Brayden Point

Early Life and Junior Career

Brayden Point was born on March 13, 1996, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He began his junior hockey career with the Canmore Eagles in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) during the 2011-12 season, appearing in four games and recording four points.

Following his brief stint with the Eagles, Point joined the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League (WHL) in the 2011-12 season. Over the next four seasons, he became a pivotal player for the Warriors, leading the team in scoring during multiple seasons.

In his NHL draft year, Point led the Warriors in scoring with 36 goals and 91 points in 72 games. His play was rewarded by his participation in the 2014 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. Point was ranked 31st among North American skaters by the NHL Central Scouting Services. He was drafted in the third round, 79th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

Point returned to the Warriors for the 2014-15 season, where he once again led the team in scoring. On March 26, 2015, the Lightning signed Point to a three-year, entry-level contract. At the conclusion of the season, Point joined the Lightning's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. In nine games for the Crunch, he recorded two goals and two assists. He also went scoreless in two postseason games.

Moose Jaw Warriors

Point was drafted in the first round, 14th overall by the Moose Jaw Warriors in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft. In his first full season with the club, he scored 24 goals and 57 points in 67 games. At the conclusion of the season, Point was selected in the fifth round, 167th overall by Traktor Chelyabinsk in the 2013 KHL Junior Draft.

In his final year with the Warriors, Point had 35 goals and 88 points in 48 games. He served as team captain for two seasons, demonstrating leadership qualities that would follow him into his professional career.

Professional Career

Point was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the third round, 79th overall, of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Lightning on March 26, 2015.

After starting the 2016-17 season with the Lightning, Point made an immediate impact, recording 18 goals and 22 assists in his rookie season. His performance solidified his role as a key player for the team.

NHL Debut and Early Seasons

He made his NHL debut on October 13, 2016, against the Detroit Red Wings. Point recorded his first NHL point with an assist on October 15, 2016, in a game against the New Jersey Devils.

In the 2017-18 season, Point played all 82 games and was third on the Lightning with 66 points (32 goals, 34 assists). On January 24, he was named to the 2018 NHL All-Star Game, replacing injured teammate Victor Hedman.

Breakout Season

In the 2018-19 season, Point recorded career highs with 41 goals and 51 assists, totaling 92 points in 79 games. His performance was instrumental in helping the Lightning secure the Presidents' Trophy for the best regular-season record.

Despite the team's unexpected first-round playoff exit that season, Point's individual success established him as one of the league's premier centers.

Stanley Cup Championships

Point was instrumental in the Lightning's back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021. In the 2020 playoffs, he led all players with 14 goals, including the Cup-clinching goal in Game 6 of the Finals against the Dallas Stars.

During the 2021 playoffs, Point continued his outstanding performance, again leading all players with 14 goals. His consistent scoring was a key factor in the Lightning's successful title defense.

International Play

Representing Canada, Point has participated in various international tournaments. As a 16-year-old, he was named an alternate captain for Canada Pacific in the 2013 World U-17 Hockey Challenge.

He also competed in the 2013 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, where he won a gold medal and was named tournament MVP. Additionally, Point helped Team Canada secure a bronze medal at the 2014 IIHF World U18 Championships.

In 2015, he was part of the Canadian squad that won gold at the IIHF World Junior Championship. Later, in 2017, Point earned a silver medal with Team Canada at the IIHF World Championship.

Career Statistics

As of February 25, 2025, Point has accumulated 295 goals and 317 assists, totaling 612 points in 631 regular-season NHL games. His playoff performance includes 42 goals and 45 assists in 87 postseason games.

Point's consistent production and clutch performances have solidified his reputation as one of the league's top centers.