Kirk McLean

Kirk McLean
Kirk McLean
Born	June 26, 1966 (age 60); North York, Ontario, Canada
Occupation	Professional ice hockey goaltender (retired)
Years active	1985–2001
Known for	NHL goaltender for New Jersey Devils, Vancouver Canucks, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, New York Rangers; distinctive stand-up goaltending technique

Kirk Alan McLean (born June 26, 1966) is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who competed in the National Hockey League (NHL) representing the New Jersey Devils, Vancouver Canucks, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, and New York Rangers. He was recognized for his distinctive stand-up goaltending technique.

McLean’s junior hockey career was with the Oshawa Generals in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Selected 107th overall by the Devils in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft, he initially played for their AHL affiliate, the Maine Mariners, before being traded to Vancouver in 1987. Over more than ten years with the Canucks, McLean earned two nominations for the Vezina (1989, 1992), was chosen twice for the NHL All-Star Game, and received Second All-Star team recognition. His leadership helped guide Vancouver to a decisive Game 7 in the 1994 Stanley Cup Finals versus the Rangers. After being traded in 1998, McLean concluded his playing days with stints at the Hurricanes, Panthers, and Rangers, retiring in 2001.

Following his retirement, McLean transitioned to roles including goaltending coach for the Kamloops Blazers (WHL), broadcaster for Canucks pay-per-view games, and part-owner of the British Columbia Hockey League’s Burnaby Express (now known as Coquitlam Express). He has also engaged in Vancouver’s culinary sector. Presently, McLean serves as an Ambassador for the Vancouver Canucks and is a board member of the Canuck Alumni Foundation.

Early life

Born on June 26, 1966, in North York, Ontario, McLean is predominantly of Scottish heritage, which influenced the tartan pattern on his goalie mask. As a youth, he dreamed of playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs and admired NHL star Bernie Parent. While competing at minor hockey level with the Don Mills Flyers in the Metro Toronto Hockey League, he achieved a 2.01 goals against average (GAA) across 26 games during the 1982–83 season and took part in the 1979 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament.

New Jersey Devils (1985–87)

McLean spent three seasons competing in major junior hockey with the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He was selected by the New Jersey Devils as the 107th pick overall in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft. His NHL debut came during the 1985–86 season when he played two games after being promoted from Oshawa.

Within New Jersey’s goaltending depth chart, McLean and Craig Billington were sent to their AHL team, the Maine Mariners, following training camp in 1987. Meanwhile, Alain Chevrier was backed up by Karl Friesen and Chris Terreri. Sean Burke was also within the organization but began that season competing with the Canadian National Team.

On December 19, 1986, McLean was recalled due to roster adjustments and illnesses affecting goaltenders. He joined shortly before a match against the Washington Capitals, entering after three early goals had been conceded. In that game, he surrendered one goal on 24 shots and helped secure a 6–4 comeback victory. During this recall, he appeared in four NHL contests before returning to Maine on January 6, 1987.

While back with Maine in the AHL, McLean sustained cartilage damage to his right knee on February 15 that required arthroscopic surgery. He completed that season holding a record of 15–23–4 and a goals-against average of 3.22 over 45 games. During off-season training, he injured his left knee as well, undergoing a second arthroscopic procedure on July 29, 1987.

From Arrival to Stanley Cup Contention (1987–94)

Prior to the 1987–88 NHL season, McLean was traded to the Vancouver Canucks along with Greg Adams and a second-round draft selection (Leif Rohlin) in exchange for centre Patrik Sundström and two draft picks on September 15, 1987. This transaction represented a pivotal decision by Vancouver’s new general manager Pat Quinn amid the franchise's rebuilding efforts. McLean quickly established himself as a foundational player alongside Trevor Linden and Pavel Bure, earning the affectionate moniker "Captain Kirk" from the fanbase.

McLean made his debut in an 8–2 victory over the St. Louis Blues on October 8, 1987, and secured his first NHL shutout during that same season. Sharing goaltending responsibilities with veteran Richard Brodeur, he appeared in 41 games, compiling an 11–27–4 record and securing his initial of three Molson Cups.

In the 1988–89 campaign, McLean improved his record to 20–17–3 and received his first nomination for the prestigious Vezina Trophy, finishing third behind Patrick Roy. The subsequent season saw him participate in his inaugural NHL All-Star Game while leading the league in both games played and minutes on ice. He set franchise benchmarks for shots faced and saves made, culminating in his first Cyclone Taylor Trophy as Vancouver's most valuable player.

