Curtis McElhinney's journey through the world of professional hockey is characterized by his role as a reliable goaltender across several teams in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on May 23, 1983, in London, Ontario, McElhinney began his professional career after being drafted by the Calgary Flames in the sixth round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. He spent several years honing his skills in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights and the Quad City Flames, where he developed a reputation for his steady presence in the net.
McElhinney made his NHL debut with the Calgary Flames during the 2007-2008 season. Over the next few years, he served primarily as a backup goaltender, providing support and stability when called upon. His tenure with the Flames lasted until 2010, when he was traded to the Anaheim Ducks. During his time with the Ducks, McElhinney continued to fulfill his role as a dependable backup, appearing in a limited number of games.
In 2011, McElhinney was traded to the Ottawa Senators, although he did not play any games for the team. Shortly thereafter, he signed with the Phoenix Coyotes, where he spent a brief period before being claimed off waivers by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2013. It was with the Blue Jackets that McElhinney found a more consistent role, serving as the backup to Sergei Bobrovsky. His time in Columbus allowed him to showcase his abilities more regularly, and he became a trusted figure in the team's goaltending rotation.
McElhinney's career took another turn in 2017 when he was claimed off waivers by the Toronto Maple Leafs. During his stint with the Maple Leafs, he played a crucial role in supporting the team's starting goaltender, Frederik Andersen. McElhinney's performance in Toronto was marked by several standout games, including a memorable victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins in April 2017, which helped secure the Maple Leafs' playoff berth.
In 2018, McElhinney was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Hurricanes. His time with the Hurricanes proved to be a highlight of his career, as he played an instrumental role in the team's journey to the Eastern Conference Final during the 2018-2019 season. McElhinney's steady play and veteran presence were valuable assets to the Hurricanes, and he earned praise for his contributions during their playoff run.
The final chapter of McElhinney's NHL career came with the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he signed as a free agent in 2019. Serving as the backup to Andrei Vasilevskiy, McElhinney was part of the Lightning's roster during their back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021. Although his on-ice appearances were limited, his experience and professionalism were important to the team's overall success.
Curtis McElhinney announced his retirement from professional hockey in 2021, concluding a career that spanned over a decade in the NHL.
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