J.T. Compher

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Compher was born on April 8, 1995, in Northbrook, Illinois. He began playing hockey after a preschool friend invited him ice skating. He played for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program and later for the Michigan Wolverines, where he was named the inaugural Big Ten Freshman of the Year. He formed the high-scoring 'CCM Line' with Kyle Connor and Tyler Motte, which combined for 83 goals and 107 assists during the 2015–16 season and helped Michigan win their first Big Ten Men's Ice Hockey Tournament in 2016.

In Their Own Story

In March 2017, Compher transitioned from the San Antonio Rampage to the NHL after Jarome Iginla was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. He made his debut on March 2, 2017, centering the third line for the Colorado Avalanche and recording three goals and five points in his rookie season. During the 2015–16 college season, Compher recorded a career-high five assists in a 7–2 win over Penn State, becoming the first Michigan player to achieve that feat since Chad Kolarik in 2008. Despite injuries, including a fractured thumb in 2017 and a concussion in 2018–19, he posted consecutive 30-point seasons in 2018–19 and 2019–20. His college tenure ended after he was named an All-American Second Team selection and a Hobey Baker Award finalist.

Reader's Guide

Compher played three seasons at Michigan before signing with the Colorado Avalanche. He spent part of his first professional season with the San Antonio Rampage in the AHL before joining the Avalanche as a replacement for Jarome Iginla. He posted consecutive 30-point seasons in 2018–19 and 2019–20 despite injuries and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Did You Know?

• Compher was selected 35th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2013 NHL entry draft.
• He won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022.
• The 'CCM Line' of Compher, Kyle Connor, and Tyler Motte combined for 83 goals and 107 assists in the 2015–16 season.
• Compher was the inaugural Big Ten Men's Ice Hockey Freshman of the Year.