Alex Goligoski
American defenseman who won the Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh in 2009.
Alex Goligoski, an American defenseman, spent 17 seasons in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Dallas Stars, Arizona Coyotes, and Minnesota Wild. Selected by Pittsburgh in the second round (61st overall) of the 2004 draft, he won the Stanley Cup with the Penguins in 2009.
Goligoski was drafted out of Grand Rapids High School and played college hockey at the University of Minnesota from 2004 to 2007, serving as an assistant captain alongside Kellen Briggs. He earned All-WCHA Rookie Team honors in 2004–05 and a spot on the All-WCHA Second Team the following season.
He turned pro with Pittsburgh’s AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, in 2007. Called up in February 2008, he made his NHL debut against the Boston Bruins on February 13 and notched his first point—an assist—on March 1 against Ottawa. Injuries to Sergei Gonchar and Ryan Whitney opened a roster spot for Goligoski to start the 2008–09 season. He scored his first NHL goal in his first game that year, beating Ottawa’s Alex Auld, and later netted the game-winner on his first career shootout attempt on November 13. He was part of the Penguins’ 2009 Stanley Cup run and signed a three-year, $5.5 million extension on June 15, 2009.
On February 21, 2011, the Penguins traded Goligoski to the Dallas Stars for left winger James Neal and defenseman Matt Niskanen. He debuted for Dallas two days later, logging 23:34 of ice time. Down the stretch, he averaged over 26 minutes per game, posting five goals (three on the power play) and 15 points in 23 contests. He declined an invitation to the 2011 IIHF World Championship due to lack of off-time.
In his first full season with Dallas (2011–12), Goligoski started strong, ranking second among Stars defensemen in scoring before breaking his thumb on November 11. After missing 11 games, he returned and by mid-January led the team in total ice time per game and power-play ice time. On January 23, 2012, he signed a four-year, $18.4 million extension. He finished the season leading all Dallas blueliners with nine goals and 30 points, though the team missed the playoffs.
The lockout-shortened 2012–13 season saw Goligoski struggle early, tallying three points in ten games. He was a healthy scratch on February 6—his first since his rookie year—but credited the benching for helping him refocus.
Quick Facts
- Birth Date
- 1985-07-30
- Birth Place
- Grand Rapids, Minnesota, U.S.
- Height Ft
- 5
- Height In
- 11
- Weight Lb
- 185
- Position
- Defense
- Shoots
- Left
- Played For
- Pittsburgh Penguins / Dallas Stars / Arizona Coyotes / Minnesota Wild
- Ntl Team
- USA
- Draft
- 61st overall
- Draft Year
- 2004
- Draft Team
- Pittsburgh Penguins
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Goligoski began his professional career with the Penguins' AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, in 2007. He made his NHL debut on February 13, 2008, against the Boston Bruins. Due to injuries to Sergei Gonchar and Ryan Whitney, he started the 2008–09 season on the Pittsburgh roster and scored his first NHL goal in his first game that season against Alex Auld of the Ottawa Senators. He was a member of the 2009 Stanley Cup-winning Penguins team. On February 21, 2011, he was traded to the Dallas Stars in exchange for James Neal and Matt Niskanen. With Dallas, he signed a four-year, $18.4 million contract extension on January 23, 2012, and was named an alternate captain prior to the 2015–16 season. On June 16, 2016, the Stars traded his rights to the Arizona Coyotes for a fifth-round pick in the 2016 draft. He signed a five-year contract with the Coyotes on June 21, 2016. During his time with Arizona, he played in his 600th and 700th NHL games, and scored an overtime goal on October 30, 2017, to snap the Coyotes' 0–10–1 start to the season.
Reader's Guide
Goligoski's career is notable for his longevity and consistent role as a top-four defenseman across four NHL teams. He was a key contributor to the Pittsburgh Penguins' 2009 Stanley Cup championship, playing a full season due to injuries to veteran defensemen. His trade from Pittsburgh to Dallas in 2011 was a significant move, as he immediately logged heavy minutes, averaging over 26 minutes per game in his first stint with the Stars. He later became a foundational piece for the Arizona Coyotes' blue line, signing a five-year deal after his rights were acquired. Goligoski's ability to log high ice time, contribute offensively from the back end, and serve as an alternate captain in Dallas underscores his value as a steady, reliable defenseman. His 17-season NHL career reflects durability and adaptability, playing through lockouts, injuries, and team rebuilds. He finished his career with the Minnesota Wild after his tenure with the Coyotes.
Did You Know?
- Goligoski won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009.
- He was traded from the Dallas Stars to the Arizona Coyotes for a fifth-round pick in the 2016 NHL entry draft.
- He played in his 600th NHL game on January 4, 2017, and his 700th on February 14, 2018.
More in Arizona Coyotes Players 1-24
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