Kurtis Foster
Kurtis Foster | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 24, 1981 Canada |
| Occupation(s) | Ice hockey defenceman, coach |
| Years active | 1997–2015 (player) |
| Known for | Professional ice hockey career in the NHL; coaching career |
Kurtis Foster (born November 24, 1981) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman and current coach, having competed in 408 games within the National Hockey League (NHL).
Peterborough Petes (1997–2002)
In 1997, Foster was chosen 69th overall by the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He made his first appearance against the Belleville Bulls on September 18, 1997, and scored his inaugural OHL goal a week later versus the Kingston Frontenacs. During his initial season, he tallied 1 goal and totaled 2 points across 39 contests.
The 1998–99 campaign saw Foster improve to 2 goals and 15 points over 54 games. The next year, he participated in all 68 matches, producing 6 goals and 24 points while accumulating 116 penalty minutes, ranking fourth in that category for the team. He also netted his first playoff goal against Belleville.
Foster’s offensive breakthrough occurred in the 2000–01 season when he registered 17 goals and amassed 41 points in 62 games. During this period, he achieved his first three-point game and recorded his initial hat-trick. In seven postseason appearances, he contributed a goal and two points.
In the 2001–02 season, Foster played 33 games, scoring 10 goals and earning 14 points before advancing to his professional career.
Calgary Flames (2000–2001)
At the 2000 NHL Entry Draft held at the Pengrowth Saddledome in Calgary, Foster was selected by the Calgary Flames with the 40th overall pick in the second round.
On December 18, 2001, Calgary traded Foster along with Jeff Cowan to the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for Petr Buzek and a sixth-round selection in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.
Atlanta Thrashers (2001–2004)
Following his trade to Atlanta, Foster transitioned from junior hockey with Peterborough to their AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, for the remainder of the 2001–02 AHL season. In 39 appearances, he contributed 6 goals and totaled 15 points, playing a role in Chicago’s successful run to capture the Calder Cup.
During the 2002–03 AHL season, Foster led all Chicago defencemen with totals of 15 goals and 42 points over 75 games while amassing 159 penalty minutes. He also briefly appeared in two NHL games with Atlanta but did not register any points.
In the 2003–04 season, Foster posted 11 goals and accumulated 30 points across 67 AHL contests. He added three assists during ten playoff matches. At the NHL level, he skated in three games for Atlanta and earned his first NHL point—a helper—on February 3. That season, he was honored with the Yanick Dupre Memorial Award for outstanding community service in the AHL.
On June 26, 2004, Foster was traded to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in exchange for defenceman Niclas Hävelid.
Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (2004–2005)
Due to the cancellation of the NHL season caused by the 2004–05 NHL lock-out, Foster spent that year exclusively with Anaheim’s AHL affiliate, the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks. Over 78 games, he led all Cincinnati blueliners with totals of 17 goals and 42 points. His efforts helped secure a playoff berth where he added two goals and five points across nine contests.
Following this season, Foster entered free agency.
Minnesota Wild (2005–2009)
Foster joined the Minnesota Wild on August 4, 2005. He started the 2005–06 season with their AHL team, the Houston Aeros, where he tallied 4 goals and 15 points across 19 games before being called up. His NHL debut for Minnesota came on November 19, when he scored twice against Tomáš Vokoun of the Nashville Predators. Over 58 NHL appearances that season, Foster accumulated 10 goals and 28 points.
During the 2006–07 campaign, Foster appeared in 57 games for Minnesota, contributing 3 goals and 23 points. He achieved his first NHL game with three points on December 29. Foster made his playoff debut on April 11, providing two assists in three postseason contests.
In the 2007–08 season, Foster played 56 games, registering 7 goals and 19 points before sustaining a fractured left femur on March 20 in a match versus the San Jose Sharks. The injury occurred during an accidental collision while racing for icing; he required surgery and was sidelined for the remainder of both the regular season and playoffs. This incident prompted an NHL rule revision aimed at enhancing player protection during icing chases.
Foster was not cleared to begin the 2008–09 season but announced by October 11 that he could skate fully without discomfort. On February 9, 2009, he returned to action with Houston on a conditioning assignment and rejoined Minnesota’s roster by March 7. He completed the season with one goal and six points in ten games before entering free agency.
