Patrick Eaves, a right winger known for his tenacity and skill on the ice, played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for several teams over the course of his career. Born on May 1, 1984, in Calgary, Alberta, Eaves grew up in a hockey family, with his father, Mike Eaves, being a former NHL player and coach. This background undoubtedly influenced his path into professional hockey.
Eaves began his NHL journey when he was drafted 29th overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He made his debut with the Senators during the 2005-2006 season, quickly establishing himself as a reliable forward. In his rookie season, Eaves played 58 games, scoring 20 goals and adding 9 assists. His performance helped the Senators reach the playoffs, where he contributed with additional points.
After three seasons with Ottawa, Eaves was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in 2008. His time with the Hurricanes was marked by a series of injuries, which limited his ability to consistently contribute to the team. Despite these setbacks, Eaves remained a valuable player when healthy, known for his defensive play and ability to score timely goals.
In 2010, Eaves signed with the Detroit Red Wings, where he spent several productive seasons. His tenure with the Red Wings was highlighted by his versatility and willingness to play in various roles, whether on the power play or penalty kill. Eaves' best season with Detroit came in 2010-2011, when he scored 13 goals and 7 assists in 63 games. Unfortunately, injuries continued to plague his career, including a concussion that sidelined him for the majority of the 2011-2012 season.
Eaves' career took another turn in 2014 when he was traded to the Nashville Predators. His stint with the Predators was brief, as he was soon traded to the Dallas Stars. It was with the Stars that Eaves experienced a resurgence, particularly during the 2016-2017 season. That year, he scored a career-high 32 goals, splitting the season between Dallas and the Anaheim Ducks, to whom he was traded in February 2017. His performance was instrumental in helping the Ducks reach the playoffs, where they advanced to the Western Conference Finals.
The following season, Eaves faced a significant health challenge when he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder. This condition sidelined him for the majority of the 2017-2018 season and limited his appearances in the subsequent season as well. Despite these challenges, Eaves' determination to return to the ice was evident, although he played only a handful of games before eventually stepping away from professional hockey.
🏒