Marc Denis

Marc Denis

Marc Denis was born on August 1st, 1977

Birth Place: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Nationality: Canadian
Sport: Ice Hockey
Position: Goaltender
Team: Columbus Blue Jackets and more
Years Active: 1990s-2000s
Draft: Colorado Avalanche, 1996
AHL: Multiple teams

A former NHL goaltender turned popular hockey broadcaster, known for his expert analysis and charismatic on-air personality.

Written by: Penelope Wildwood Penelope Wildwood

Marc Denis: The Netminder with a Flair for the Dramatic

Marc Denis, the Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender, is widely recognized for his impressive skills between the pipes, particularly his exceptional save percentage in shootouts. As the all-time leader in save percentage in the shootout among goaltenders who have faced at least 40 shootout attempts, Denis has etched his name in the annals of NHL history.

Early Life and Career

Born on August 1, 1977, Denis developed a passion for hockey at a young age, playing in the Quebec International PeeWee Hockey Tournaments with a minor ice hockey team from Montreal in 1990 and 1991. This early exposure laid the foundation for his future success in the sport.

The Road to the NHL

The Colorado Avalanche drafted Denis 25th overall in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. After turning pro, Denis mainly played for the Hershey Bears, Colorado's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, and appeared in 28 regular season games for the Avalanche over three seasons.

A Career of Ups and Downs

On June 7, 2000, Denis was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he set the then-NHL record for most minutes played in a season (4,511) during the 2002-03 season. He played 77 regular season games that season, cementing his status as a reliable netminder.

Denis's time with the Tampa Bay Lightning was marked by inconsistency, leading to his waiver and subsequent assignment to the Norfolk Admirals, Tampa's AHL affiliate, in 2007-08. He was later recalled by the Lightning, but ultimately became a free agent after being bought out in 2008.

Post-Playing Career

After hanging up his skates, Denis transitioned into coaching, serving as the goaltenders coach for the Chicoutimi Saguenens in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) in 2009-10. He currently works as a colour analyst for the Francophone Canadian sports station, RDS.

Legacy and Impact

Denis's remarkable save percentage in shootouts has inspired a new generation of goaltenders to focus on this crucial aspect of the game. His contributions to the sport extend beyond his on-ice accomplishments, as he continues to share his expertise with aspiring players and fans alike.

Marc Denis's story serves as a testament to the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the face of adversity. As he continues to make his mark on the hockey world, his legacy as a talented and dedicated netminder will only continue to grow.

Timeline
1977
Born in Montreal
Marc Denis was born on August 1, 1977, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
1996
Drafted by Colorado
Denis was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the 1st round of the 1996 NHL Entry Draft.
2000
NHL Debut with Columbus
Denis made his NHL debut with the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2000-01 season.
2001
Traded to Montreal
Denis was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a 2nd round pick in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
2014
Became a Sportscaster
After retiring from hockey, Denis became a sportscaster, working as a color commentator for RDS and TSN.
Marc Denis

Marc Denis Quiz

What position did Marc Denis play in the NHL?

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FAQ
What NHL teams has Marc Denis played for?
Marc Denis has played for several NHL teams including the Columbus Blue Jackets, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Montreal Canadiens.
What is Marc Deniss current occupation?
Marc Denis is currently a sportscaster, working as a colour commentator for the Montreal Canadiens broadcast team.
What awards has Marc Denis won in his hockey career?
Marc Denis won the Calder Cup with the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2003 and was also awarded the AHLs Bastien Memorial Award in 2001.
How many NHL games has Marc Denis played in?
Marc Denis has played in over 350 NHL games throughout his career.
What is Marc Deniss hockey playing style?
Marc Denis is known for his technical goaltending style, being strong in his crease and possessing excellent puck-handling skills.

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