dudley takes flyer on players |work=Ottawa Citizen |last=Warren |first=Ken |page=B2 |date=July 23, 1998 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He played poorly to start the season and became the target of negative fan chants in Hershey.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-patriot-news-fans-disdain-is-nothin/179321667/ |title=Fans' disdain is nothing new for Bears' Traverse |work=The Patriot-News |last=Leone |first=Tim |page=C3 |date=December 27, 1997 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> Traverse marked 14 goals and 29 points in 71 games, including a hat trick, that led to the team's fans reversing their opinion of him.<ref name="hockeydb"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-patriot-news-atcheynum-wont-appear/179322168/ |title=Atcheynum won't appear on Bears' playoff roster |work=The Patriot-News |last=Leone |first=Tim |page=C11 |date=March 21, 1998 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> In March 1998, Traverse suffered a hip pointer that caused him to miss time.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/intelligencer-journal-bears-nine-wins-i/179322484/ |title=Bears: Nine wins in 13 games |work=Intelligencer Journal |page=C2 |date=March 30, 1998 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> Hershey finished second in the Mid-Atlantic Division and made the playoffs. They advanced to the second round where they were eliminated by the eventual champions, the Philadelphia Phantoms.{{sfn|Chaimovitch|2024|p=266}} Traverse made seven playoff appearances, recording one goal and four points.<ref name="hockeydb"/>
In the 1998 offseason the NHL expanded by one team, the Nashville Predators. Traverse was made available for selection by Ottawa in the 1998 NHL expansion draft, but was not selected.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-gleaner-nhl-protected-list-for-fri/179323567/ |title=NHL protected list for Friday's expansion draft |work=Daily Gleaner |page=C6 |date=July 23, 1996 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He signed a new one-year contract with Ottawa in July.<ref name="senscontract"/> At Senators training camp, two open spots in the defence corps were open as Janne Laukkanen missed the beginning of the season due to injury and Neckář remained unsigned. Traverse competed with Sami Salo and Bičánek for the open spots.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-young-defence-prospec/179326531/ |title=Young defence prospects look good to Dudley now |work=Ottawa Citizen |last=Warren |first=Ken |page=B2 |date=September 30, 1998 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> However, an injury to Jason York allowed all three to stay with Ottawa to begin the 1998–99 season.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-traverse-ends-six-yea/179327072/ |title=Traverse ends six-year journey |work=Ottawa Citizen |last=Panzeri |first=Allen |page=C2 |date=October 5, 1998 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He was paired with Lance Pitlick to begin the season, however, once Neckář signed, the Senators had too many defencemen and players were in and out of the lineup.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-senators-keep-borderl/179328578/ |title=Senators keep borderline defencemen on edge |work=Ottawa Citizen |last=Panzeri |first=Allen |page=C3 |date=October 15, 1998 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> Injuries to Neckář and Salo soon cleared up the logjam and Traverse recorded his first NHL points on October 31, assisting on goals by Alexei Yashin and Andreas Johansson in a 5–1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-strength-in-numbers/179329052/ |title=Strength in numbers |work=Ottawa Citizen |last=Scanlan |first=Wayne |page=E1 |date=November 4, 1998 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-pitlicks-solid-backg/179327685/ |title=Pitlick's solid background work brings Senators defence to the fore |work=Ottawa Citizen |last=Warren |first=Ken |page=C3 |date=October 12, 1998 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/mtl-vs-ott/1998/10/31/1998020119 |title=Montreal Canadiens 1 – 5 Ottawa Senators |publisher=National Hockey League |via=NHL.com |date=October 31, 1998 |access-date=August 20, 2025}}</ref> He tallied his first NHL goal on January 2, 1999, beating goaltender Martin Brodeur, in a 6–0 shutout win over the New Jersey Devils.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-senators-stun-devils/179330094/ |title=Senators stun Devils |work=Ottawa Citizen |page=B1 |last=Panzeri |first=Allen |date=January 3, 1999 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> In a game against the New York Islanders on January 30, he suffered a mild concussion that kept him out of the lineup for a few games.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-senators-hammer-islan/179330960/ |title=Senators hammer Islanders |work=Ottawa Citizen |page=B1 |last=Warren |first=Ken |date=January 31, 1999 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He returned in February only to suffer a sprained shoulder injury on February 20 in a game against the Philadelphia Flyers.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-senators-reach-a-new/179331216/ |title=Senators reach a new summit |work=Ottawa Citizen |page=B1 |last=Warren |first=Ken |date=February 21, 1999 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref name="nhlrosterreport">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-province-nhl-roster-report/179332065/ |title=NHL Roster Report |work=The Province |page=A71 |date=March 28, 1999 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He missed a further 13 games with the injury.<ref name="nhlrosterreport"/> In 46 games with the Senators, Traverse recorded the one goal and ten points.<ref name="hockeydb"/>
