Chris Driedger

Canadian goaltender for the Vancouver Canucks, drafted by Ottawa in 2012, played for Seattle Kraken and Panthers.

Chris Driedger (born May 18, 1994) is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Driedger was selected by the Ottawa Senators in the third round, 76th overall, of the 2012 NHL entry draft.

Quick Facts

Role: Goaltender
Affiliation: Seattle Kraken (NHL); Coachella Valley Firebirds (AHL)
First appears: 2021-2022 Season
Status: Former Player
Jersey number: 60

Lore & Background

After growing up in Winnipeg, Driedger was drafted by the Western Hockey League (WHL)'s Tri-City Americans. After one season with the team, he was traded to the Calgary Hitmen, where he would play three seasons. In 2014, Driedger signed a three-year contract with his NHL draft team, the Ottawa Senators. He made his NHL debut in 2015, but in five seasons with the Senators organization, he spent most of his time in the ECHL or American Hockey League (AHL). In 2018, he signed for one year with the AHL's Springfield Thunderbirds, the primary affiliate of the Florida Panthers. After 16 games with the Thunderbirds, Driedger signed a contract with the Panthers for the rest of that season. After the season, Driedger re-signed for two years with the Panthers. After those two seasons, in 2021, during the expansion team Seattle Kraken's exclusive signing window, Driedger signed a three-year contract with the Kraken. He would count as the Kraken's selection from the Panthers at the 2021 NHL entry draft. Driedger spent the Kraken's inaugural season only in season, but over the next two, he would also spend time with the Kraken's AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds. In 2024, he helped the Firebirds to the Calder Cup final, where the Firebirds lost to the Hershey Bears in six games. After that season, Driedger returned to the Panthers, signing with the team for one year. Before the NHL trade deadline, he was traded to his hometown Winnipeg Jets. With either team that season, Driedger only ever played with their AHL affiliate. The next season, Driedger turned to Russia, signing for one year with the Kontinental Hockey League's Traktor Chelyabinsk. Only five months later, Driedger and the team mutually terminated the contract. He signed with the Canucks on August 27th, 2026.

Reader's Guide

Driedger participated in the 2011 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, playing four games for Canada West. Eleven years later, Driedger played at the 2022 IIHF World Championship, playing six games and helping Canada earn the silver medal.

Did You Know?

He was the last member of the Calgary Hitmen to play the puck before it was inadvertently put into the empty net of the Kootenay Ice, becoming the sixth goaltender in WHL history to be credited with scoring a goal.
Driedger became the Hitmen's all-time saves leader, surpassing Martin Jones's mark of 3,374.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Chris Driedger?

He is a professional goaltender who served as part of Seattle's first-ever NHL squad during their debut season. His presence added depth to the netminding rotation when the franchise began play in 2021.

What jersey number did he wear for the Kraken?

Driedger wore jersey number 60 while playing for Seattle. This number was assigned to him during his brief stint on the active NHL roster.

When did Chris Driedger join the franchise?

He first appeared for the team during the historic 2021-2022 campaign. This marked his contribution to the franchise's inaugural year in the National Hockey League.

What role did he play on the roster?

Driedger functioned as a crucial third option and backup goaltender behind the primary starters. His readiness ensured the team had reliable coverage for training camp and potential emergency games.

Is Chris Driedger still with the Seattle Kraken?

He is currently considered a former player since his contract has expired. His departure concluded his chapter with the Kraken following that initial historic season.