A native of Detroit, MI, Legwand was a junior standout with Detroit Compuware in 1996-97 before moving up to the OHL's Plymouth Whalers in 1997-98. The OHL's Rookie-of-the-Year and MVP in 1998, Legwand played two seasons with the Whalers before making his NHL debut with the Nashville Predators during the 1998-99 season, after the team made him the second player chosen at the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.
An offensively gifted player, Legwand finished with 85 goals and 100 assists for 185 points in his two seasons with Plymouth. During his rookie season in 1999-00, the talented pivot recorded 28 points while working on his consistency and defensive play. Legwand upped his totals to 41 points the following year, before an injury plagued 2001-02 season, limited him to 63 games.
One of the young stars of the NHL, Legwand broke out offensively in 2002-03, establishing career highs in goals, 17, assists, 31 and points, 48 before a broken collaborne ended his season.
A two-time member of the U.S World Junior Team in 1998 and 1999, Legwand was also a four-time member of its World Championship team (1999-2001, 2005).