In the 1999 offseason, the league expanded again, adding the Atlanta Thrashers. In the 1999 NHL expansion draft, Traverse was among the defencemen made available for selection by the Senators, but was not chosen.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-gleaner-nhl-expansion-draft-protec/179383224/ |title=NHL Expansion Draft Protected Lists |work=Daily Gleaner |page=C6 |date=June 23, 1999 |access-date=August 21, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> However, this was due to a trade by general manager Marshall Johnston, who sent goaltender Damian Rhodes to Atlanta in exchange for the promise to select only certain players from the Senators, namely Chris Luongo and Phil Crowe, and in essence, expanding the Senators' draft protection to Traverse.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-pitlick-senators-in/179383415/ |title=Pitlick, Senators in contract standoff |work=Ottawa Citizen |page=B3 |last=Warren |first=Ken |date=June 29, 1999 |access-date=August 21, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> Ottawa's management believed that Traverse would take the next step in his career and as a result, let Lance Pitlick depart as a free agent.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-pitlick-panthers-agree/179383518/ |title=Pitlick, Panthers agree |work=Montreal Gazette |page=E2 |date=July 13, 1999 |access-date=August 21, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> Traverse made Ottawa's roster as the extra defenceman going into the 1999–2000 season.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-senators-sit-three/179383794/ |title=Senators sit three |work=Ottawa Citizen |page=B3 |date=October 3, 1999 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> After injuries to Igor Kravchuk and Salo, Traverse moved up the depth chart and his play was soon complimented by head coach Jacques Martin.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-undermanned-ottawa-de/179384018/ |title=Undermanned Ottawa defence gets job done |work=Ottawa Citizen |page=B3 |last=Panzeri |first=Allen |date=November 16, 1999 |access-date=August 21, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> In late February 2000, Traverse himself missed time due to injury after suffering a bruised shoulder in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes on February 15.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-sweet-hard-to-mainta/179384305/ |title=Sweet: Hard to maintain intensity |work=Ottawa Citizen |page=B2 |date=February 18, 2000 |access-date=August 21, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> Traverse finished the regular season with six goals and 23 points in 66 games.<ref name="hockeydb"/> The Senators qualified for the playoffs and faced the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round. Traverse made his NHL playoff debut in Game 1 on April 22, a 2–1 loss.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/ott-vs-tor/2000/04/22/1999030135/boxscore |title=Ottawa Senators 1 – 2 Toronto Maple Leafs |publisher=National Hockey League |website=NHL.com |date=April 22, 2000 |access-date=August 21, 2025}}</ref> The best-of-seven series went to six games, with the Maple Leafs prevailing.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thehockeywriters.com/revisiting-maple-leafs-playoff-dominance-ottawa-senators-in-battle-of-ontario/ |title=Revisiting the Maple Leafs' Playoff Dominance of the Ottawa Senators in the Battle of Ontario |work=The Hockey Writers |last=Fisher |first=Ben |date=April 18, 2025 |access-date=August 21, 2025}}</ref> In the six games, Traverse went scoreless.<ref name="hockeydb"/>
====Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and Boston Bruins==== On June 12, 2000, Traverse was traded to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim for defenceman Joel Kwiatkowski.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-ducks-continue-whe/179398796/ |title=Ducks Continue Wheeling, Dealing |work=Los Angeles Times |last=Teaford |first=Elliott |page=D3 |date=June 13, 2000 |access-date=August 21, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> A restricted free agent, he and the Mighty Ducks could not agree on a contract and went to salary arbitration, where he was awarded a one-year contract worth $550,000.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-aug-08-sp-749-story.html |title=Traverse, Ducks Agree to Deal |work=Los Angeles Times |last=Teaford |first=Elliott |date=August 8, 2000 |access-date=August 21, 2025 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> He made his Anaheim debut in the opening game of the 2000–01 season against the Minnesota Wild on the second defence pairing with Vitaly Vishnevskiy.