Colby Armstrong – Pittsburgh Penguins: Former Winger’s Impact and Legacy
Colby Armstrong, a hard-working winger with fine leadership qualities, began his NHL journey with the Pittsburgh Penguins after they selected him in the first round (21st overall) in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
During his time with the Penguins, Armstrong established himself as a valuable two-way player. In the 2006-07 season, he recorded 12 goals and 22 assists for 34 points while maintaining a +2 rating. His consistent effort and team-first mentality made him a fan favorite in Pittsburgh.
Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 195 pounds, the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan native brought size and physicality to the Penguins’ lineup. Armstrong’s NHL career included stints with multiple teams, but his foundation was built during his formative years with Pittsburgh, where he averaged nearly 17 minutes of ice time per game during the 2006-07 campaign, demonstrating the trust his coaches placed in his well-rounded game.
Contents
Early Life and Amateur Career
Colby Armstrong’s journey to the NHL began in his small Canadian hometown before he made a significant impact in junior hockey, setting the stage for his professional career with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Hometown and Family
Born on November 23, 1982 in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Colby Armstrong grew up in a community that straddles the Alberta-Saskatchewan border. This unique border city helped shape Armstrong’s identity as a hockey player.
Lloydminster has a rich hockey tradition, producing several NHL talents over the years. Armstrong’s upbringing in this hockey-centric community helped develop his skills from an early age.
His family played a crucial role in his development, supporting his hockey aspirations through countless early morning practices and long tournament weekends. Growing up in Saskatchewan, Armstrong embraced the province’s passionate hockey culture.
Junior Hockey with Red Deer Rebels
Armstrong’s junior career took flight when he joined the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League (WHL). Under the guidance of head coach Brent Sutter, Armstrong developed into a complete player who could contribute offensively while playing responsible defensive hockey.
His time with the Rebels proved formative to his playing style. Armstrong became known for his gritty two-way play, leadership qualities, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
During the 2000-01 season, Armstrong emerged as a key contributor for the Rebels. His performance caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to the Pittsburgh Penguins selecting him in the first round (21st overall) of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
WHL Achievements and Memorial Cup
Armstrong’s career with the Red Deer Rebels peaked during their historic 2000-01 campaign. He played a vital role in helping the Rebels capture the WHL championship, demonstrating both scoring touch and physical play.
The crowning achievement came when Armstrong and the Rebels captured the Memorial Cup in 2001, the most prestigious trophy in Canadian junior hockey. This tournament victory solidified Armstrong’s reputation as a winner and a clutch performer.
Throughout his WHL career, Armstrong’s statistics showed his well-rounded abilities:
| Season | Team | Games | Goals | Assists | Points | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999-00 | Red Deer | 69 | 15 | 21 | 36 | 83 |
| 2000-01 | Red Deer | 63 | 23 | 33 | 56 | 103 |
| 2001-02 | Red Deer | 61 | 34 | 44 | 78 | 89 |
Armstrong’s junior career established the foundation for his future NHL success with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
NHL Draft and Entry
Colby Armstrong’s journey to the NHL began with a notable draft selection that would shape his professional career. His path from draft day to the big leagues included valuable development time in the American Hockey League before making his mark with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
2001 NHL Entry Draft
The Pittsburgh Penguins selected Colby Armstrong in the first round (21st overall) of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. Armstrong, a right winger from Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, had caught the attention of scouts with his energetic play and leadership qualities during his junior career.
At the time of his selection, Armstrong was playing for the Red Deer Rebels in the Western Hockey League. The Penguins saw potential in the Canadian forward, making him their top selection that year ahead of other notable prospects.
The 2001 draft produced several NHL mainstays, with Armstrong standing out as one of Pittsburgh’s most significant picks of that class.
Early Years with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
After being drafted, Armstrong didn’t immediately jump to the NHL. Instead, he spent significant development time with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Pittsburgh’s AHL affiliate. This period proved crucial for his professional growth.
During his time in the AHL, Armstrong honed his two-way play and physical presence on the ice. He displayed leadership qualities that would later benefit him at the NHL level.
Armstrong’s AHL Development Stats
| Season | Games | Goals | Assists | Points | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002-03 | 72 | 15 | 21 | 36 | 118 |
| 2003-04 | 71 | 11 | 25 | 36 | 131 |
| 2004-05 | 74 | 16 | 24 | 40 | 132 |
His consistent improvement in the minors eventually earned him a promotion to the NHL. Armstrong made his NHL debut in the 2005-06 season, four years after being drafted, when he finally got his opportunity to showcase his talents at hockey’s highest level.
