Mike Comrie

Early Life and Amateur Career

Mike Comrie was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, where he attended Jasper Place High School. His early hockey development included playing in the prestigious 1993 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a minor hockey team from Edmonton's Whitemud region. Comrie pursued his hockey and education at the University of Michigan before being selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the third round, 91st overall, of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. Following his draft selection, he played 37 games for the Kootenay Ice of the Western Hockey League (WHL) to further his development before making the jump to professional hockey. His path to the NHL involved leveraging a contractual loophole established by player Mike Van Ryn, which granted him free-agent status after one year of major junior hockey as an overage player, though entry-level salary restrictions still applied to his first contract.

NHL Career: Edmonton Oilers and Initial Success

Mike Comrie's National Hockey League career began with great promise in his hometown. He left the WHL's Kootenay Ice midway through the 2000-01 season to sign a three-year, incentive-laden contract with the Edmonton Oilers that could reach $10 million, a figure well above the standard base salary for draftees at the time. He instantly became a fan favourite and hometown hero in Edmonton, providing significant offensive production from the centre position. In his first two full seasons, from 2001 to 2003, Comrie tallied 133 points in 192 games, establishing himself as a core player for the franchise. His initial stint with the Oilers was the most prolific offensive period of his career, endearing him to the local fanbase through his consistent point production and energetic style of play.

Contract Dispute and Trade from Edmonton

Comrie's status in Edmonton changed dramatically during the 2003-04 season when he held out in a contract dispute for more than 30 games following a lacklustre training camp. Oilers general manager Kevin Lowe was reportedly willing to trade Comrie to the Anaheim Ducks for prospect Corey Perry and a first-round draft pick, but within that deal sought to have Comrie reimburse the Oilers $2.5 million in bonus money from his entry-level contract. After this deal fell through, Comrie was dealt to the Philadelphia Flyers in December 2003. The trade sent Comrie to Philadelphia in exchange for defenceman Jeff Woywitka, a first-round pick in 2004 (used to select Rob Schremp), and a third-round pick in 2005 (used to select Danny Syvret). This marked a sudden and controversial end to his first chapter with the Oilers.

Journeyman Years: Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Ottawa

Comrie's time with the Philadelphia Flyers lasted only 21 games before he was traded again in the same season. In January 2004, he was sent to the Phoenix Coyotes in a multi-player deal that brought goaltender Sean Burke, forward Branko Radivojevic, and the rights to Ben Eager to Philadelphia. During the 2004-05 NHL lockout, Comrie signed with Färjestad BK of the Swedish Elitserien, playing ten games with them before leaving in December 2004. He returned to the Coyotes for the 2005-06 season and recorded his second 30-goal campaign in the NHL, affirming his scoring ability. The Coyotes re-signed him to a one-year, $3 million contract on August 4, 2006, but traded him to the Ottawa Senators on January 3, 2007, in exchange for prospect Alexei Kaigorodov.

Comrie made an immediate impact in Ottawa, scoring his first goal for the Senators on January 9, 2007, against the Boston Bruins at Scotiabank Place. Whenever he scored a goal at home, his goal song was 'Black Gloves' by the Belgian band Goose. He became a key contributor during the Senators' memorable playoff run to the 2007 Stanley Cup Final, playing through a significant shoulder injury that required local anesthetic and prevented him from tying his own skates. Ottawa eliminated the Pittsburgh Penguins, New Jersey Devils, and Buffalo Sabres, each in five-game series, before falling to the Anaheim Ducks in a 4-1 series decision.

New York Islanders and Second Stint in Ottawa

In July 2007, Comrie entered the free agent market and signed a one-year, $3.375 million contract with the New York Islanders. Before the trade deadline on February 26, 2008, the Islanders demonstrated their confidence in him by re-signing him to a new one-year contract worth $4 million. His tenure with the Islanders concluded on February 20, 2009, when he was traded back to the Ottawa Senators in a larger deal. Comrie and defenceman Chris Campoli were sent to Ottawa in exchange for forward Dean McAmmond and a San Jose Sharks first-round draft pick in 2009. This second period with the Senators was shorter and less impactful than his first, as the team had changed significantly since their 2007 finals appearance.

