Drew Stafford facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Drew Stafford
Stafford with the Buffalo Sabres in 2012
Born	(1985-10-30) October 30, 1985 (age 39) Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
Height	6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight	202 lb (92 kg; 14 st 6 lb)
Position	Right Wing
Shot	Right
Played for	Buffalo Sabres Winnipeg Jets Boston Bruins New Jersey Devils
National team	United States
NHL Draft	13th overall, 2004 Buffalo Sabres
Playing career	2006–2019

Drew Stafford (born October 30, 1985) is an American former professional ice hockey player. He played as a right winger. Drew was picked early in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Buffalo Sabres. He played for several teams in the National Hockey League (NHL), including the Sabres, Winnipeg Jets, Boston Bruins, and the New Jersey Devils.

Drew Stafford's Early Life

Drew Stafford was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He grew up in Faribault, Minnesota. As a teenager, he played top-level youth hockey with the Milwaukee Jr. Admirals. His father, Gordie, was also a professional hockey player. Gordie now helps coach girls' hockey at Shattuck-Saint Mary's, where Drew also played high school hockey. Drew's uncle, Barrie Stafford, worked for the Edmonton Oilers hockey team for many years.

Drew Stafford's Hockey Journey

Starting in Amateur Hockey

Drew Stafford played for the St. Albert Bantam AA Flyers in St. Albert, Alberta, in 1999–2000. He was one of the top scorers in his league that season. After that, he joined Hockey Alberta's special development program.

Drew played high school hockey at Shattuck-Saint Mary's in Minnesota for two years. He also played for the US national team in the 2003 IIHF World U18 Championships. Later, he played college hockey for three seasons at the University of North Dakota. He also represented the US at the 2004 and 2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.

After his first year of college, the Buffalo Sabres chose him as the 13th overall pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He played two more seasons in college. In 2006, he signed a professional contract with the Sabres. He finished his college career with 118 points, which included 48 goals and 70 assists.

Playing Professional Hockey

Drew Stafford skating with his teammate Jordan Leopold in 2011.

Time with the Buffalo Sabres

Drew Stafford started his professional career with the Rochester Americans. This team is linked to the Buffalo Sabres in the American Hockey League (AHL). He played very well, scoring nine points in his first 11 games. Because of his strong start, the Sabres called him up to play in the NHL in November 2006.

He made his NHL debut on November 5 against the New York Rangers. In that game, he helped set up a game-winning goal in overtime, earning his first NHL point. On November 11, he scored his first NHL goal against the Philadelphia Flyers. Drew was named NHL Rookie of the Month for March 2007.

Drew became a regular player for the Sabres during the 2007–08 season. He scored his first career hat-trick (three goals in one game) on January 18, 2008. He went on to score five more hat-tricks during his time with the Sabres. On June 3, 2011, Drew signed a four-year contract to stay with the Sabres.

Moving to the Winnipeg Jets

In his ninth season with the Sabres, during the 2014–15 season, Drew Stafford was traded. On February 11, 2015, he moved to the Winnipeg Jets as part of a big trade. In just his second game with the Jets on February 14, 2015, Drew scored a goal. He also scored the winning goal in a shootout against the Detroit Red Wings. He signed a new two-year contract to stay with the Jets on June 30, 2015.

Playing for the Boston Bruins

On March 1, 2017, Drew Stafford was traded again. This time, he went from the Winnipeg Jets to the Boston Bruins. He played his first game for the Bruins on March 4. In that game, he got his first point as a Bruin by helping set up a game-winning goal. Drew scored his first goal for the Bruins on March 8 against the Detroit Red Wings.

Time with the New Jersey Devils

On August 25, 2017, Drew Stafford signed a one-year contract with the New Jersey Devils. He played 59 games for the team, scoring eight goals and getting 15 points.

He signed another one-year contract with the Devils on October 5, 2018. On January 4, 2019, Drew scored the game-winning goal in a shootout. This was a special moment as it was his 800th regular season NHL game. After his time with the Devils, Drew attended a training camp with the Minnesota Wild in September 2019.

Drew Stafford's Personal Life

Drew Stafford was born in Milwaukee because his father, Gord Stafford, was playing professional hockey there. While at the University of North Dakota, Drew formed a band called Red Seal Peach with another hockey player, Jordan Parise. Drew also appeared in a music video for the band Every Time I Die.

Awards and Honors

Images for kids

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  Drew Stafford skating with his teammate Jordan Leopold in 2011.