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-ducks-report-tito/179400065/ |title=Ducks Report: Titov to Center Kariya, Selanne |work=Los Angeles Times |last=Teaford |first=Elliott |page=D6 |date=October 6, 2000 |access-date=August 21, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He recorded his first goal and point for the Mighty Ducks on October 17 on John Vanbiesbrouck in a 4–3 victory over the New York Islanders.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-leclerc-taking-som/179400344/ |title=Leclerc Taking Some Pressure Off Duck Stars |work=Los Angeles Times |last=Teaford |first=Elliott |page=D4 |date=October 18, 2000 |access-date=August 21, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/ana-vs-nyi/2000/10/17/2000020072 |title=Anaheim Ducks 4 – 3 New York Islanders |publisher=National Hockey League |website=NHL.com |date=October 17, 2000 |access-date=August 21, 2025}}</ref> However, Traverse fell out of favour with coach Craig Hartsburg by the beginning of November and was often scratched from the lineup.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-ducks-report-wing/179401538/ |title=Ducks Report: Winger McInnis Won't Stick His Neck Out |work=Los Angeles Times |page=D3 |last=Teaford |first=Elliott |date=November 2, 2000 |access-date=August 21, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean-legwand-4th-player-to-cen/179401674/ |title=Legwand 4th player to center Preds' top line |work=The Tennessean |last=Glennon |first=John |page=C2 |date=November 5, 2000 |access-date=August 21, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> In 15 games with Anaheim, he recorded just the one goal.<ref name="hockeydb"/>
Traverse was traded to the Boston Bruins on November 18, along with winger Andrei Nazarov for forward Samuel Påhlsson.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-trading-on-this-market/179402144/ |title=Trading on this market has gone bullish |last=Dupont |first=Kevin Paul |work=Boston Globe |page=D4 |date=November 19, 2000 |access-date=August 21, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He made his Bruins debut on November 21 in a 2–1 loss to the Ottawa Senators.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-flare-up-in-dafoes-kne/179402556/ |title=Flare-up in Dafoe's knee a bit of a red flag |work=Boston Globe |last=Dupont |first=Kevin Paul |page=D3 |date=November 22, 2000 |access-date=August 21, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He scored his first goal and point for his new team in the following game on November 22, the game-winning goal on goaltender Chris Osgood in a 5–4 victory over the Detroit Red Wings.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-skudra-bruins-stopper/179514821/ |title=Skudra: Bruins' stopper |work=Boston Globe |page=D5 |date=November 23, 2000 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/bos-vs-det/2000/11/22/2000020308 |title=Boston Bruins 5 – 4 Detroit Red Wings |publisher=National Hockey League |website=NHL.com |date=November 22, 2000 |access-date=August 23, 2025}}</ref> Traverse made 37 appearances for the Bruins, tallying two goals and eight points.<ref name="hockeydb"/>
====Montreal Canadiens==== The Montreal Canadiens acquired Traverse in exchange for defenceman Eric Weinrich on February 21, 2001.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-weinrich-traded/179515003/ |title=Weinrich traded |work=Montreal Gazette |last=Zurkowsky |first=Herb |page=D1 |date=February 22, 2001 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> It marked the first time the two teams had traded with each other since 1964.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-leader-post-bruins-habs-end-trade-d/179515141/ |title=Bruins, Habs end trade drought |work=Regina Leader-Post |page=C3 |date=February 27, 2001 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He made his debut for his third team of the season in a 3–1 loss to the Washington Capitals on February 23.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-capitals-show-habs-how-its/179515104/ |title=Capitals show Habs how it's done |last=Hickey |first=Pat |work=Montreal Gazette |page=G1 |date=February 24, 2001 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> Traverse picked up his first point for the Canadiens assisting on Jim Campbell's goal in the second period of a 4–1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on February 28.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/mtl-vs-pit/2001/02/28/2000020950 |title=Pittsburgh Penguins 2 – 4 Montreal Canadiens |website=NHL.com |publisher=National Hockey League |date=February 28, 2001 |access-date=August 23, 2025}}</ref> He marked his first goal for Montreal on March 3 on goaltender Brian Boucher, in a two-point effort in a 3–1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-game-report/179515257/ |title=Game Report |work=Montreal Gazette |last=Zurkowsky |first=Herb |page=B3 |date=March 4, 2001 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> In 19 games with Montreal, Traverse tallied two goals and five points.<ref name="hockeydb"/> In May, he signed a three-year contract with Montreal.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-habs-sign-blue-liner-travers/179515360/ |title=Habs sign blueliner Traverse |work=Montreal Gazette |page=D3 |last=Hickey |first=Pat |date=May 24, 2001 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref>