Return to Edmonton and Final NHL Seasons

On September 10, 2009, Mike Comrie returned to the Edmonton Oilers, signing a one-year contract worth $1.125 million. He chose to wear jersey number 91, his draft selection number, as his familiar number 89 was taken by teammate Sam Gagner. His return was memorable, as he assisted on all four goals in a 4-0 pre-season win over the Florida Panthers on September 18, 2009, and also fought Panthers forward Eric Himelfarb, receiving a standing ovation and chants from the Rexall Place crowd. His season was interrupted when he was placed on long-term injured reserve with mononucleosis on November 17, 2009, and he was expected to be out until late January. He had recorded 5 goals and 8 points in 16 games before the illness. He returned to the lineup on February 1, 2010, recording an assist in a 4-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, and finished the season with 13 goals and 21 points in 43 total games. The Oilers did not re-sign him for the 2010-11 season, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Comrie signed a one-year, $500,000 contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins on September 3, 2010, joining the franchise that had drafted his uncle Fred Comrie in 1973. He scored the first goal inside the new Consol Energy Center (now PPG Paints Arena) 81 seconds into a pre-season game against the Detroit Red Wings on September 22, 2010. A nagging hip injury limited him for much of the regular season, sidelining him for long stretches. He scored his only goal as a Penguin in the team's 82nd and final game of the season into an empty net against the Atlanta Thrashers. It was the last goal ever scored in the Thrashers' Philips Arena before the franchise relocated to Winnipeg in the off-season.

Retirement and Post-Playing Career

After undergoing hip surgery for the third time, Mike Comrie announced his retirement from professional hockey on February 13, 2012. The cumulative effect of the injuries, particularly to his hip, made it impossible for him to continue playing at an NHL level. Following his retirement, he successfully transitioned into the financial sector, joining the wealth management firm HPM Partners as a principal. In this role, he advises professional athletes on investments, financial planning, and managing their finances to prepare for life after their sports careers end. This work leverages his firsthand understanding of the unique financial challenges and opportunities faced by elite athletes, providing a practical and informed service to his clients based on his own experiences with contracts, bonuses, and career transition.

Personal Life, Family, and Relationships

Mike Comrie comes from a prominent Edmonton family deeply connected to both business and hockey. His father, Bill Comrie, along with his uncles Fred and John, founded The Brick furniture company, which was sold in 2012 for $700 million. His mother, Theresa, died of cancer in 1990. Comrie has two older siblings: a sister, Cathy, and a brother, Paul, who briefly played for the Oilers before Mike was drafted. From his father's second marriage, he has two younger half-brothers who are also hockey players: Eric Comrie, a goaltender drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in 2013, and Ty Comrie, a centre. His family's story is a notable example of a Canadian family with significant achievements in both commerce and sport.

Comrie began dating American actress and singer Hilary Duff in the summer of 2007. The couple announced their engagement in February 2010 and married on August 14, 2010, in Santa Barbara, California. They have one son, born on March 20, 2012. The couple announced their separation in January 2014, and Duff filed for divorce in February 2015, citing irreconcilable differences and seeking primary custody of their son. The divorce was finalized in February 2016. Since 2019, Comrie has been in a relationship with Brooke Grant, the former General Manager of the esports brand FaZe Clan. Comrie currently resides in the Los Angeles area and is involved in philanthropic work alongside his partner, focusing on charitable causes within their community.

Career Statistics, Highlights, and Legacy

Mike Comrie's NHL career statistics reflect his role as a skilled offensive centre over 13 seasons. His most productive seasons came with the Edmonton Oilers and Phoenix Coyotes, where he twice reached the 30-goal plateau. A key moment in his career was contributing to the Ottawa Senators' 2007 Stanley Cup Final appearance. His final career goal, scored for Pittsburgh, was historically significant as the last goal in the Atlanta Thrashers' home arena. His career was defined by offensive talent, adaptability in moving between teams, and the challenge of managing significant injuries.

Mike Comrie recorded two 30-goal seasons in the NHL, one with the Edmonton Oilers and another with the Phoenix Coyotes. He helped the Ottawa Senators reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2007, playing through a shoulder injury. Comrie scored the first goal inside the new Consol Energy Center in a 2010 preseason game for the Pittsburgh Penguins. His career was significantly impacted by hip injuries, which ultimately led to his retirement in 2012 after a third surgery.