Tampa Bay Lightning (2009–2010)
Foster inked a one-year deal worth $600,000 with the Tampa Bay Lightning on July 8, 2009. His debut came on October 3, 2009, in a 6–3 defeat to the Atlanta Thrashers. He recorded his first point for Tampa Bay on November 21 by assisting on a goal from Martin St. Louis during a 3–1 loss against the Carolina Hurricanes. The following game, Foster netted his first goal for the Lightning against Ondřej Pavelec of Atlanta in a tight 4–3 victory. On November 27, he scored twice in a game against Henrik Lundqvist and the New York Rangers, contributing to a decisive 5–1 win. Throughout the 2009–10 season, Foster played in 71 games, amassing eight goals and a career-best 34 assists for a total of 42 points; however, Tampa Bay did not qualify for the 2010 playoffs. He was also shortlisted for the prestigious Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy before becoming an unrestricted free agent.
Edmonton Oilers (2010–2011)
On July 1, 2010, Foster agreed to a two-year contract worth $3.6 million with the Edmonton Oilers. He made his Oilers debut on October 7, 2010, contributing to a 4–0 victory over the Calgary Flames. His first point came on October 21 when he assisted on an Aleš Hemský goal during a 4–2 loss to his former team, Minnesota Wild. Foster scored his inaugural goal for Edmonton on October 26 against Calgary’s goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff in a narrow 5–4 defeat.
After encountering complications from surgery addressing his broken femur in early 2011—a situation that nearly resulted in loss of his leg and life—Foster became an advocate for NHL safety reforms, specifically targeting icing regulations. He stressed the urgency of these changes to prevent further severe injuries. Notably, Hockey Night in Canada analyst Don Cherry had long supported eliminating touch icing.
Foster reached a milestone on February 12, 2011, by recording his hundredth career assist with a secondary helper on an Andrew Cogliano goal during a 5–3 loss to the Ottawa Senators. He wrapped up the 2010–11 season with totals of eight goals and fourteen assists (22 points) across seventy-four games as Edmonton missed out on the 2011 playoffs.
On July 1, 2011, Foster was traded to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenseman Andy Sutton.
Anaheim Ducks (2011–2012)
Foster rejoined the Ducks organization and participated in two games with their AHL team, the Syracuse Crunch, where he recorded one assist. He made his first appearance for Anaheim on October 23, 2011, facing the Phoenix Coyotes, and scored a goal against goaltender Mike Smith in a 5–4 defeat. Throughout nine games with Anaheim, Foster accumulated one goal and two points.
On December 12, 2011, Foster, along with Timo Pielmeier, was traded to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Rod Pelley, Mark Fraser, and a seventh-round selection in the 2012 NHL Draft.
New Jersey Devils (2011–2012)
Foster’s debut with the Devils came on December 13, 2011, contributing to a 3–2 victory over the Florida Panthers. He notched two assists on December 17 during a 5–3 win against the Montreal Canadiens. On January 14, he scored his inaugural goal for New Jersey against Ondřej Pavelec of the Winnipeg Jets in a tight 2–1 triumph. Over 28 games that season, Foster amassed three goals and nine assists, totaling twelve points.
On February 24, 2012, Foster was traded to the Minnesota Wild alongside Nick Palmieri, Stéphane Veilleux, and draft picks in return for Marek Židlický.
Minnesota Wild (2011–2012)
Foster completed the season with Minnesota, making his debut on February 26 in a 4–3 victory over the San Jose Sharks. During this second tenure, he appeared in fourteen games but did not record any points. He entered free agency following the conclusion of the season.
Tappara (2012–2013)
Amid the uncertainty caused by the 2012–13 NHL lockout, Foster signed with Finnish SM-liiga team Tappara on October 23, 2012. He appeared in thirteen games during the lockout period, tallying six points. After the new NHL collective bargaining agreement was finalized on January 8, 2013, Foster departed Tappara to return to North America with intentions to secure an NHL contract.
Philadelphia Flyers (2012-2013)
Foster inked a deal with the Philadelphia Flyers on January 13. He made his Flyers debut on January 19 in a 3–1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins and recorded his first point—a helper—on January 20 against the Buffalo Sabres. His first goal for Philadelphia came on February 2 against goaltender Dan Ellis of the Carolina Hurricanes during a 5–3 victory. In twenty-three games throughout the abbreviated 2012–13 NHL season, Foster compiled one goal and four assists for five points. He became an unrestricted free agent following that season.
Late career
After his tenure with Philadelphia concluded, Foster signed a one-year contract on July 30, 2013, with Croatian outfit KHL Medveščak Zagreb, who had recently joined the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
Following a short period with Slovan Bratislava in the KHL, Foster transitioned to Germany’s top league, the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL), joining Adler Mannheim for the remainder of that campaign. He contributed eight points over fifteen playoff games and played an integral role in Mannheim's championship victory. On April 24, 2015, Foster agreed to a two-year contract with the Nürnberg Ice Tigers, extending his career within the DEL. His contract was mutually ended in June 2016. The following month, Foster retired from professional play to pursue coaching opportunities.
