Chris Driedger

Chris Driedger
Dreidger with the Seattle Kraken in 2023
Born	(1994-05-18) May 18, 1994 (age 30) Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Height	6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Weight	206 lb (93 kg; 14 st 10 lb)
Position	Goaltender
Catches	Left
NHL team Former teams	Florida Panthers Ottawa Senators Seattle Kraken
National team	Canada
NHL draft	76th overall, 2012 Ottawa Senators
Playing career	2014–present

Chris Driedger (born May 18, 1994) is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender for the Florida Panthers 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.

Early life

Driedger was born on May 18, 1994, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, ^[1] to parents Cindy and Kelly. ^[2]

Playing career

Growing up in Manitoba, Driedger played AAA Bantam and Midget ice hockey for the Winnipeg Monarchs organization. ^[3] As a result of his Bantam and Midget play, Driedger was drafted 80th overall by the Tri-City Americans of the Western Hockey League (WHL) in 2009. ^[4] He returned to the Monarchs for the 2009–10 season where he totaled a 13-6-0 record with a 2.14 goals against average and five shutouts. Driedger then began his major junior hockey career with the Americans during the 2010–11 season. ^[3] While playing at the major junior level, Driedger was also enrolled at St. Paul's High School and competed in track. ^[5] In his rookie season with the Americans, Driedger was named to Team West for the 2011 World U-17 Hockey Challenge after he compiled a 1–1 record along with a 3.73 goals against average and a 0.876 save percentage through four games. ^[3] He finished the season amassing a 6-6-0-1 record through 22 games while also accumulating a 3.50 goals against average and a 0.881 save percentage. As such, Driedger was invited to participate in Hockey Canada's Program of Excellence Goaltending Camp. ^[6]

Following the 2010–11 season, Driedger was acquired by the Calgary Hitmen in an off-season trade in exchange for a 3rd round pick in the 2012 Bantam Draft. ^[7] His first season with the Hitmen began with a slow start due to a high ankle sprain and a loss in his first start. ^[8] His performance continued to decline and his 2.03 goals-against average and a 4-2-0-1 record dropped to a 3-3-1-0 record and 3.79 GAA in November. As he continued to drop in December, he was encouraged to seek the help of a sports psychologist. ^[9] The Hitmen eventually established a tandem goaltending system with Driedger and Brandon Glover who split the starting position throughout the season. By April, Driedger doubled the amount of games from his previous season with the American and established a 24-12-2-1 record with a 2.80 goals against average and 0.896 save percentage. ^[10] Driedger's outstanding play was recognized when he was invited to compete at the 2012 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game for Team Orr. ^[11]

As the season concluded, Driedger was ranked 13th among North American goaltending prospects eligible for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. ^[12] He was eventually drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the third round, 76th overall, to make him the only WHL goaltender claimed in 2012. ^[2] Prior to the draft, the Hitmen dealt Glover making Driedger the de facto starter for the 2012–13 season. ^[12] As a result of this responsibility, Driedger prepared himself physically and mentally during the offseason to ready himself for the next season. ^[13] Once the season began, Driedger earned a 10-3-1-1 record, a 2.37 G AA, and .920 save percentage by mid-November. The Hitmen also relied on rookie netminder Mack Shields who yielded a 3-2-0-1 record. ^[14] By the end of the month, Driedger improved to a 19-6-1-2 record to lead the Hitmen to the top of the Eastern Conference. As such, he was recognized as the WHL's Goaltender of the Month for November. ^[15] His play continued to improve as the season progressed and he helped the Hitmen qualify for the 2013 WHL Playoffs as their starting goaltender. ^[16]

Dreidger with the Ottawa Senators in 2016.

Driedger continued to play with the Calgary Hitmen through to the end of the 2013–14 season. During his final season in the WHL, on February 1, 2014, Driedger 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, and the first in the Hitmen franchise history, to be credited with scoring a goal. ^[17] He also became the Hitmen's all-time saves leader, surpassing Martin Jones mark of 3,374 saves. ^[18] Driedger completed his major junior career with 170 regular-season WHL games played and a win-loss-tie record of 94–46–15 including eight shutouts.

Professional

Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers

On April 1, 2014, the Ottawa Senators signed Driedger to a three-year entry-level contract. ^[19] On March 26, 2015, Driedger made his NHL debut with Ottawa, entering a game against the New York Rangers. After five seasons within the Senators organization, Driedger was released as a free agent. On July 3, 2018, he agreed to a one-year AHL contract with the Springfield Thunderbirds, the primary affiliate to the Florida Panthers. ^[20] In the 2018–19 season, Driedger initially split his time between the Thunderbirds and Manchester Monarchs of the ECHL, before solidifying his role in the AHL. He made 16 appearances with Springfield before he was signed to a two-way NHL contract with the Florida Panthers for the remainder of the season on February 24, 2019. ^[21] On April 30, 2019, Driedger signed a two-year contract extension with the Panthers. ^[22] Towards the beginning of the 2019–20 season, on November 30, 2019, Driedger made his first career start against the Nashville Predators, in which he recorded a 27 save, 3–0 shutout win. ^[23]

Driedger during warmup with the Kraken in 2023.