Traverse began the 2001–02 season as one of the Canadiens' top six defencemen.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-roster/179515449/ |title=Roster |work=Montreal Gazette |page=F6 |date=October 4, 2001 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> However, he was soon scratched by coach Michel Therrien and replaced by other defencemen, among them rookie Martti Järventie.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-hamilton-spectator-gilmours-happy-t/179515481/ |title=Gilmour happy to be a Hab |work=The Hamilton Spectator |agency=The Canadian Press |date=October 9, 2001 |page=B9 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news-sabres-kozlov-scores-a/179515535/ |title=Sabres: Kozlov scores again |work=The Buffalo News |page=C4 |date=October 21, 2001 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> Shortly after re-entering the lineup in late October and seeing some time playing as a forward on the fourth line, Traverse suffered sprained knee ligaments in early November.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-habs-notebook/179515653/ |title=Habs Notebook |work=Montreal Gazette |page=E2 |last=Hickey |first=Pat |date=October 27, 2001 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-shots-from-the-point/179515611/ |title=Shots from the Point |work=Ottawa Citizen |page=B3 |date=November 8, 2001 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He returned from his injury in early December after missing 12 games, but was sent to Montreal's AHL affiliate, the Quebec Citadelles for a conditioning loan.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-back-to-defence-for-habs/179515707/ |title=Back to defence for Habs |work=Montreal Gazette |page=D3 |date=December 3, 2021 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He made four appearances for Quebec, tallying two assists.<ref name="hockeydb"/> He was recalled on December 10, and played in a 4–0 win over the Minnesota Wild that night.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-moves/179523411/ |title=Moves |work=Montreal Gazette |page=C17 |date=December 11, 2001 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/min-vs-mtl/2001/12/10/2001020444 |title=Minnesota Wild 0 – 4 Montreal Canadiens |publisher=National Hockey League |website=NHL.com |date=December 10, 2001 |access-date=August 23, 2025}}</ref> On January 10, 2002, Traverse suffered a concussion after taking a clean bodycheck from Michael Peca of the New York Islanders. He was knocked unconscious and remained on the ice for 15 minutes until removed via stretcher and taken to the hospital.<ref name="concussion">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-home-sweet-home/179523772/ |title=Home, Sweet Home |work=Montreal Gazette |last=Fisher |first=Red |author-link=Red Fisher (journalist) |page=B4 |date=January 11, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He recovered and was cleared to play on February 5, but only returned to the ice on February 11 after missing 13 games.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-scouting-report/179523915/ |title=Scouting Report |work=Montreal Gazette |last=Zurkowsky |first=Herb |page=C11 |date=February 5, 2002 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-gallant-try-is-all-for-naugh/179524072/ |title=Gallant try is all for naught |work=Montreal Gazette |last=Fisher |first=Red |date=February 12, 2002 |page=E6 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He finished the season with two and five points in 23 games.<ref name="hockeydb"/>
Ahead of the 2002–03 season, Traverse was among the Montreal defencemen made available by the team for selection in the waiver draft, but was not selected.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-goalie-troika-troubles-habs/179571797/ |title=Goalie troika troubles Habs |last=Hickey |first=Pat |work=Montreal Gazette |page=C2 |date=October 2, 2002 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He started the season as a healthy scratch, but soon swapped places with struggling rookie Ron Hainsey.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-hainsey-learns-a-lesson/179572135/ |title=Hainsey learns a lesson |work=Montreal Gazette |last=Hickey |first=Pat |page=C2 |date=October 15, 2002 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/saint-john-telegraph-journal-theodore-re/179572254/ |title=Theodore returns as Canadiens' No. 1 goaltender |work=Saint John Telegraph Journal |last=Beacon |first=Bill |page=B3 |agency=The Canadian Press |date=October 22, 2002 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He re-established himself in the lineup and was paired with Patrice Brisebois, as the defencemen ahead of him on the depth chart, such as Hainsey, Francis Bouillon, and Stéphane Robidas, were all assigned to the AHL or traded away.