Cody Eakin, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, spent a decade in the National Hockey League (NHL) showcasing his skills as a center. Born on May 24, 1991, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Eakin was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the third round, 85th overall, of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. His journey in the NHL began with the Capitals, where he made his debut during the 2011-2012 season. Eakin's time with Washington was brief, but it set the stage for his future in the league.
In June 2012, Eakin was traded to the Dallas Stars, a move that marked the beginning of a significant chapter in his career. With the Stars, Eakin found a more consistent role, playing as a reliable center known for his two-way play. Over the course of four seasons with Dallas, he developed a reputation for being a dependable player both offensively and defensively. Eakin's ability to contribute on both ends of the ice made him a valuable asset to the Stars, and he became a regular fixture in their lineup.
Eakin's tenure with the Stars culminated in the 2015-2016 season, where he posted a career-high 40 points, including 16 goals and 24 assists. His performance helped the Stars reach the playoffs, where they advanced to the second round. Despite the team's eventual elimination, Eakin's contributions were recognized, and he continued to be a key player for Dallas.
In 2017, Eakin was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL Expansion Draft. Joining the newly formed team, Eakin became part of a historic inaugural season for the Golden Knights. The team defied expectations by reaching the Stanley Cup Final in their first year, with Eakin playing a crucial role in their playoff run. He scored several important goals during the postseason, including a memorable game-winning goal in the Western Conference Final against the Winnipeg Jets, his hometown team.
Eakin remained with the Golden Knights for three seasons, providing veteran leadership and experience to the young franchise. His time in Vegas was marked by consistent play and a strong presence in the locker room. In February 2020, Eakin was traded to the Winnipeg Jets, bringing him back to his roots in Manitoba. The move was well-received by fans, as Eakin joined a team with playoff aspirations.
With the Jets, Eakin continued to be a reliable center, contributing both offensively and defensively. His tenure in Winnipeg was relatively short, as he became a free agent at the end of the 2019-2020 season. In October 2020, Eakin signed a two-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres, where he aimed to bring his experience and skill to a team in transition.
Eakin's time with the Sabres was challenging, as the team struggled to find success in a competitive league. Despite the difficulties, Eakin remained a steady presence on the ice, providing leadership and guidance to younger players. His contract with Buffalo concluded after the 2021-2022 season, marking the end of his tenure with the team.
Throughout his NHL career, Cody Eakin was known for his strong work ethic, defensive acumen, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
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