Following a contract renewal in 1990, McLean endured a difficult season marked by a career-high 3.99 goals-against average (GAA). He rebounded impressively during the 1991–92 season, recording a franchise-record nine victories in October alone, which earned him player of the month accolades. That year featured a landmark shutout against the Montreal Canadiens—the first in Canucks history—and he led the NHL with five shutouts. Posting career-best figures of a 2.74 GAA and 38 wins, McLean set a single-season record for Vancouver that remained unbroken until 2006–07. His performance garnered a second Vezina nomination and propelled Vancouver to their first Smythe Division championship since 1975.

In the 1992 postseason, McLean achieved his first playoff shutout during a series-clinching game against the Winnipeg Jets. The following year, he recorded three playoff shutouts and became Vancouver's all-time leader in postseason wins despite their elimination by the Los Angeles Kings.

During the 1993–94 season, although conceding Wayne Gretzky’s record-setting 802nd NHL goal, McLean concluded the year strongly by guiding Vancouver to the Stanley Cup Finals. His playoff heroics included an iconic save against Robert Reichel in overtime of Game 7 versus the Calgary Flames, facilitating Vancouver’s advancement. He matched an NHL record with four playoff shutouts while helping defeat both the Dallas Stars and Toronto Maple Leafs.

McLean’s contributions were instrumental in securing the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl as Western Conference champions before ultimately losing to the New York Rangers in a seven-game Final series. He established playoff records for minutes played (1,544), shots faced (820), and saves made (761), underscoring his vital role throughout Vancouver’s extensive postseason journey.

Post-lockout Period to Trade (1994–97)

During the lockout-shortened season of 1994–95, McLean participated in 40 of Vancouver’s 48 games, accounting for all 18 team victories and earning his third Molson Cup distinction. He achieved a career-best .904 save percentage alongside a 2.75 GAA. Prior to season’s end, on April 5, 1995, McLean secured a five-year contract extension valued at approximately $2.4 million annually. Despite this, Vancouver was unable to repeat as Western Conference champions, suffering a second-round sweep at the hands of the Chicago Blackhawks.

McLean experienced a downturn during the 1995–96 season, posting an elevated GAA of 3.54 and concluding with a losing record of 15–21–9. A cartilage tear in his left knee necessitated arthroscopic surgery and sidelined him for six weeks. His backup, rookie Corey Hirsch, posted superior numbers with a 2.93 GAA and a 17–14–6 record. McLean started Vancouver’s opening playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche but was supplanted by Hirsch after conceding three goals on twelve shots in Game 1; this marked McLean’s final playoff appearance as Hirsch took over goaltending duties for the remainder of the series. Vancouver exited after six games to the eventual Stanley Cup champions.

In the following season, 1996–97, McLean suffered another knee injury during a game against the Dallas Stars on November 11, requiring a second arthroscopic procedure that sidelined him for roughly one month. Throughout that campaign, McLean shared netminding responsibilities with Hirsch, appearing in 44 contests while compiling a 21–18–3 record and recording a 3.21 GAA.

Post-Vancouver Period (1998–2001)

McLean's time with the Canucks concluded during the 1997–98 season following the dismissal of general manager Pat Quinn, who was succeeded by a committee of four members. Based on head coach Mike Keenan's advice, McLean was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes on January 3, 1998, along with winger Martin Gélinas, in exchange for goaltender Sean Burke, winger Geoff Sanderson, and defenseman Enrico Ciccone.

After spending more than a decade in Vancouver, McLean departed as the franchise leader in several categories: regular season games played (516), wins (211), shutouts (20), playoff games played (68), playoff wins (34), and playoff shutouts (6). His exit initiated an unstable era for Canucks goaltending; between his trade and the arrival of Roberto Luongo, the team utilized 18 different goaltenders. General manager Brian Burke referred to this stretch as the "goalie graveyard."

When McLean joined Carolina, the team had the NHL’s poorest goals-against average (GAA) at 3.68. He earned his first victory with the Hurricanes in a 4–1 game. However, after only eight appearances, McLean was traded to the Florida Panthers in exchange for forward Ray Sheppard on March 24, 1998. Two days later, he made his Panthers debut, securing a 5–4 win over Montreal. During the 1998–99 season, McLean achieved his initial shutout for Florida in a 1–0 victory against the Nashville Predators, matching his personal best GAA of 2.74 while serving as backup to Sean Burke in 30 games.