Pittsburgh Penguins Tenure
Colby Armstrong’s time with the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2005 to 2008 showcased his versatility as a hard-working winger who could score timely goals while providing physical play. His chemistry with Sidney Crosby helped establish one of the team’s most effective forward lines during that period.
Formation of the Armstrong-Crosby-Dupuis Line
The Armstrong-Crosby-Dupuis line emerged as one of the Penguins’ most effective combinations during the 2006-07 season. Armstrong’s gritty style complemented Sidney Crosby’s playmaking abilities, creating a balanced attack that opponents struggled to contain.
Coach Michel Therrien recognized that Armstrong’s forechecking prowess and knack for creating turnovers made him an ideal linemate for Crosby. Meanwhile, Pascal Dupuis added speed and defensive responsibility to round out the trio.
The line’s statistics showcased their effectiveness:
| Player | Games | Goals | Assists | Points | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armstrong | 80 | 12 | 22 | 34 | +2 |
| Crosby | 79 | 36 | 84 | 120 | +10 |
| Dupuis | 81 | 14 | 21 | 35 | +5 |
Armstrong’s contract during this period paid him approximately $800,000 per season, making him one of the team’s best value players given his contributions.
Notable Games and Achievements
Armstrong’s most memorable moment as a Penguin came during his NHL debut on October 10, 2005, when he scored on his first shot against the Buffalo Sabres. This immediate impact established him as a fan favorite in Pittsburgh.
During the 2006-07 season, Armstrong recorded a career-high 34 points while appearing in all 82 regular season games. His reliability made him a trusted presence in crucial situations.
Armstrong’s physical play was particularly evident in playoff matchups against division rivals. He delivered 67 penalty minutes during the 2006-07 campaign while maintaining responsible defensive positioning.
The 2007-08 season saw Armstrong contribute to the Penguins’ playoff push before being traded to Atlanta in the Marian Hossa deal. His departure marked the end of his Pittsburgh tenure, but his impact on the team’s development remained significant.
Professional Career After the Penguins
After being traded by the Pittsburgh Penguins in February 2008, Colby Armstrong continued his NHL journey with several other teams. His physical play and leadership qualities made him a valuable addition to each roster, though injuries would eventually impact his career trajectory.
Atlanta Thrashers Period
Armstrong joined the Atlanta Thrashers as part of the trade package from Pittsburgh that included Angelo Esposito and Erik Christensen. The Saskatchewan native quickly established himself as a fan favorite in Atlanta.
During his time with the Thrashers, Armstrong showcased his trademark physical play and scoring touch. He posted solid numbers in his first full season (2008-2009), contributing offensively while maintaining his reputation as a hard-hitting forward.
The 2009-2010 campaign proved to be Armstrong’s most productive with Atlanta. He continued to be a reliable presence in the lineup, bringing energy and occasional scoring punch to a Thrashers team struggling to find its identity.
Armstrong’s contract situation came to a head in the summer of 2010, when the Thrashers opted not to re-sign him, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Toronto Maple Leafs and Final NHL Seasons
The Toronto Maple Leafs signed Armstrong to a three-year contract worth $9 million in July 2010. The deal represented a significant payday for the winger and expectations were high in Toronto.
Unfortunately, injuries began to mount during his time with the Maple Leafs. While Armstrong maintained his physical edge, his offensive production dipped noticeably. His leadership qualities remained valuable, but availability became an issue.
The Leafs ultimately bought out the final year of Armstrong’s contract following the 2011-2012 season. This setback marked a turning point in his career trajectory, forcing him to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Time with Montreal Canadiens
Armstrong signed a one-year deal with the Montreal Canadiens for the 2012-2013 season, hoping to rejuvenate his career. This proved to be his final stop in the NHL.
His tenure with the Canadiens was brief and largely forgettable, as injuries continued to limit his effectiveness and ice time. Armstrong appeared in only a handful of games for Montreal before his NHL career came to a close.
Armstrong’s professional career spanned approximately 12 years, with his most productive seasons coming in Pittsburgh and Atlanta.
NHL Career Statistics
| Team | Seasons | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh | 2005-2008 | 181 | 39 | 59 | 98 | 192 |
| Atlanta | 2008-2010 | 155 | 30 | 29 | 59 | 161 |
| Toronto | 2010-2012 | 79 | 9 | 17 | 26 | 65 |
| Montreal | 2012-2013 | 37 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 12 |
International Play
Colby Armstrong’s hockey career extended beyond the NHL to include representing his country on the international stage. His performances for Team Canada showcased the same grit and determination that made him valuable to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Team Canada Representation
Armstrong proudly wore the maple leaf jersey at various points in his career. His international debut came at the junior level, where his physical play and offensive capabilities earned him recognition among Canada’s elite young players.
