Sandis Ozolinsh was drafted in 1991 by the San Jose Sharks, as the 30th pick in the 2nd round. He has skated for the San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, and Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

Ozolinsh is known as an offensive defenceman, excellent in joining the attack and one of the best powerplay quarterbacks in NHL. His defensive play, however, can be unstable at times, thereby creating problems for his own teammates. Despite his defensive shortcomings, Ozolinsh was one of 3 finalists for the Norris Trophy (the NHL award given to the best defencemen of NHL) in the 1996-97 season. He is also a 7-time NHL All-Star (as of 2004).

Ozolinsh has distinguished himself from other defencemen over the years as a fierce playoff competitor who can make things happen when it matters the most. He was a member of the '94 and '95 San Jose Sharks (two teams with underdog status that pulled off stunning first round playoff upsets). When on the Colorado Avalanche, he played in a multitude of overtime thrillers and Game 7 classics, as well as won his one and only Stanley Cup (1996). He was a big part of Anaheim's Cinderella run to the Finals in 2003. In December 2005, Ozolinsh missed a practice skate and failed to go on a short road trip with the team. Shortly after, he voluntarily entered the NHL's substance abuse program, and was placed indefinitely on the disabled list.

He was traded from the Ducks to the New York Rangers for a third round draft pick (which the Rangers obtained earlier in a trade with the San Jose Sharks) at the March 9, 2006 trade deadline.

Ozolinsh is also the owner of Vilki OP/LaRocca of the Latvian hockey league. Ozolish also owns other Latvian sports ventures, including Latvia's first 18 hole golf course, Ozo Golf Club.