In the offseason, on July 13, 1999, McLean signed a two-year deal valued at roughly $1.64 million with bonuses as an unrestricted free agent with the New York Rangers. He was acquired to serve as Mike Richter’s backup following Dan Cloutier’s trade. Due to retirement honors for number 1 being retired, McLean switched to number 30 and assumed starting responsibilities early in the 1999–2000 season when Richter encountered back issues. McLean’s Rangers debut occurred on October 5, 1999, where he made 25 saves in a narrow 2–1 loss. He concluded that season with a GAA of 2.89 across 22 games. The subsequent season saw his GAA increase to 3.49 over 23 appearances. After two seasons with New York and a total NHL career spanning seventeen years, McLean retired in 2001.

International play

McLean represented Canada once in international competition when selected for the 1990 World Championships held in Switzerland. He was appointed as the starting goaltender with Ken Wregget serving as backup. Canada began strongly by winning its first four round-robin matches with McLean guarding the net, including an impressive 8–0 shutout against Norway, which secured their advancement to the medal round. McLean made crucial saves during a 5–3 win over Czechoslovakia and started in a 3–1 victory against Sweden before being replaced by third-string goalie Bob Essensa. Following a hard-fought 3–3 tie against the Soviet Union—where McLean performed admirably despite facing heavy offensive pressure—Canada secured first place in the round robin.

In their initial medal round game, Canada suffered a narrow 3–2 defeat to Czechoslovakia and then started Essensa against the Soviet Union. Essensa conceded four early goals before McLean returned but allowed three additional goals in a lopsided 7–1 loss that eliminated Canada from gold medal contention. Ultimately, Canada finished fourth after losing 6–4 to Sweden, missing out on a chance for bronze.

Post-playing career

Following his retirement from professional hockey, McLean took on the role of goaltending coach for the Kamloops Blazers in the WHL during the 2002–03 campaign. Additionally, he rejoined the Vancouver Canucks organization as a commentator for the team's pay-per-view broadcasts.

McLean expanded into the culinary industry in Vancouver, becoming a co-owner of McLean's restaurant, which opened in June 2010. This venture followed his acquisition of full ownership in So.cial at Le Magasin located in the Gastown district, where he partnered with former Canucks head coach Bob McCammon. He also holds a stake in the Coquitlam Express, a Junior A hockey club competing in the BCHL, alongside ex-NHL players such as Darcy Rota, Bill Ranford, and Dave Lowry.

Between September 2010 and May 2013, McLean served as a goaltending consultant for the Colorado Avalanche. In recognition of his contributions, the Canucks inducted him as the second member into their Vancouver Canucks Ring of Honour during the 2010–11 season, commemorating outstanding players with plaques at Rogers Arena. Further honoring his legacy, he was enshrined in British Columbia's Hockey Hall of Fame in January 2014.

Personal life

After concluding his playing career, McLean resettled in Vancouver and became an active participant with the Canucks alumni team. His involvement includes supporting community fundraising efforts and promoting youth hockey programs through collaborations with Hockey Canada and BC Hockey. In September 2011, he was awarded the prestigious Jake Milford Award for his significant off-ice contributions.

A passionate golfer, McLean is associated with Marine Drive Golf Club in Vancouver and Nicklaus North Golf Club in Whistler. He gained membership at Northern Ireland’s esteemed Royal Portrush Golf Club in 2008 and has been playing golf consistently since he was ten years old.

In addition to sports, McLean was involved in thoroughbred horse racing as a co-owner of Regal Discovery, which claimed victory in the 136th running of the Queen's Plate in 1995. Ownership was shared with his then-wife Lesley and her family. The couple later divorced. He also experienced a brief marriage to Canadian journalist Jane MacDougall. As of 2020, McLean is married to former model and media consultant Genevieve Duford, with whom he resides in Vancouver.

Regular season and playoffs

1990–91 NHL season Vancouver Canucks NHL 41 10 22 3 1,969 131 0 3.99 .867 2 1 1 123 7 0 3.41 .894 1991–92 NHL season Vancouver Canucks NHL 65 38 17 9 3,852 176 5 2.74 .901 13 6 7 785 33 2 2.54 .909 1992–93 NHL season Vancouver Canucks NHL 54 28 21 5 3,261 184 3 3.39 .886 12 6 6 754 42 0 3.34 .886 1993–94 NHL season Vancouver Canucks NHL 52 23 26 3 3,128 156 3 2.99 .891 24 15 9 1,544 59 4 2.29 .928 1994–95 NHL season Vancouver Canucks NHL 40 18 12 10 2,374 109 1 2.75 .904 11 4 7 660 21 0 3.27 .893 1995–96 NHL season Vancouver Canucks NHL 45 15 21 9 2,644 156 2 3.54 .879 1 0 1 21 3 0 8.57 .750 1996–97 NHL season Vancouver Canucks NHL 44 21 18 3 2,581 138 0 3.21 .889 — — — — — — — — 1997–98 NHL season Vancouver Canucks NHL 29 6 17 4 1,583 97 1 3.68 .879 — — — — — — — — 1997–98 Carolina Hurricanes NHL 8 4 2 0 401 20 0 2.99 .889 — — — — — — — — 1997–98 Florida Panthers NHL 7 4 2 1 406 22 0 3.25 .894 — — — — — — — — 1998–99 NHL season Florida Panthers NHL 30 9 10 4 1,597 73 2 2.74 .900 — — — — — — — — 1999–00 NHL season New York Rangers NHL 22 7 8 4 1,206 58 0 2.89 .896 — — — — — — — 2000–01 NHL season New York Rangers NHL 23 8 10 1 1,220 71 0 3.49 .889 —

