Colin Wilson, born on October 20, 1989, in Greenwich, Connecticut, grew up in a family deeply rooted in hockey. His father, Carey Wilson, was a former NHL player, which undoubtedly influenced Colin's path into the sport. Colin's journey in professional hockey began after an impressive collegiate career at Boston University, where he played for the Terriers and helped lead the team to a national championship in 2009. His performance in college hockey caught the attention of NHL scouts, and he was selected seventh overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
Wilson made his NHL debut with the Predators in the 2009-2010 season. Over the years, he developed into a reliable forward, known for his strong two-way play and ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. His versatility allowed him to play in various roles, whether it was on the power play, penalty kill, or even-strength situations. Throughout his time with Nashville, Wilson became a steady presence on the ice, contributing to the team's efforts in reaching the playoffs multiple times.
One of Wilson's standout seasons came in 2014-2015 when he recorded a career-high 20 goals and 42 points. His performance that season was instrumental in helping the Predators secure a playoff berth. Wilson's playoff experience with Nashville was marked by several memorable moments, including a strong showing in the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs, where he scored five goals in 14 games.
In 2017, Wilson's career took a new turn when he was traded to the Colorado Avalanche. With the Avalanche, he continued to be a valuable asset, bringing his experience and skill to a young and developing team. During his time in Colorado, Wilson played a crucial role in the team's playoff runs, providing leadership and depth scoring.
Injuries, however, began to take a toll on Wilson's career. Despite his efforts to remain on the ice, he faced challenges that limited his playing time. In the 2019-2020 season, Wilson played only nine games due to injury issues. These setbacks eventually led to his decision to step away from professional hockey.
Off the ice, Wilson has been open about his struggles with mental health, particularly with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). His willingness to share his experiences has helped raise awareness about mental health issues in the sports community, providing support and encouragement to others facing similar challenges.
Colin Wilson announced his retirement from professional hockey in January 2021.
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