One of the most durable players in the NHL, Bouwmeester played 737 consecutive games from 2004-14, the longest such streak in NHL history for a defenseman.

A smooth skater with size (6-foot-4, 212 pounds) and a feel for when to join the rush, Bouwmeester can be an offensive defenseman or focus on shutting down forwards. The Florida Panthers selected him with the No. 3 pick in the 2002 NHL Draft, and in 2002-03 he became the first rookie in franchise history to play 82 regular-season games. He would do so again in seven straight seasons from 2005-2012.

Bouwmeester made his NHL debut Oct. 10, 2002, getting an assist against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and scored his first NHL goal Nov. 11, 2002, against the Chicago Blackhawks. He was named to the 2002-03 NHL All-Rookie Team after leading first-year players in average time on ice (20:08).

Bouwmeester had back-to-back 40-point seasons with Florida in 2005-06 and 2006-07, and reached double figures in goals three consecutive times from 2006-09. He led the NHL in average time on ice (27:28) in 2007-08.

On June 27, 2009, the Panthers traded Bouwmeester to the Calgary Flames for Jordan Leopold and a 2009 third-round draft pick. On March 15, 2011, Bouwmeester broke the NHL mark for consecutive games played by a defenseman when he skated in his 496th straight game, passing Karlis Skrastins.

The Flames traded Bouwmeester to the St. Louis Blues on April 1, 2013, for Reto Berra, Mark Cundari and a 2013 first-round draft pick. On April 30, 2013, Bouwmeester made his Stanley Cup Playoff debut against the Los Angeles Kings after appearing in 764 NHL regular-season games.

Among the highlights of Bouwmeester's international career, he represented Canada at the 2000 World Junior Championship at age 16 years and three months. At the time he was the youngest player ever to suit up for Canada in the tournament. Bouwmeester was named the top defenseman at the 2003 World Championship, where he helped Canada win a gold medal.