Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Greg Millen

How Greg Millen built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Greg Millen is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played 14 seasons in the NHL for six different teams. After his playing career, he transitioned into broadcasting and is now a colour commentator on Hockey Night in Canada and the NHL on Sportsnet, with a focus on covering the Calgary Flames. His career includes both on-ice performance and post-playing career commentary and analysis within the sport of hockey.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1968: Played in Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament

In 1968, Millen played in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournaments with a minor ice hockey team from Toronto.

1969: Played in Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament

In 1969, Millen played in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournaments with a minor ice hockey team from Toronto.

1970: Played in Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament

In 1970, Millen played in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournaments with a minor ice hockey team from Toronto.

1974: Played for Peterborough Petes

From 1974 to 1977, Millen played for the Peterborough Petes in the OHA.

1977: Drafted by Pittsburgh Penguins

In 1977, Millen was chosen 102nd overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL Amateur Draft. He was playing in the OHA season with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

1978: Solid Rookie Season with Pittsburgh Penguins

In 1978, Millen had a solid rookie season, playing 28 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins and becoming a fan favorite.

June 1981: Signed with Hartford Whalers

In June 1981, the Hartford Whalers signed Millen as a restricted free agent after the Penguins' general manager missed the deadline to match the offer. The Penguins received Pat Boutette and Kevin McClelland as compensation.

1981: Played for the Hartford Whalers

In 1981, Millen joined the Hartford Whalers, pushing John Garrett into the backup role and logging a heavy workload.

1982: Represented Canada at Ice Hockey World Championships

In 1982, after playing in 55 games for the Whalers, Millen represented Canada at the Ice Hockey World Championships.

1983: Led NHL in Appearances

In 1983, Millen led the NHL with 60 appearances for the Hartford Whalers, but the team did not make the post-season.

1984: Traded to St. Louis Blues

During the 1984-85 season, Millen was traded to the St. Louis Blues with Mark Johnson for Mike Liut and Jörgen Pettersson.

1986: Reached Conference Finals with St. Louis Blues

In 1986, Millen helped the St. Louis Blues reach the Conference Finals where they lost to the Calgary Flames. Millen started and won two games during the Division Semifinal against the Minnesota North Stars and also won the series clinching game. He posted a record of 4-2 in the Division Finals against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

1987: Wamsley Traded to Calgary

During the 1987-88 season, Wamsley was traded to Calgary making Millen the undisputed starter in St. Louis.

1988: Best Year with the Blues

In 1988, Millen enjoyed his best year with the St. Louis Blues.

December 13, 1989: Traded to Quebec Nordiques

On December 13, 1989, Millen and Tony Hrkac were traded to the Quebec Nordiques for Jeff Brown.

1989: Acquired by the Chicago Blackhawks

In 1989, Millen was acquired by the Chicago Blackhawks and played ten games. He also led the way with 15 appearances as the Hawks advanced to the Western Conference Finals.

September 1991: Traded to New York Rangers

In September 1991, Millen was traded to the New York Rangers for future considerations after losing his starting job with the Blackhawks.

1991: Joined Detroit Red Wings

In 1991, Millen joined the Detroit Red Wings, who needed a backup for Tim Cheveldae. He made the last ten appearances of his career for the Red Wings before retiring.

1991: Signed with the New York Rangers

In 1991, the Rangers signed Millen as an "insurance policy" during prolonged contract negotiations with Mike Richter. He was John Vanbiesbrouck's back-up for the first two games before being assigned to the San Diego Gulls of the IHL. After five games in the IHL, Millen was traded to the Detroit Red Wings.

1994: CTV's Ice Hockey Coverage at the 1994 Winter Olympics

In 1994, Greg Millen teamed with Don Chevrier as the lead broadcasting team for CTV's ice hockey coverage at the Winter Olympics.

1995: Joined Hockey Night in Canada

In 1995, Millen joined the CBC's Hockey Night in Canada as a colour commentator.

1999: Rejoined Hockey Night in Canada

In 1999, after a year with CTV Sportsnet, Millen rejoined Hockey Night in Canada as the colour commentator of the network's secondary broadcast team.

2000: Hockey Night in Canada Broadcaster

In 2000, Greg Millen was the colour commentator of the Hockey Night in Canada's secondary broadcast team, paired with Chris Cuthbert and then Jim Hughson.

2005: Moved to Maple Leafs Broadcast Team

In 2005, Greg Millen moved from the Ottawa Senators to the Maple Leafs local broadcast team.

2007: Leafs Lead Television Colour Commentator

In 2007, Greg Millen became the Leafs' lead television colour commentator, working alongside Joe Bowen on Sportsnet Ontario and Leafs TV.

2007: Promotion to Lead Team on Hockey Night in Canada

In 2007, Greg Millen was promoted to the lead team on Hockey Night in Canada, working alongside Bob Cole. He worked on CBC's coverage of the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals.

2008: CBC's Coverage of Stanley Cup Finals

In 2008, Greg Millen worked on CBC's coverage of the Stanley Cup Finals.

2014: Worked Exclusively for Rogers Communications

In 2014, Greg Millen worked exclusively for Rogers Communications on national television broadcasts under the Hockey Night in Canada, Rogers Monday Night Hockey or Scotiabank Wednesday Night Hockey banners. He works primarily on Calgary Flames broadcasts under the Hockey Night in Canada banner.