Seattle Kraken

On July 21, 2021, Driedger was selected from the Senators at the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft by the Seattle Kraken. ^[24] Driedger was immediately signed to a three-year, $10.5 million contract by the Kraken. ^[25] In his first season with the Kraken, Driedger was often sidelined due to injury issues. His first injury came after relieving Philipp Grubauer in a loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on October 18. He missed numerous games while working out in solo sessions with goalie coach Andrew Allen before rejoining the team on November 2. ^[26] However, he was reinjured later that month following a 7–4 win on November 29 and missed numerous games to recover. ^[27]

In the off-season, Driedger joined Team Canada at the 2022 IIHF World Championship. He took over as starter after an injury to the team's original starter, Logan Thompson. ^[28] He was himself injured midway through the final against Team Finland, where Canada ultimately won the silver medal. It was subsequently announced that Driedger had suffered a torn ACL, and that as a result he would miss 7 to 9 months of playing time into the 2022–23 season. ^[29] In his first game back with the team on December 27, 2023, Driedger made 37 saves to lead the Kraken to a win over the Calgary Flames. ^[30]

Return to Florida

As a free agent at the conclusion of his lucrative contract with the Kraken, Driedger opted to return to former club the Florida Panthers by signing a one-year, $795,000 contract on July 1, 2024. ^[31]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

				Regular season										Playoffs
Season	Team	League		GP	W	L	OTL	MIN	GA	SO	GAA	SV%		GP	W	L	MIN	GA	SO	GAA	SV%
2010–11	Tri-City Americans	WHL		22	6	6	1	977	57	0	3.50	.881		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2011–12	Calgary Hitmen	WHL		44	24	12	3	2294	107	3	2.80	.896		2	0	2	82	9	0	6.59	.812
2012–13	Calgary Hitmen	WHL		54	36	14	4	3199	134	2	2.51	.915		17	11	6	1006	40	1	2.39	.931
2013–14	Calgary Hitmen	WHL		50	28	14	7	2892	127	3	2.64	.918		6	2	3	328	24	1	4.39	.870
2013–14	Elmira Jackals	ECHL		4	1	2	0	199	13	0	3.92	.893		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2013–14	Binghamton Senators	AHL		1	0	0	0	26	2	0	4.58	.909		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2014–15	Evansville IceMen	ECHL		40	8	27	4	2253	142	2	3.78	.885		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2014–15	Binghamton Senators	AHL		8	6	0	0	401	17	0	2.55	.923		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2014–15	Ottawa Senators	NHL		1	0	0	0	23	0	0	0.00	1.000		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2015–16	Binghamton Senators	AHL		39	18	15	4	2228	105	1	2.83	.912		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2015–16	Ottawa Senators	NHL		1	0	0	0	32	0	0	0.00	1.000		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2016–17	Binghamton Senators	AHL		34	12	19	2	1918	103	1	3.22	.900		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2016–17	Ottawa Senators	NHL		1	0	1	0	40	4	0	6.00	.733		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2016–17	Wichita Thunder	ECHL		2	0	2	0	120	9	0	4.51	.877		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2017–18	Belleville Senators	AHL		10	2	5	0	490	33	0	4.04	.885		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2017–18	Brampton Beast	ECHL		17	9	7	1	1014	43	0	2.55	.922		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2018–19	Springfield Thunderbirds	AHL		32	18	10	2	1835	75	1	2.45	.924		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2018–19	Manchester Monarchs	ECHL		12	6	5	0	676	31	0	2.75	.911		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2019–20	Springfield Thunderbirds	AHL		15	6	9	0	891	34	0	2.29	.932		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2019–20	Florida Panthers	NHL		12	7	2	1	643	22	1	2.05	.938		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2020–21	Florida Panthers	NHL		23	14	6	3	1362	47	3	2.07	.927		3	0	1	130	8	0	3.70	.871
2021–22	Seattle Kraken	NHL		27	9	14	1	1479	73	1	2.96	.899		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2022–23	Coachella Valley Firebirds	AHL		14	9	4	0	805	35	1	2.61	.908		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2023–24	Coachella Valley Firebirds	AHL		39	24	7	7	2283	86	4	2.26	.917		18	12	6	1081	48	1	2.67	.906
2023–24	Seattle Kraken	NHL		2	1	1	0	119	5	0	2.51	.917		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
NHL totals				67	31	24	5	3,697	151	5	2.45	.917		3	0	1	130	8	0	3.70	.871

