He was originally selected first overall in the 1992 NHL entry draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning, the first-ever selection by the expansion franchise, beginning his career with the team and later playing for the Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens, Washington Capitals, and New York Rangers.

[1] Hamrlík was traded to the New York Islanders on June 24, 2000, in exchange for Eric Brewer, Josh Green, and a 2000 second-round pick.

Hamrlík signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Calgary Flames on August 14, 2005, to a two-year, $7 million contract.

On July 2, 2007, again as a free agent, Hamrlík signed a four-year, $22 million contract with the Montreal Canadiens.

[5] After four productive seasons with Montreal, Hamrlík signed as a free agent on a two-year, $7 million contract with the Washington Capitals on July 1, 2011.