Tyler Ennis (ice hockey)

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For the basketball player, see Tyler Ennis (basketball).

Tyler Ennis
Ennis with the Buffalo Sabres in 2013
Born (1989-10-06) October 6, 1989 (age 34)
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Height 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Weight 176 lb (80 kg; 12 st 8 lb)
Position Forward
Shot Left
Played for Buffalo Sabres
SCL Tigers
Minnesota Wild
Toronto Maple Leafs
Ottawa Senators
Edmonton Oilers
SC Bern
Adler Mannheim
National team  Canada
NHL Draft 26th overall, 2008
Buffalo Sabres
Playing career 2009–2024

Tyler Foster Ennis[1] (born October 6, 1989) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey forward.

He was selected by the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (NHL) in the first round, 26th overall, in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft from the Medicine Hat Tigers of the major junior Western Hockey League (WHL). He played 700 games in the NHL for the Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs, Minnesota Wild, Ottawa Senators and Edmonton Oilers. He also played for the SCL Tigers and SC Bern in Switzerland. Ennis retired on January 17, 2024 after suffering a neck injury on November 21, 2023.

Internationally, Ennis represented Canada, winning gold medals at the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championships and the 2015 IIHF World Championship, where he scored the gold medal-winning goal. He also represented Canada at the 2022 Spengler Cup.

Playing career[edit]

Junior[edit]

Ennis began his major junior career in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Medicine Hat Tigers in 2005–06, recording 10 points in a 43-game rookie season. The following season, he became a key contributor to the Tigers' offence with a 26-goal, 50-point campaign. Ennis went on to add 12 points in 20 playoff games as the Tigers defeated the defending WHL champion Vancouver Giants in a seven-game Ed Chynoweth Cup final. The WHL title earned the Tigers a berth in the 2007 Memorial Cup, hosted by the runner-up Giants, whom they met in the tournament final once more, but lost by a 3–1 score. Ennis contributed a team-high four points in four games, fifth in tournament scoring.

The following season, in 2007–08, Ennis' NHL draft eligible year, he ascended to a team-leading 91 points, fourth in WHL scoring. That off-season, he was selected in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft 26th overall by the Buffalo Sabres. In 2008–09, his fourth season with the Tigers, Ennis was named WHL Player of the Week for the week ending February 22, 2009, after an eight-point performance in three games.[2] Ennis followed up his player of the week honours with a six-goal performance on February 27, scoring all his team's goals in a 6–2 win against the Prince Albert Raiders. He was just one goal shy of tying the WHL record of seven goals in a game, held by five players.[3]

Professional[edit]

At the 2010 AHL All-Star Game.

Buffalo Sabres[edit]

Ennis made his NHL debut on November 14, 2009, against the Philadelphia Flyers. He scored his first NHL goal that game against Flyers' goaltender Ray Emery.[4] Ennis spent most of the 2009–10 season with Buffalo's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Portland Pirates. He finished the campaign with 23 goals and 42 assists for 65 points; his 23 goals was tied for the AHL lead among rookies. At the end of the season, Ennis became the second straight Pirates player selected by the AHL's coaches, players and media to receive the Dudley "Red" Garrett Memorial Award as the top rookie in the AHL, following team mate Nathan Gerbe the year prior.[5] After Buffalo centre Tim Connolly suffered an injury, Ennis was called up for the Sabres' final nine regular season games, ending the NHL regular season with nine points in ten games and earning a spot as a consistent starter in the Stanley Cup playoffs for the Sabres. He finished the playoffs with a team-best three assists and tied with Jason Pominville with a team-best four points.

During the 2010–11 season, Ennis played all 82 games, registering 20 goals and 29 assists while the Sabres clinched the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference, securing a first-round matchup with the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2011 playoffs. Ennis played a key role during the series, scoring two goals and two assists, including the overtime game-winning goal on Michael Leighton in Game 5. The Sabres were eventually eliminated by the Flyers in Game 7. The following season, Ennis was placed on the injured reserve twice for a lingering ankle sprain that first occurred in a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ennis rejoined the Sabres after the 2012 NHL All-Star Game. At the time, the Sabres were ranked last in the Eastern Conference. In an attempt to shake things up in Buffalo, head coach Lindy Ruff moved Ennis from left wing to centre, his natural position, playing alongside Drew Stafford and rookie Marcus Foligno. Their line caught immediate chemistry leading the Sabres offensively, vying for a spot in the 2012 playoffs. The Sabres ultimately fell short in their quest for the playoffs, finishing ninth. Ennis finished the season with 15 goals and 19 assists in 48 games.

The following season, during the 2012–13 NHL lockout, Ennis (along with best friend Jared Spurgeon) signed to play for the SCL Tigers of the National League A (NLA) in Switzerland.[6][7]

On June 23, 2014, as a restricted free agent, Ennis signed a five-year, $23 million contract extension with the Sabres.[8] Ennis led the Sabres in goals during the 2013–14 and 2014–15 seasons with 21 and 20, respectively, but the team finished last in the league both seasons.