• Drafted 91st overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.
• Signed a unique, incentive-laden entry-level contract with Edmonton potentially worth $10 million over three years.
• Recorded two 30-goal seasons (2001-02 with Edmonton, 2005-06 with Phoenix).
• Played in the 2007 Stanley Cup Final with the Ottawa Senators, overcoming a shoulder injury.
• Scored the first goal at Pittsburgh's Consol Energy Center (now PPG Paints Arena) in a 2010 pre-season game.
• Scored the final goal at Atlanta's Philips Arena in 2011 before the Thrashers relocated.
• Recorded four assists and received a standing ovation after a fight in his 2009 pre-season return to Edmonton.
• Retired in 2012 after a third hip surgery, then began a second career as a financial advisor.

Mike Comrie played for six NHL teams over his 13-year career. He began with the Edmonton Oilers, where he tallied 133 points in 192 games from 2001 to 2003. He later played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Phoenix Coyotes, Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, and Pittsburgh Penguins. His final NHL season was with the Penguins in 2010-11, after which he retired.

Mike Comrie was a Canadian former professional ice hockey player known for his offensive skill. His career began with great fanfare in his hometown of Edmonton but was later marked by a contract dispute that led to his trade. He reached the Stanley Cup Final with the Ottawa Senators in 2007 while playing injured. After retiring due to hip injuries, he became a financial advisor at HPM Partners, where he advises professional athletes on managing their finances.

Questions about Mike Comrie

Which NHL teams did Mike Comrie play for?

Mike Comrie played for six NHL teams during his 13-year career. He began and ended his tenure with the Edmonton Oilers, playing for them from 2000 to 2004 and again in the 2009-10 season. He also played for the Philadelphia Flyers (2003-04), Phoenix Coyotes (2005-07), Ottawa Senators (2007, 2009), New York Islanders (2007-09), and Pittsburgh Penguins (2010-11). His most notable playoff success came with the Ottawa Senators during their run to the 2007 Stanley Cup Final, where they lost to the Anaheim Ducks.

What is Mike Comrie's connection to The Brick furniture company?

Mike Comrie's family founded The Brick furniture company, a major Canadian retail chain. His father, Bill Comrie, and his uncles, Fred and John Comrie, established the business. The company was a significant family enterprise and was sold in 2012 for $700 million. This business background is a notable part of the Comrie family's story in Edmonton and Alberta, separate from Mike's hockey career, and contributed to the family's prominence in the region.

What does Mike Comrie do for a living after hockey?

After retiring from hockey, Mike Comrie transitioned into the financial services industry. He works as a principal at the wealth management firm HPM Partners. In this role, he advises professional athletes on investments, financial planning, and managing their finances to prepare for life after their sports careers end. He leverages his own experience as a professional athlete who managed contracts, bonuses, and the transition to retirement to relate to his clients' specific needs and challenges.

Was Mike Comrie married to Hilary Duff?

Yes, Mike Comrie was married to American actress and singer Hilary Duff. The couple began dating in 2007, announced their engagement in February 2010, and married on August 14, 2010, in Santa Barbara, California. They have one son, born on March 20, 2012. They announced their separation in January 2014, and Duff filed for divorce in February 2015, citing irreconcilable differences and seeking primary custody. The divorce was finalized in February 2016. Comrie has since been in a relationship with Brooke Grant, former GM of FaZe Clan.

What were some of the unique or historic goals Mike Comrie scored?

Mike Comrie scored several goals with unique historical significance. On September 22, 2010, he scored the very first goal inside the Pittsburgh Penguins' new Consol Energy Center (now PPG Paints Arena) during a pre-season game against Detroit. On April 10, 2011, he scored his final NHL goal into an empty net for Pittsburgh against the Atlanta Thrashers. This was the last goal ever scored in the Thrashers' Philips Arena before the franchise relocated to Winnipeg. Earlier in his career, his first goal for the Ottawa Senators on January 9, 2007, was celebrated at Scotiabank Place with the goal song 'Black Gloves' by Goose.

Why did Mike Comrie retire from hockey?

Mike Comrie retired from professional hockey on February 13, 2012, after undergoing hip surgery for the third time. This chronic injury had plagued the later stages of his career, sidelining him for much of his final season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The cumulative impact of these surgeries and the required rehabilitation made it impossible for him to continue playing at the National Hockey League level. Consequently, he ended his 13 year NHL career which included stints with six different teams. Following his retirement, Comrie transitioned into a new career as a financial advisor with HPM Partners.

Sources and further reading

• Mike Comrie (Wikipedia)
• Mike Comrie Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Title (hockey-reference.com)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-19.