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/le-devoir-le-canadien-a-pein-et-gagn/179572648/ |title=Le Canadien a peiné, et gagné |work=Le Devoir |language=fr |agency=The Canadian Press |page=B6 |date=November 27, 2002 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lacadie-nouvelle-patrick-traverse-fait/179573044/ |title=Patrick Traverse fait sa niche à Montréal |language=fr |work=L'Acadie Nouvelle |agency=The Canadian Press |last=Robillard |first=Guy |page=35 |date=November 28, 2002 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> As players came off the injured list though, Traverse's play time began to be cut and by March 2003, the Canadiens had eight defencemen available and Traverse was scratched for multiple games.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-quintal-ready-to-rock/179573522/ |title=Quintal ready to rock |work=Montreal Gazette |last=Hickey |first=Pat |page=C2 |date=March 18, 2003 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He played in 65 games for Montreal, recording 13 assists.<ref name="hockeydb"/>
Towards the end of the season as their playoffs aspirations faded, Montreal had begun a youth movement and Traverse was among those being displaced by the incoming players.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kingston-whig-standard-habs-face-tou/179573716/ |title=Habs face tough decisions |work=The Kingston Whig-Standard |last=Beacon |first=Bill |agency=The Canadian Press |page=17 |date=April 7, 2023 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He was left unprotected in the waiver draft ahead of the season and after going unclaimed, was assigned to Montreal's new AHL affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs for the 2003–04 season.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-bigger-tougher-defence/179574219/ |title=Bigger, tougher defence |work=Montreal Gazette |last=Hickey |first=Pat |page=C3 |date=October 2, 2003 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He spent the entire season with Hamilton, appearing in 80 games, scoring five goals and 26 points.<ref name="hockeydb"/> The Bulldogs finished first in their division and qualified for the playoffs, advancing to the third round where they were eliminated by the Rochester Americans.{{sfn|Chaimovitch|2024|p=271}} Traverse appeared in ten playoff games, tallying one goal and three points.<ref name="hockeydb"/>
====Dallas Stars and AHL==== An unrestricted free agent at season's end, Traverse signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Stars in the 2004 offseason.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-nhl-free-agents-list/179575167/ |title=NHL Free-Agents List |work=Montreal Gazette |page=C4 |date=July 2, 2004 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-newswatch-nhl/179574898/ |title=Newswatch: NHL |work=The Plain Dealer |page=D10 |date=July 28, 2004 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> Then, on September 25, 2004, he signed a new contract with the Houston Aeros of the AHL.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-houston-chronicle-aeros-bring-more-n/179575526/ |title=Aeros bring more NHL talent to camp |work=The Houston Chronicle |last=Ferraro |first=Andrew J. |page=C2 |date=September 26, 2004 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> With the NHL going through a labour disagreement, Traverse spent the entire 2004–05 season with Houston, scoring six goals and 15 points in 72 games.<ref name="hockeydb"/> The Aeros qualified for the playoffs and were eliminated by the Chicago Wolves in the opening round.{{sfn|Chaimovitch|2024|p=272}} In five playoff games, Traverse went scoreless.<ref name="hockeydb"/>
Traverse was once again an unrestricted free agent in the 2005 offseason.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-nhl-unrestricted-f/179607953/ |title=NHL unrestricted free agents |work=Los Angeles Times |agency=Associated Press |page=D8 |date=August 2, 2005 |access-date=August 24, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He re-signed with Dallas to a one-year contract in August.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-stars-loyalty/179608415/ |title=Stars: Loyalty a factor in Modano's decision |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |page=8D |date=August 4, 2005 |access-date=August 24, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He attended Dallas' training camp but did not make the team and was assigned to the team's AHL affiliate, the Iowa Stars, to start the 2005–06 season.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-stars-camp/179608559/ |title=Stars Camp |last=Sessions |first=David |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |page=12D |date=September 28, 2005 |access-date=August 24, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-transactions/179608852/ |title=Transactions |work=Los Angeles Times |page=D10 |date=October 1, 2005 |access-date=August 24, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He suffered a lower body injury in late November, while tied for the lead in scoring on the team.