Ennis missed most of the 2015–16 season with concussion symptoms as a result of two concussions, one from a hit by St. Louis Blues defenceman Robert Bortuzzo and another from a hit by Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin.[9]

Minnesota Wild[edit]

Following his eighth season with the Sabres in 2016–17, Ennis was traded (along with Marcus Foligno and a third-round pick in 2018) to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for Marco Scandella, Jason Pominville and a fourth-round pick in 2018 on June 30, 2017.[10] In his first season with the Wild in 2017–18, Ennis struggled to find his footing within the organization. Used as a depth forward, Ennis scored 8 goals and 22 points in 73 games and was a frequent healthy scratch through the 2018 playoffs in the Wild's first-round defeat.

Toronto Maple Leafs[edit]

On June 30, 2018, Ennis was bought-out from the remaining year of his initial five-year contract by the Wild, releasing him to free agency.[11] On July 6, 2018, as a free agent, Ennis signed a one-year, $650,000 contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs.[12] On March 4, 2019, in the Maple Leafs' 6–2 win over the Calgary Flames, Ennis recorded his first career hat-trick.[13]

Ottawa Senators and Edmonton Oilers[edit]

Despite expressing interest in re-signing with the Maple Leafs, Ennis signed a one-year, $800,000 contract with the Ottawa Senators on July 1, 2019.[14] In the 2019–20 season, Ennis continued to rebound offensively with the Senators, contributing with 14 goals and 33 points through 61 games. With Ottawa out of playoff contention at the NHL trade deadline, Ennis was traded to his hometown club, the Edmonton Oilers, in exchange for a fifth-round 2021 NHL Entry Draft selection on February 24, 2020.[15] Ennis re-signed with the Oilers in the off-season on a one-year deal but struggled during the 2020-2021 campaign. He was healthy scratched numerous times throughout the season and eventually cleared waivers on January 26, 2021. He suited up in two of Edmonton's four playoff games where the team were swept by the Winnipeg Jets. [16]

Ennis returned to the Ottawa Senators for the 2021–22 season after signing a one-year, $900,000 contract. He found success once again with the Senators and scored his second career hat-trick on January 25, 2022.[17]

SC Bern[edit]

After going unsigned through the NHL off-season, Ennis signed with SC Bern of the top tier Swiss league for the 2022–23 season. [18]

Adler Mannheim and retirement[edit]

Ennis signed a one-year contract with Adler Mannheim of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) on October 21, 2023.[19] He played seven games for the team, totaling five assists, before suffering a neck injury against the SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers on November 21. The injury led to his retirement on January 17, 2024.[20][21]

International play[edit]

Medal record
Representing  Canada
Ice hockey
World Championships
Gold medal – first place 2015 Czech Republic
World Junior Championships
Gold medal – first place 2009 Canada

During his fourth WHL season, Ennis was named to Team Canada for the 2009 World Junior Championships in Ottawa. He helped Canada to a fifth-straight gold medal, defeating Sweden in the final.

Ennis played for Canada at the 2015 IIHF World Championship, where Canada won the gold medal for the first time since 2007 with a perfect 10–0 record; in the gold medal game, Ennis scored the winning goal in Canada's 6–1 win over Russia.[22]

Personal life[edit]

Ennis and his childhood best friend and former Wild teammate Jared Spurgeon were born less than two months apart and grew up in the same Edmonton neighbourhood, playing on the same teams, often with their fathers coaching, and spending summers at the Spurgeon family's lake cabin.[6][23]

Career statistics[edit]

Regular season and playoffs[edit]

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2004–05 Knights of Columbus Pats AMHL 36 15 17 32 10 — — — — —
2005–06 Medicine Hat Tigers WHL 43 3 7 10 10 7 0 0 0 0
2006–07 Medicine Hat Tigers WHL 71 26 24 50 30 22 8 4 12 6
2007–08 Medicine Hat Tigers WHL 70 43 48 91 42 5 0 4 4 6
2008–09 Medicine Hat Tigers WHL 61 43 42 85 21 11 8 11 19 10
2009–10 Portland Pirates AHL 69 23 42 65 12 — — — — —
2009–10 Buffalo Sabres NHL 10 3 6 9 6 6 1 3 4 0
2010–11 Buffalo Sabres NHL 82 20 29 49 30 7 2 2 4 4
2011–12 Buffalo Sabres NHL 48 15 19 34 14 — — — — —
2012–13 SCL Tigers NLA 9 3 5 8 0 — — — — —
2012–13 Buffalo Sabres NHL 47 10 21 31 16 — — — — —
2013–14 Buffalo Sabres NHL 80 21 22 43 42 — — — — —
2014–15 Buffalo Sabres NHL 78 20 26 46 37 — — — — —
2015–16 Buffalo Sabres NHL 23 3 8 11 11 — — — — —
2016–17 Buffalo Sabres NHL 51 5 8 13 12 — — — — —
2017–18 Minnesota Wild NHL 73 8 14 22 12 1 0 0 0 0
2018–19 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 51 12 6 18 2 5 0 2 2 2
2019–20 Ottawa Senators NHL 61 14 19 33 16 — — — — —
2019–20 Edmonton Oilers NHL 9 2 2 4 4 3 1 1 2 4
2020–21 Edmonton Oilers NHL 30 3 6 9 6 2 0 0 0 0
2021–22 Ottawa Senators NHL 57 8 16 24 16 — — — — —
2022–23 SC Bern NL 37 13 20 33 8 5 1 2 3 2
2023–24 Adler Mannheim DEL 7 0 5 5 2 — — — — —
NHL totals 700 144 202 346 224 24 4 8 12 10

