Steve Eminger | |||
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Born |
Woodbridge, ON, CAN |
October 31, 1983 ||
Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) | ||
Weight | 202 lb (92 kg; 14 st 6 lb) | ||
Position | Defence | ||
Shoots | Right | ||
team Former teams |
Free Agent Washington Capitals Philadelphia Flyers Tampa Bay Lightning Florida Panthers Anaheim Ducks New York Rangers HC CSKA Moscow |
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NHL Draft | 12th overall, 2002 Washington Capitals |
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Playing career | 2003–present |
Medal record | ||
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Representing Canada | ||
World Junior Championships | ||
2003 Halifax |
Steve Eminger (born October 31, 1983) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently an unrestricted free agent who most recently played for the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League (AHL).
Eminger, who is also known for his physical play, started his hockey career with the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League in 1999. He was drafted in the first round, 12th overall by the Washington Capitals at the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut the next season, but after 17 games in Washington he was sent back down to Kitchener. Kitchener was strengthened by Eminger's return, and they won the Memorial Cup.
Since leaving junior hockey, Eminger split his time between the Capitals and their AHL affiliate, the Portland Pirates. Despite the lofty projections that came with his first-round-pick status, Eminger has failed to live up to expectations. Throughout the 2007–08 NHL season, the final season of his contract, Eminger spent a great deal of time as a healthy scratch. However, during the 2008 playoffs the Capitals were decimated by injuries and Eminger was put into the lineup with a larger role. During these playoffs, Eminger suddenly found his niche and proved himself to be a solid defenceman. During the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Eminger, along with the 84th overall pick (Jacob De Serres) were traded to the Philadelphia Flyers for the 27th pick overall (John Carlson).
On June 29, 2008, Eminger and the Flyers agreed to a one-year contract. After 12 games with the Flyers, Eminger was traded to Tampa Bay on November 7, 2008, along with Steve Downie and a 4th round draft pick for Matt Carle and a 3rd round draft pick.