Medal record
Representing   Canada
Ice hockey
World Championships
	2022 Finland

International

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	W	L	OT	MIN	GA	SO	GAA	SV%
2011	Canada Western	U17	6th		4	1	3	0	—	—	0	3.26	.880
2022	Canada	WC			6	4	2	0	342	10	0	1.76	.915
Junior totals					4	1	3	0	—	—	0	3.26	.880
Senior totals					6	4	2	0	342	10	0	1.76	.915

Awards and honours

Award	Year
CHL
CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game	2012	[32]
AHL
All-Star Game	2020

References

1. "Chris Driedger". Elite Prospects. Archived from the original on April 26, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
2. Hall, Vicki (June 24, 2012). "Sens make Hitmen goalie Driedger a third-rounder". Calgary Herald. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
3. "Hockey Manitoba Selects Americans for Elite Tournaments". Tri-City Americans. November 15, 2010. Archived from the original on April 25, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
4. "WHL Bantam Draft Round 4". Red Deer Advocate. May 1, 2009. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2022– via newspapers.com.
5. "Crusaders Finish Strong at The Winnipeg High School Track and Field Series Finale!". St. Paul's High School. March 24, 2010. Archived from the original on December 7, 2021. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
6. "Driedger Invited to Hockey Canada Goaltending Camp". Tri-City Americans. June 2, 2011. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
7. "Americans Deal Driedger to Hitmen". Tri-City Americans. July 20, 2011. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
8. Odland, Kristen (October 13, 2011). "Hitmen fail to close, settle for a point". Calgary Herald. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2022– via newspapers.com.
9. Odland, Kristen (February 1, 2012). "Driedger eager to keep improving". Calgary Herald. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2022– via newspapers.com.
10. "Future is bright for Driedger". Calgary Herald. April 2, 2012. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2022– via newspapers.com.
11. Heinen, Lawrence (January 13, 2014). "Hitmen players heed advice from veteran teammate ahead of CHL/NHL Top Prospects game". Calgary Herald. Archived from the original on May 1, 2014. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
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13. Robinson, Megan (August 30, 2012). "Robinson on WHL: Driedger embracing role". Sportsnet. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
14. Odland, Kristen (November 16, 2012). "Driedger working on consistency". Calgary Herald. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2022– via newspapers.com.
15. Robinson, Megan (December 7, 2012). "Robinson on CHL: Hitmen hitting their stride". Sportsnet. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
16. "Hitmen: Driedger stays focused". Calgary Herald. April 18, 2013. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2022– via newspapers.com.
17. "Hitmen goaltender Chris Driedger becomes sixth goalie in WHL history to score a goal". Our Sports Central. February 2, 2014. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
18. "Chris Driedger owns franchise record for most career saves at 3,390". Our Sports Central. February 1, 2014. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
19. "Garrett Thompson, Chris Driedger sign with Senators – NHL on CBC Sports – Hockey news, opinion, scores, stats, standings". Archived from the original on July 28, 2022. Retrieved April 1, 2014.
20. "T-Birds sign 5 players to AHL contracts". Springfield Thunderbirds. July 3, 2018. Archived from the original on July 3, 2018. Retrieved July 3, 2018.
21. "Florida Panthers agree to terms with Chris Driedger". Florida Panthers. February 24, 2019. Archived from the original on February 24, 2019. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
22. "Panthers Agree to Terms with Chris Driedger on 2-Year Contract Extension". NHL.com. April 30, 2019. Archived from the original on July 28, 2022. Retrieved April 30, 2019.
23. "Driedger posts shutout in first NHL start, Panthers beat Preds". TSN. Associated Press. November 30, 2019. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
24. Condor, Bob (July 22, 2021). "Seattle Kraken make their picks". Seattle Kraken. Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
25. Condor, Bob (July 22, 2021). "In Driedger We Trust". National Hockey League. Archived from the original on April 26, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
26. Condor, Bob (November 2, 2021). "Driedger Re-Joins Kraken Roster". National Hockey League. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
27. Condor, Bob (December 11, 2021). "Driedger Back on Kraken Roster". National Hockey League. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
28. Bukala, Jason (May 30, 2022). "World Championship Takeaways: Shining draft eligibles and Pierre-Luc Dubois' performance". Sportsnet . Archived from the original on June 7, 2022. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
29. "Kraken's Driedger out 7-9 months after injuring knee at World Championship". Sportsnet . June 7, 2022. Archived from the original on June 8, 2022. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
30. "Driedger stimies Flames in NHL return, lifts Kraken to victory with 37-save effort". Sportsnet. December 28, 2023. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
31. "Panthers agree to terms on one-year contract with Chris Driedger". Florida Panthers. July 1, 2024. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
32. "Chris Driedger named to CHL Top Prospects Game". The Hitmen Informant. January 2, 2012. Archived from the original on April 7, 2014. Retrieved January 2, 2012.

External links

• Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com , or  Eliteprospects.com , or  Hockey-Reference.com , or  The Internet Hockey Database