International[edit]

Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2006 Canada Pacific U17 4th 6 5 4 9 6
2006 Canada IH18 1st place, gold medalist(s) 4 1 3 4 2
2009 Canada WJC 1st place, gold medalist(s) 6 3 4 7 0
2015 Canada WC 1st place, gold medalist(s) 10 4 2 6 0
Junior totals 16 9 11 20 8
Senior totals 10 4 2 6 0

Awards and honours[edit]

Award Year Ref
WHL
Ed Chynoweth Cup champion 2007
Brad Hornung Trophy 2008, 2009
Player of the Week February 2009 [2]
East First All-Star Team 2008, 2009
AHL
Dudley "Red" Garrett Memorial Award 2010
NHL
NHL All-Star Game 2011

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Tyler Ennis and Tyler Ennis: The Syracuse guard and Buffalo Sabres center answer questions". Syracuse.com. December 19, 2013.
  2. ^ a b "Tigers' Ennis Named Boston Pizza WHL Player of the Week". Western Hockey League. February 23, 2009. Archived from the original on February 28, 2009. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
  3. ^ "Tigers 6 - Raiders 2: Tyler Ennis' magical night". Medicine Hat News. February 28, 2009. Archived from the original on March 3, 2009. Retrieved February 28, 2009.
  4. ^ "Ennis to make NHL debut". The Buffalo News. November 14, 2009. Retrieved November 14, 2009.
  5. ^ "Former Medicine Hat Tiger Tyler Ennis Named AHL Rookie of the Year". Western Hockey League. April 8, 2010. Archived from the original on April 13, 2010. Retrieved April 9, 2010.
  6. ^ a b Prewitt, Alex (July 7, 2017). "From Edmonton to Minnesota, best friends Tyler Ennis and Jared Spurgeon reunited after trade". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
  7. ^ "The Kids Are Alright..(for Now)". Bleacher Report. 2010-05-09. Retrieved 2010-08-30.
  8. ^ "Ennis signs five year extension with Sabres". CBS Sports. 2014-06-23. Retrieved 2014-06-23.
  9. ^ "Local NHL'er Tyler Ennis eager to return after recovering from a pair of concussions". Edmonton Sun. 2016-08-24. Retrieved 2016-08-24.
  10. ^ "Wild acquires Tyler Ennis and Marcus Foligno". Minnesota Wild. 2017-06-30. Retrieved 2017-06-30.
  11. ^ "Tyler Ennis bought out by Minnesota". CBS Sports. 2018-06-30. Retrieved 2018-06-30.
  12. ^ "Maple Leafs sign Tyler Ennis". Toronto Maple Leafs. 2018-07-06. Retrieved 2018-07-06.
  13. ^ "Ennis scores first NHL trick, Maple Leafs defeat Flames". Toronto Maple Leafs. 2019-03-04. Retrieved 2019-03-04.
  14. ^ "Senators sign forward Tyler Ennis to a one-year contract". Ottawa Senators. July 1, 2019. Retrieved July 1, 2019.
  15. ^ "Sens ship Ennis to Oilers for fifth-rounder". The Sports Network. February 24, 2020. Retrieved February 24, 2020.
  16. ^ "Tyler Ennis placed on waivers by Edmonton Oilers after weak early-season performance". Edmonton Journal. January 25, 2021. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
  17. ^ "Ennis records hat trick to lead Senators past Sabres". The Sports Network. January 25, 2022. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
  18. ^ "Veteran forward Ennis signs in Switzerland". The Sports Network. Oct 24, 2022. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  19. ^ "Adler verpflichten NHL-erfahrenen Angreifer". adler-mannheim.de (in German). Retrieved 2024-01-17.
  20. ^ "Ennis beendet seine Karriere". adler-mannheim.de (in German). Retrieved 2024-01-17.
  21. ^ "Former NHLer Tyler Ennis announces retirement from professional hockey". The Globe and Mail. January 17, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  22. ^ "Canada's National Men's Team wins gold medal at 2015 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship". Hockey Canada. May 17, 2015. Retrieved September 10, 2015.
  23. ^ Youngblood, Kent (March 7, 2011). "Best of buds can say, 'We made it' with Wild, Sabres". Minneapolis Star Tribune. Retrieved July 8, 2017.

External links[edit]

Awards and achievements
Preceded by Buffalo Sabres first round draft pick
2008 		Succeeded by
Preceded by AHL Rookie of the Year
2009–10 		Succeeded by
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