Mike Sillinger

Lore & Background

Sillinger began his major junior career with the Regina Pats in 1987–88 and emerged as a top prospect after a 131-point season in 1988–89. The Detroit Red Wings selected him 11th overall in the 1989 NHL entry draft. He returned to the Pats for two more seasons, earning WHL Second and First All-Star Team honours. Sillinger made his NHL debut with Detroit in the final three games of the 1990–91 season, tallying an assist. He spent his professional rookie season in the AHL with the Adirondack Red Wings, leading the AHL playoffs in scoring and winning the Calder Cup in 1992. Over his career, Sillinger was traded nine times and played for 12 teams: Detroit, Anaheim, Vancouver, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, Florida, Ottawa, Columbus, Phoenix, St. Louis, Nashville, and the New York Islanders. He played full seasons only with Detroit, Vancouver, Columbus, and New York. Internationally, he won a gold medal at the 1991 World Junior Championships and captained Canada at the 2000 World Championships.

Reader's Guide

Mike Sillinger's career is defined by his remarkable mobility across the NHL, holding the league records for most teams played for (12) and most times traded (9). Despite frequent relocations, he achieved consistent production, including back-to-back 43-point seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets and a career-high 63 points in 2005–06. His longevity allowed him to play in his 1,000th NHL game on November 1, 2007, with the New York Islanders. After retiring in 2009 due to hip complications, Sillinger transitioned into player development with the Edmonton Oilers and later scouted for the Regina Pats. His legacy also extends to his family: his son Cole was selected 12th overall in the 2021 NHL entry draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets, one of Mike's former teams. Sillinger's records for team changes and trades remain a distinctive footnote in NHL history.

Did You Know?

• Sillinger was traded nine times during his NHL career, tying Brent Ashton for the league record.
• He played for 12 different NHL teams, an NHL record.
• He won a Calder Cup with the Adirondack Red Wings in 1992, leading the AHL playoffs in scoring.
• His son Cole was drafted 12th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2021.