The Saskatchewan native’s style of play—combining hard forechecking with timely scoring—made him an asset for Team Canada. Armstrong’s ability to adapt to the wider ice surface used in international competition demonstrated his hockey intelligence.
His international experience helped shape the player who would later become a fan favorite in Pittsburgh. The leadership qualities he developed representing his country transferred well to his NHL career.
World Championships Performance
Armstrong competed in the 2007 IIHF World Championship in Moscow, Russia, while still a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins organization. Team Canada earned a gold medal in this tournament, defeating Finland in the final game.
During the championship run, Armstrong contributed both offensively and defensively. His tournament statistics reflected his two-way abilities:
| Tournament | Games | Goals | Assists | Points | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 Worlds | 9 | 2 | 3 | 5 | +4 |
Armstrong’s international experience came during his prime NHL years. The tournament allowed him to showcase his skills against different playing styles from around the world. He particularly enjoyed facing European teams that emphasized puck possession.
His international success with Canada complemented his NHL achievements with Pittsburgh, demonstrating his versatility as a player on different stages of competition.
Transition to Media and Analysis
Colby Armstrong seamlessly transitioned from NHL player to media personality. He leveraged his outgoing nature and hockey knowledge into a successful broadcasting career. His authentic personality and insider perspective quickly made him a valued voice in hockey analysis.
Sportsnet Analyst Role
Armstrong joined NHL on Sportsnet as an analyst after his playing career ended. Rogers Media brought him aboard as part of their hockey coverage team, where his candid commentary and player insights proved valuable to viewers.
His role with Sportsnet expanded over time, and he now provides regular analysis during national broadcasts. Armstrong also serves as an analyst specifically for Pittsburgh Penguins on SportsNet Pittsburgh, bringing his knowledge of the organization to local broadcasts.
What sets Armstrong apart is his ability to blend technical analysis with an approachable presentation style. His firsthand understanding of the game and Penguins organization gives him credibility that resonates with the audience.
Presence in Hockey Media
Armstrong has become a fan-favorite broadcaster with his colorful personality shining through in his media work. His approach differs from more traditional analysts, bringing energy and authentic reactions to his commentary.
Though Armstrong initially may have dreamed of participating in Stanley Cup finals as a player at Mellon Arena, he’s found a new way to contribute to hockey’s biggest moments.
His media presence extends beyond game analysis. Armstrong participates in interviews, special features, and has been featured in “Getting to Know” segments that highlight his journey from Saskatchewan to the NHL and broadcasting.
Armstrong’s television career utilizes the same skills that made him popular as a player—his outgoing nature and straightforward communication style.
Personal Life
Beyond the rink, Colby Armstrong has built a fulfilling life centered around family and broadcasting opportunities after hanging up his skates professionally.
Family and Post-Professional Life
Colby Armstrong, born November 23, 1982, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, has embraced family life since his playing days ended. He is married with four children ranging from one to eight years old (as of 2019).
The former Penguin winger has remained connected to hockey, transitioning smoothly into broadcasting. He currently works as an analyst for the Pittsburgh Penguins, maintaining ties with the franchise where he began his NHL career.
Armstrong’s post-playing career hasn’t been without challenges. His retirement came after battling injuries, including concussions that impacted his later playing years.
Despite these hurdles, Armstrong has remained active in the hockey community. He participates in charity events and community initiatives, including the Celebrity Carnival with his wife Melissa.
Legacy and Impact
Colby Armstrong’s time with the Pittsburgh Penguins left a lasting impression on both the team and the NHL. The Penguins selected Armstrong 21st overall in the 2001 NHL draft. During his tenure in Pittsburgh, Armstrong established himself as a fan favorite.
Armstrong’s physical play and locker room presence helped shape the identity of those early Sidney Crosby-era Penguins teams. His contributions went beyond statistics, providing leadership during a crucial rebuilding period.
According to hockey analysts, Armstrong’s impact continues to resonate years after his playing days. He has claimed the Penguins are “changing the NHL” with their approach to the game.
Armstrong was notably part of the blockbuster trade that brought Marian Hossa to Pittsburgh, a deal he has discussed in detail as being pivotal for the franchise. His sacrifice became part of the foundation for the Penguins’ championship runs.
Armstrong’s Career with Pittsburgh:
| Seasons | Games | Goals | Assists | Points | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005-2008 | 181 | 47 | 51 | 98 | +27 |
Today, Armstrong remains connected to the team as a media personality and analyst. His insights on Crosby’s career milestones and the team’s evolution demonstrate his continued engagement with the franchise.
Armstrong’s playing style embodied Pittsburgh’s blue-collar identity, making him a perfect representative of the city’s hockey culture. His legacy lives on through current players who embody similar traits of toughness and team-first mentality.
