Neil Wilkinson, a Canadian defenseman, embarked on his professional hockey journey after being drafted by the Minnesota North Stars in the second round, 30th overall, in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft. Born on August 15, 1967, in Selkirk, Manitoba, Wilkinson honed his skills in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Seattle Thunderbirds before making the leap to the National Hockey League (NHL).
Wilkinson's NHL career began with the Minnesota North Stars, where he played from 1989 to 1993. During his tenure with the North Stars, he was known for his physical style of play and his ability to defend his zone effectively. His time in Minnesota included a memorable run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1991, where the North Stars ultimately fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
In 1993, Wilkinson was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the NHL Expansion Draft. He spent two seasons with the Sharks, where he continued to be a reliable presence on the blue line. His role with the team was primarily defensive, and he contributed to the Sharks' efforts to establish themselves as a competitive team in the league.
Wilkinson's career took another turn when he was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in 1995. His stint with the Blackhawks was brief, as he played only part of the 1995-1996 season with the team. Despite the short duration, he provided depth to the Blackhawks' defensive corps during his time there.
The following season, Wilkinson joined the Winnipeg Jets, which later became the Phoenix Coyotes. He played with the franchise during its transition period, adapting to the changes and continuing to offer his defensive capabilities. Wilkinson's experience and steady play were assets to the team as they navigated the challenges of relocation and rebranding.
Wilkinson concluded his NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he played from 1997 to 1999. His time with the Penguins allowed him to reunite with some familiar faces from his earlier career and provided him with the opportunity to contribute to a team with a strong legacy in the league.
Throughout his NHL career, Neil Wilkinson was recognized for his defensive skills and his ability to support his teammates on the ice. While he may not have been a high-scoring defenseman, his role was crucial in maintaining the defensive stability of the teams he played for.
🏒