			Regular season									Playoffs
Season	Team	League	GP	W	L	T	MIN	GA	SO	GAA	SV%	GP	W	L	MIN	GA	SO	GAA	SV%
1982–83	Don Mills Flyers	MTHL	26	—	—	—	1575	52	0	2.01	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
1983–84	Oshawa Generals	OHL	17	5	9	0	940	67	0	4.28	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
1984–85	Oshawa Generals	OHL	47	23	17	2	2,581	143	1	3.32	—	5	1	3	271	21	0	4.65	—
1985–86	Oshawa Generals	OHL	51	24	21	2	2,380	169	1	3.58	—	4	1	2	201	18	0	5.37	—
1985–86	New Jersey Devils	NHL	2	1	1	0	111	11	0	5.95	.814	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
1986–87	Maine Mariners	AHL	45	15	23	4	2,606	140	1	3.22	.894	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
1986–87	New Jersey Devils	NHL	4	1	1	0	160	10	0	3.75	.863	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
1987–88	Vancouver Canucks	NHL	41	11	27	3	2,380	147	1	3.71	.875	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
1988–89	Vancouver Canucks	NHL	42	20	17	3	2,477	127	4	3.08	.891	5	2	3	302	18	0	3.57	.892
1989–90	Vancouver Canucks	NHL	63	21	30	10	3,739	216	0	3.47	.880	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
NHL totals			612	245	262	72	35,090	1,904	22	3.26	.887	68	34	34	4,188	198	6	2.84	.907

International

Year	Team	Tournament		GP	W	L	T	MIN	GA	SO	GAA	SV%
1990	Canada	WC		10	4	3	1	457	27	0	3.54	—
Cumulative international stats				10	4	3	1	457	27	0	3.54	—

All-Star Games

Year	Venue	Outcome	MIN	GA	GAA
1990	Pittsburgh	—	30:46	4	7.80
1992	Philadelphia	—	20:00	3	9.00
Aggregate All-Star stats		0–0–0	50:46	7	8.27

NHL

Award	Year(s)
NHL All-Star Game	1990, 1992
Second All-Star team	1992
Sporting News second All-Star team	1992

Vancouver Canucks

Award	Year(s)
Molson Cup (most three-star selections)	1988, 1990, 1995
Cyclone Taylor Trophy (team MVP)	1990, 1992
Ring of Honour	2010
Jake Milford Award	2011

Career

Most regular season games played by a goaltender – 516
Regular season wins by a goaltender – 224 (exceeding Kirk McLean's previous mark of 211 by the conclusion of the 2011–12 season)
Highest number of regular season losses for a goaltender – 228
Playoff appearances as goaltender – 68
Playoff victories as goaltender – 34
Playoff defeats as goaltender – 34
Total playoff shutouts – 6

Single-season achievements

Most playoff wins in a single postseason – 15 (1994)
Highest playoff shutouts in one postseason – 4 (1994) (tied with Roberto Luongo, 2011)
Most shots faced during playoffs – 820 (1994)
Most saves recorded in playoffs – 761 (1994)
Longest playoff time on ice – 1,543 minutes (1994)

Transactions

June 9, 1984 – Selected as the 107th overall pick by the New Jersey Devils in the NHL Entry Draft.
September 15, 1987 – Traded from New Jersey to Vancouver alongside Greg Adams and a second-round draft choice in exchange for Patrik Sundstrom and additional draft picks.
January 3, 1998 – Moved from Vancouver to Carolina together with Martin Gélinas for Sean Burke, Enrico Ciccone, and Geoff Sanderson.
March 24, 1998 – Traded from Carolina to Florida in return for Ray Sheppard.
July 13, 1999 – Signed as an unrestricted free agent with the New York Rangers.

External links

Biography of Kirk McLean available at hockeygoalies.org