Jason Arnott

Lore & Background

Arnott grew up playing for his hometown Wasaga Beach Stars of the OMHA before moving through junior hockey with the Stayner Siskins Jr. C. and the Lindsay Century 21 Bears. He was selected in the first round, 16th overall, of the 1991 OHL Priority Selection by the Oshawa Generals, and later drafted by the Edmonton Oilers. As a rookie in 1993–94, he played 78 games as a left winger, scoring 68 points and finishing as runner-up for the Calder Memorial Trophy. On January 4, 1998, he was traded to the New Jersey Devils with Bryan Muir for Valeri Zelepukin and Bill Guerin. As a member of the 'A Line' with Patrik Eliáš and Petr Sýkora, he led the team to the 2000 Stanley Cup championship, scoring the Cup-winning goal at 8:20 of double overtime in game six against the Dallas Stars. He was traded to the Dallas Stars on March 19, 2002, with Randy McKay for Joe Nieuwendyk and Jamie Langenbrunner. In 2005–06, he had a career-high 76 points and 32 goals, and set a career-high of 44 assists. He signed a five-year, $22.5 million contract with the Nashville Predators as an unrestricted free agent and was named the Predators' fourth captain on September 12, 2007. On June 19, 2010, he was traded back to the New Jersey Devils for Matt Halischuk and a second-round pick. On February 28, 2011, he was traded to the Washington Capitals for Dave Steckel and a second-round pick. He recorded his 900th career point on March 9, 2011, against the Edmonton Oilers, and scored his 400th career goal on April 2, 2011. He signed with the St. Louis Blues on July 6, 2011, and later signed a one-year deal with the New York Rangers on January 26, 2013, but the deal was not finalized when he failed his physical. He announced his retirement on November 5, 2013, after 18 NHL seasons.

Reader's Guide

Jason Arnott's career is defined by his pivotal role in the New Jersey Devils' 2000 Stanley Cup victory, where he scored the championship-winning goal in double overtime. That moment cemented his place in NHL history and highlighted his ability to perform under pressure. Over 18 seasons, he accumulated 900 career points and 400 career goals, milestones that reflect his consistent offensive production. His tenure with the Nashville Predators included serving as captain for three seasons and setting the franchise record for most goals in a single season (33 in 2008–09), a mark later surpassed. Arnott's career also illustrates the transient nature of professional hockey, as he was traded multiple times, including a return to the Devils and a late-career move to the Washington Capitals. His legacy includes being a two-time NHL All-Star and a member of the NHL All-Rookie Team, underscoring his impact from his debut season onward. After retiring, he transitioned into scouting with the St. Louis Blues, contributing to the sport off the ice.

Did You Know?

• Arnott scored the Stanley Cup-winning goal in double overtime of Game 6 in 2000.
• He set the Nashville Predators record for most goals in one season with 33 in 2008–09.
• Arnott was named the Predators' fourth captain in franchise history on September 12, 2007.