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-des-moines-register-inside-the-stats/179609199/ |title=Inside the Stats |work=Des Moines Register |page=5C |date=November 30, 2005 |access-date=August 24, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He returned to Iowa's lineup on January 5, 2006 after missing 16 games.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-des-moines-register-third-period-blu/179609350/ |title=Third-period blues cost Iowa in loss to Milwaukee |work=Des Moines Register |page=2C |date=January 6, 2006 |access-date=August 24, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He was recalled by Dallas on January 24 after defencemen Janne Niinimaa was questionable for the next game and Trevor Daley was out with the flu.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-ott-makes-his-p/179610217/ |title=Ott makes his points |last=Sessions |first=David |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |page=5D |date=January 25, 2006 |access-date=August 24, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref name="daley">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-stars-miss-dale/179610480/ |title=Stars miss Daley on penalty kill |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |last=Myers |first=Tracey |page=5D |date=January 26, 2006 |access-date=August 24, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He made his Dallas debut on January 25 against the St. Louis Blues, going scoreless.<ref name="daley"/> He suffered an ankle injury in the game and was placed on injured reserve by Dallas on January 30.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-stars-get-help/179610912/ |title=Stars get help from other guys |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |last=Myers |first=Tracey |page=5D |date=January 31, 2006 |access-date=August 24, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He was returned to Iowa in March and returned to their lineup on March 17.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-des-moines-register-stars-report/179611210/ |title=Stars Report |last=Colonno |first=Lisa |work=Des Moines Register |page=4C |date=March 19, 2006 |access-date=August 24, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He finished the season appearing 40 games for Iowa, scoring three goals and 21 points.<ref name="hockeydb"/> Iowa made the playoffs, but were eliminated in the first round by the Milwaukee Admirals.{{sfn|Chaimovitch|2024|p=273}} Traverse had one goal and three points in seven playoff games.<ref name="hockeydb"/>
An unrestricted free agent in the 2006 offseason, he signed with the San Jose Sharks in July.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-hamilton-spectator-havlat-traded-in/179612039/ |title=Havlat traded in 3-way deal |work=Hamilton Spectator |page=SP10 |agency=The Canadian Press |date=July 11, 2006 |access-date=August 24, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He was placed on waivers by San Jose during training camp in September. The Montreal Canadiens claimed him after injuries to Francis Bouillon and Sheldon Souray eliminated their depth and their rookies did not impress in camp.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/le-devoir-le-canadien-rclame-patrick-tr/179612490/ |title=Le Canadien réclame Patrick Traverse au ballottage |work=Le Devior |language=fr |agency=The Canadian Press |page=B8 |date=September 29, 2006 |access-date=August 24, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> However, his time with Montreal was short lived as the Canadiens then traded for Janne Niinimaa, and Traverse was placed on waivers again, with the intention of sending him to Hamilton of the AHL.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-colonist-canadiens-ship-ribeiro-to/179612764/ |title=Canadiens ship Ribeiro to Stars |work=Times Colonist |last=Beacon |first=Bill |agency=The Canadian Press |page=A12 |date=October 1, 2006 |access-date=August 24, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-hamilton-spectator-dogs-to-get-top-r/179612983/ |title=Dogs to get top rearguard |work=Hamilton Spectator |last=McKay |first=Garry |page=SP12 |date=October 5, 2006 |access-date=August 24, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He went unclaimed and made 26 appearances for the Bulldogs, tallying one goal and five points.<ref name="hockeydb"/> He was traded back to the San Jose Sharks on December 15, in exchange for defenceman Mathieu Biron.<ref>{{cite web|title = Biron heads to Montreal, Traverse to Sharks |work=ESPN |url=http://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=2698630&campaign=rss&source=NHLHeadlines |date=December 15, 2006 |access-date=August 24, 2025}}</ref> The Sharks immediately assigned him to the their AHL affiliate, the Worcester Sharks.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sacramento-bee-transactions/179613447/ |title=Transactions |work=Sacramento Bee |page=C7 |date=December 16, 2006 |access-date=August 24, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He played in 54 games with Worcester, scoring five goals and 22 points.<ref name="hockeydb"/> Worcester finished fourth in their division, but made the playoffs and were knocked out in the first round by the Manchester Monarchs.{{sfn|Chaimovitch|2024|p=274}} Traverse recorded two assists in six playoff games.<ref name="hockeydb"/>