Peterborough Petes (2016–2017)
Foster embarked on his coaching journey in July 2016, taking on the role of assistant coach with the OHL's Peterborough Petes, working alongside head coach Jody Hull. During the 2016–17 campaign, the Petes achieved a 42–21–2–3 record, securing the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Their playoff run concluded in the Eastern Conference Finals after being defeated by the Mississauga Steelheads.
Kingston Frontenacs (2017–2020)
Following one season in Peterborough, Foster transitioned to the Kingston Frontenacs as an assistant coach under Jay Varady. The Frontenacs ended the 2017–18 season with a 36–23–6–3 record, placing third in the Eastern Conference, but ultimately fell to the Hamilton Bulldogs in the conference finals.
In 2018, Foster was elevated to head coach after Varady accepted a position with the AHL's Tucson Roadrunners. His inaugural season (2018–19) proved difficult as Kingston underwent a rebuilding phase, finishing last in the league with a 14-52-1-1 record and accumulating just 30 points.
The subsequent 2019–20 season saw progress, bolstered by the presence of elite-status forward Shane Wright. The Frontenacs improved their record to 19-39-2-2, earning 42 points and clinching eighth place in the Eastern Conference. Although they qualified for postseason play, the playoffs were canceled due to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic in North America.
On April 29, 2020, Foster was relieved of his duties as head coach of Kingston.
Oshawa Generals (2021–2022)
On July 6, 2021, Foster was appointed associate coach of the Oshawa Generals for the 2021–22 season. The Generals finished with a 30-31-2-5 record, amassing 67 points and securing sixth place in the Eastern Conference. Their playoff journey ended in six games against Foster’s former team, the Kingston Frontenacs, during the conference quarter-finals.
Arizona Coyotes/Utah Mammoth (2022–present)
On October 6, 2022, it was announced that Foster had joined the Arizona Coyotes of the National Hockey League as a development coach. He maintained this role following the franchise's relocation to Salt Lake City, Utah in 2024 and its rebranding as the Utah Mammoth.
Personal
Foster’s brother, Craig, was selected fifth overall in the 2000 OHL Draft and spent five seasons competing in the OHL before playing four years with the UPEI Panthers at Canadian university level. Craig currently coaches a Midget AAA girls hockey squad based in Sherwood, Prince Edward Island. Foster and his wife Stephanie are parents to three children.
Regular season and playoffs
... [Statistics continue as originally provided] ...| Regular season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | ||
| 1997–98 | Peterborough Petes | OHL | 39 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 45 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | ||
| 1998–99 | Peterborough Petes | OHL | 54 | 2 | 13 | 15 | 59 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | ||
| 1999–2000 | Peterborough Petes | OHL | 68 | 6 | 18 | 24 | 116 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||
| 2000–01 | Peterborough Petes | OHL | 62 | 17 | 24 | 41 | 78 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 10 | ||
| 2001–02 | Chicago Wolves | AHL | 39 | 6 | 9 | 15 | 59 | 14 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 21 | ||
| 2001–02 | Peterborough Petes | OHL | 33 | 10 | 4 | 14 | 58 | |||||||
| AHL totals | 286 | 54 | 97 | 151 | 426 | 42 | 4 | 10 | 14 | 75 | ||||
| NHL totals | 405 | 42 | 118 | 160 | 308 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | ||||
International
| Year | Team | Tournament | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Canada | U18 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Awards and honors
| Accolades | Year | |
|---|---|---|
| OHL | ||
| CHL Top Prospects Game | 2000 | |
| AHL | ||
| Calder Cup (Chicago Wolves) | 2002 | |
| Yanick Dupre Memorial Award | 2004 | |
| KHL | ||
| All-Star Game | 2014 | |
| DEL | ||
| Champion (Adler Mannheim) | 2015 | |
Ontario Hockey League
| Team | Season | Regular Season | Playoffs | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | W | L | OTL | SO | Pts | Standing | Outcome | ||
| Kingston Frontenacs | 2018–19 | 68 | 14 | 52 | 1 | 1 | 30 | 5th in East Division | Did not qualify |
| Kingston Frontenacs | 2019–20 | 62 | 19 | 39 | 2 | 2 | 42 | 5th in East Division | Postseason cancelled |
| OHL Career Total | 130 | 33 | 91 | 3 | 3 | 72 | 0-0 (0.000) | ||