Puckmasters Staff

Ron Tugnutt, NHL Goaltender, Advisor

Current CBC Hockey Night in Canada broadcaster and former All-Star NHL goaltender brings a wealth of hockey knowledge and experience to Puckmasters Board of Advisors.

Ron Tugnutt was drafted by the Quebec Nordiques in the 4th round, 81st overall in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft. Although used primarily as a backup for the first three seasons, on March 21, 1991, Tugnutt stopped 70 of 73 shots to earn a 3-3 tie against the Bruins, the second highest number of saves made in a regular season NHL game.

After an inconsistant year in Quebec in 1992, he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers, and spent the next three years bouncing from Edmonton to Anaheim to Montreal.

However, in 1995, Tugnutt signed a one year deal with Washington and spent the entire NHL season with the AHL affiliate Portland Pirates. Focused and determined, he took Portland to the Calder Cup Finals. This impressive showing got Tugnutt a deal with the Ottawa Senators, worked hard and improved his game each season, coming into Ottawa fighting to be a back-up to splitting games with Senator's starter Damian Rhodes for the next two seasons.

In 1998-99, Tugnutt had the best season of his career. He posted a G.A.A of 1.79, placed second in the league in SVP% at .925, had a career high in wins, and tied a career high in shutouts. This great play, and an injury to Curtis Joseph gave Tugnutt the opportunity to play in the 1999 NHL All Star Game.

The next season, with Rhodes shipped to the expansion Atlanta Thrashers, Tugnutt took sole possession of the starting job in Ottawa. However, it was not to last as later that year, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Tom Barrasso. While Barrasso struggled in the his first playoffs with Ottawa, Tugnutt lead Pittsburgh to the Conference Semi Finals.

On May 4, 2000, while playing in an epic playoff game against the Flyers, he made 70 saves on 72 shots. Unfortunately, the 72nd shot was a goal scored by Keith Primeau at 12:01 of the fifth overtime, causing the Penguins to lose 2-1 after 152:01 minutes, the longest NHL game since the 1930s.

Following his performance with Pittsburgh, Tugnutt signed a 4 year deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets. During the club's first season, Tugnutt was considered their backbone. He was playing the greatest hockey of his career and was the reason the offensively challenged club had such a successful season. Tugnutt's 22 wins broke yet another NHL record for most wins on an expansion team, and his .924 SVP% was among the top in the league.

After two years with the Jackets, Tugnutt went to the Dallas Stars, backing up Marty Turco. The following year (2003-04) was considered Tugnutt's toughest year in the NHL. From the start of the season to January he only received 3 starts, and he was sent down to the minors for the first time in almost 10 years. Just 5 games in, Tugnutt pulled his groin and was out until after the All Star break. After a brief return to the Stars, Tugnutt finished off his career and is currently a color commentator for Canada's CBC.

We're very proud to have Ron Tugnutt on our team!