Traverse re-signed with Worcester in July 2007.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-press-transactions/179614131/ |title=Transactions |work=Daily News |page=C5 |date=July 3, 2007 |access-date=August 24, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He appeared in 65 games for Worcester in the 2007–08 season, scoring six goals and 25 points.<ref name="hockeydb"/> He attended San Jose's training camp in September 2008, but was returned to Worcester for the 2008–09 season.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-notes/179614587/ |title=Notes |work=Los Angeles Times |page=D6 |date=September 30, 2008 |access-date=August 24, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> He played in 78 games for Worcester, scoring nine goals and 42 points.<ref name="hockeydb"/> Worcester finished fourth in their division and qualified for the playoffs. They advanced to the second round were they were eliminated by the Providence Bruins.{{sfn|Chaimovitch|2024|p=276}} Traverse scored four goals and nine points in 12 playoff games.<ref name="hockeydb"/>
====Europe==== Traverse headed overseas and signed for the DEG Metro Stars of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga on July 10, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bild.de/regional/koeln/deg-verpflichtet-eishockeyverteidiger-aus-8984208.bild.html |title=DEG verpflichtet Eishockey-Verteidiger aus Kanada |work=Bild |language=de |date=July 10, 2009 |access-date=August 24, 2025}}</ref> In 53 games with the Metro Stars in the 2009–10 season, he marked three goals and 32 points. DEG made the playoffs and Traverse added four assists in three playoff games.<ref name="hockeydb"/> He signed with rival Hamburg Freezers to a one-year contract on March 19, 2010.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.mopo.de/news/traverse-wird-ein-freezer/-/5066732/5127540/-/index.html | archive-url = https://archive.today/20120907180356/http://www.mopo.de/news/traverse-wird-ein-freezer/-/5066732/5127540/-/index.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = September 7, 2012 |title=Traverse wird ein Freezer |trans-title=Traverse commits to the Freezers |language=German |date=March 19, 2010 |work=Hamburger Morgenpost}}</ref> He recorded eight goals and 26 points in 52 games with Hamburg during the 2010–11 season. He returned for a final season in 2011–12, making 51 appearances and scoring seven goals and 15 points. Hamburg qualified for the playoffs and in five playoff games, Traverse recorded one goal and two points.<ref name="hockeydb"/>
==International play== Traverse was invited to play for Team Canada at the 2000 World Championships in May 2000.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-canadians-doff-hats-to/179616072/ |title=Canadians doff hats to Bertuzzi |work=Edmonton Journal |last=LeBrun |first=Pierre |agency=The Canadian Press |page=D4 |date=April 30, 2000 |access-date=August 24, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/2000-nr-035-en |title=Canada's Roster for the 2000 Men's World Hockey Championship |publisher=Hockey Canada |date=April 29, 2000 |access-date=August 24, 2025}}</ref> Traverse made eight appearances at the tournament, recording one goal, in a shock loss to Norway on May 1.<ref name="hockeydb"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-hamilton-spectator-canada-shocked-by/179616803/ |title=Canada shocked by Norway at Worlds |work=Hamilton Spectator |agency=The Canadian Press |page=15 |date=May 2, 2000 |access-date=August 24, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref> The Canadians advanced to the semifinals, which they lost to the Czech Republic, forcing them to play for the bronze medal against Finland, which they lost too, to finish fourth.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-czech-mate/179617416/ |title=Czech-mate |work=Montreal Gazette |last=LeBrun |first=Pierre |agency=The Canadian Press |page=G1 |date=May 13, 2000 |access-date=August 24, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-czechs-win-another-ti/179617242/ |title=Czechs win another title |work=Ottawa Citizen |page=B7 |agency=Associated Press |date=May 15, 2000 |access-date=August 24, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=registration}}</ref>
==Personal life== Traverse is married.<ref name="concussion"/>
==Career statistics== ===Regular season and playoffs=== {| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="text-align:center; width:60em" |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="3" bgcolor="#ffffff" | ! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff" | ! colspan="5" | Regular season ! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff" | ! colspan="5" | Playoffs |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! Season ! Team ! League ! GP ! G ! A ! Pts ! PIM ! GP ! G ! A ! Pts ! PIM |- ALIGN="center" | 1991–92 | Shawinigan Cataractes | QMJHL | 59 | 3 | 11 | 14 | 12 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 1992–93 | Shawinigan Cataractes | QMJHL | 53 | 5 | 24 | 29 | 24 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" | 1992–93 | Saint-Jean Lynx | QMJHL | 15 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 1992–93 | New Haven Senators | AHL | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" | 1993–94 | Saint-Jean Lynx | QMJHL | 66 | 15 | 37 | 52 | 30 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 1993–94 | Prince Edward Island Senators | AHL | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" | 1994–95 | Prince Edward Island Senators | AHL | 70 | 5 | 13 | 18 | 19 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 1995–96 | Prince Edward Island Senators | AHL | 55 | 4 | 21 | 25 | 32 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 |- ALIGN="center" | 1995–96 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 1996–97 | Worcester IceCats | AHL | 24 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 23 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" | 1996–97 | Grand Rapids Griffins | IHL | 10 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 1997–98 | Hershey Bears | AHL | 71 | 14 | 15 | 29 | 67 | 7 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 4 |- ALIGN="center" | 1998–99 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 46 | 1 | 9 | 10 | 22 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 1999–00 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 66 | 6 | 17 | 23 | 21 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |- ALIGN="center" | 2000–01 | Mighty Ducks of Anaheim | NHL | 15 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2000–01 | Boston Bruins | NHL | 37 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 14 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" | 2000–01 | Montreal Canadiens | NHL | 19 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 10 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2001–02 | Montreal Canadiens | NHL | 25 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 14 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" | 2001–02 | Quebec Citadelles | AHL | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2002–03 | Montreal Canadiens | NHL | 65 | 0 | 13 | 13 | 24 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" | 2003–04 | Hamilton Bulldogs | AHL | 80 | 5 | 21 | 26 | 31 | 10 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2004–05 | Houston Aeros | AHL | 72 | 6 | 9 | 15 | 28 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |- ALIGN="center" | 2005–06 | Iowa Stars | AHL | 40 | 3 | 21 | 24 | 16 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2005–06 | Dallas Stars | NHL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" | 2006–07 | Hamilton Bulldogs | AHL | 26 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 10 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2006–07 | Worcester Sharks | AHL | 54 | 5 | 17 | 22 | 14 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 |- ALIGN="center" | 2007–08 | Worcester Sharks | AHL | 65 | 6 | 19 | 25 | 52 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2008–09 | Worcester Sharks | AHL | 78 | 9 | 33 | 42 | 28 | 12 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 4 |- ALIGN="center" | 2009–10 | DEG Metro Stars | DEL | 53 | 3 | 29 | 32 | 28 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 8 |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2010–11 | Hamburg Freezers | DEL | 52 | 8 | 18 | 26 | 28 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" | 2011–12 | Hamburg Freezers | DEL | 51 | 7 | 8 | 15 | 32 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="3" | NHL totals ! 279 ! 14 ! 51 ! 65 ! 113 ! 6 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 2 |}
===International=== {| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" ID="Table3" style="text-align:center; width:40em" |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! Year ! Team ! Event ! Result ! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff" | ! GP ! G ! A ! Pts ! PIM |- | 2000 | Canada | WC | 4th | 8 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan=4 | Senior totals ! 8 ! 1 ! 0 ! 1 ! 0 |}
==References== {{reflist}}
==Sources== * {{cite book |editor-last=Chaimovitch |editor-first=Jason |date=2024 |title=2024–2025 American Hockey League Official Guide & Record Book |url=https://theahl.com/mediaguide |publisher=American Hockey League |location=Springfield, Massachusetts |oclc=22147888}}
==External links== *{{icehockeystats}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Traverse, Patrick}} Category:1974 births Category:Boston Bruins players Category:Canadian ice hockey defencemen Category:Dallas Stars players Category:Canadian expatriate ice hockey players in the United States Category:Düsseldorfer EG players Category:Hamburg Freezers players Category:Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL) players Category:Hershey Bears players Category:Ice hockey people from Montreal Category:Iowa Stars players Category:Living people Category:Mighty Ducks of Anaheim players Category:Montreal Canadiens players Category:New Haven Senators players Category:Ottawa Senators draft picks Category:Ottawa Senators players Category:Prince Edward Island Senators players Category:Quebec Citadelles players Category:Saint-Jean Lynx players Category:Shawinigan Cataractes players Category:Worcester IceCats players Category:Worcester Sharks players