Vincent Damphousse
Vincent Damphousse (born December 17, 1967) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1986 to 2004, appearing in 1,378 regular-season games and accumulating 1,205 points (432 goals and 773 assists).[1][2] Drafted sixth overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft, Damphousse was a consistent offensive producer, recording 20 or more goals in 12 seasons and surpassing 90 points four times, while winning the Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens in 1993.[1][2] He earned NHL All-Star Game Most Valuable Player honors in 1991 and served as captain of the Canadiens from 1996 to 1999.[1][3] Damphousse honed his skills in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), playing for the Laval Voisins in 1983–84 (29 goals and 65 points in 66 games) and 1984–85 (35 goals and 103 points in 68 games), before joining the Laval Titan in 1985–86, where he exploded for 45 goals and a league-high 155 points in 69 games, earning QMJHL Second All-Star Team honors.[2] This performance propelled him into the NHL, where he debuted as a 19-year-old rookie with Toronto in 1986–87, scoring 21 goals and establishing himself as a two-way forward capable of high production, and earning his first NHL All-Star selection and MVP award at the 1991 All-Star Game.[1] During his first five seasons with the Maple Leafs (1986–1991), Damphousse tallied 329 points (118 goals and 211 assists) in 394 games, including a career-best 33 goals and 94 points in 1989–90, and helped the team reach the Conference Finals in 1990 and 1991.[2] Traded to the Edmonton Oilers in November 1991, he finished the 1991–92 season with 89 points (38 goals and 51 assists) in 80 games.[1][2] Acquired by his hometown Montreal Canadiens in a blockbuster trade in 1992, Damphousse became a cornerstone of the franchise, playing seven seasons (1992–1999) and recording 498 points (184 goals and 314 assists) in 519 games, with a high of 97 points (33 goals and 64 assists) in the Cup-winning 1992–93 season, where he led the playoffs in scoring with 26 points in 20 games.[1][2] As the 24th captain in Canadiens history from 1996 to 1999, he guided the team through a transitional era, including a career-high 40 goals in the lockout-shortened 1994–95 season, and represented Canada at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey.[3][1] Traded to the San Jose Sharks from Montreal in March 1999, Damphousse spent his final six seasons (1999–2004) with the team, contributing 289 points (92 goals and 197 assists) in 385 games and serving as an alternate captain while mentoring younger players during the team's rise as a Western Conference contender.[1][4] He briefly played in Germany's Deutsche Eishockey Liga for Ratingen Lions during the 1994–95 NHL lockout (12 points in 11 games) and signed with the Colorado Avalanche in August 2004 but did not play due to the 2004–05 NHL lockout and a hip injury, retiring on September 7, 2005.[2][1] Post-retirement, Damphousse has remained involved in hockey as an ambassador for the Montreal Canadiens, participating in alumni events and community initiatives, and was considered a candidate for the Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2025.[5][6]Early life and junior career
Early life
Vincent Damphousse was born on December 17, 1967, in Anjou, a borough of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, into a French-Canadian family.[4][7] His father, Yvon Damphousse, worked as the equipment director at the Commission scolaire Jérôme-Le Royer and instilled values of punctuality and discipline in his children, while his mother, Suzanne, was a progressive teacher who encouraged exposure to arts and music, such as through the works of painter Normand Hudon.[7] The family made significant financial sacrifices to support private education and sports equipment for their children.[7] From a young age, Damphousse developed a strong interest in hockey, influenced by his older brother Martin, whom he idolized alongside Montreal Canadiens star Guy Lafleur.[7] His father built a backyard rink each winter, where Damphousse honed his skills alongside Martin and future NHL player Luc Robitaille during pee-wee hockey in local Montreal youth leagues.[7] Family camping trips across Quebec, including to Gaspésie, and a cross-Canada journey in a Winnebago at age nine with his grandparents further shaped his childhood experiences in the vibrant hockey culture of Montreal.[7] During his adolescence, Damphousse attended Collège des Eudistes (now known as Collège Jean-Eudes) in Montreal, where he balanced academics with a variety of activities beyond hockey, including badminton, tennis, soccer, and baseball.[7] He represented Quebec in badminton at the Jeux du Québec, highlighting his diverse athletic interests before focusing more intensely on hockey.[7] At age 16, he took on his first job with Arsenault Transport to contribute to family expenses.[7]Junior hockey
Damphousse began his junior hockey career with the Laval Voisins of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) during the 1983–84 season, where he recorded 29 goals and 36 assists for 65 points in 66 regular-season games as a 16-year-old rookie.[8][2] In the playoffs, he contributed 5 goals and 3 assists in 12 games, helping the Voisins capture the QMJHL President's Cup as league champions.[2] The team advanced to the 1984 Memorial Cup, Canada's national junior championship, where Damphousse appeared in three games without recording a point, though Laval ultimately fell short of the title.[8][9] In the 1984–85 season, Damphousse remained with the Laval Voisins, emerging as a key offensive contributor with 35 goals and 68 assists for 103 points in 68 games, showcasing his playmaking ability and rapid development.[8][2] His performance solidified his reputation as one of the league's top young prospects, blending scoring prowess with strong vision on the ice. For the 1985–86 season, Damphousse joined the Laval Titan—the rebranded successor to the Voisins—where he had a breakout campaign, leading the team and ranking among QMJHL leaders with 45 goals and 110 assists for 155 points in 69 games while serving as an alternate captain.[8][2] In the playoffs, he excelled with 9 goals and 28 assists in 14 games, guiding the Titan to a deep run, though they did not advance to the Memorial Cup that year.[8] His dominant junior tenure, marked by consistent high production and leadership, positioned him as a premier NHL prospect. Damphousse's exceptional junior performance culminated in his selection by the Toronto Maple Leafs as the 6th overall pick in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft, the highest-drafted player from the QMJHL that year and a testament to his status as one of the top centers available.[10][1]NHL career
Toronto Maple Leafs (1986–1991)
Vincent Damphousse made his NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 1986–87 season, shortly after being selected sixth overall in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft following a strong junior career with the Laval Titan. As an 19-year-old rookie center, he appeared in 80 games, recording 21 goals and 25 assists for 46 points, while accumulating 24 penalty minutes and posting a minus-8 plus/minus rating.[11] His performance demonstrated immediate promise as a skilled playmaker, contributing to the Maple Leafs' offense despite the team's overall struggles that season.[1] Over the next few seasons, Damphousse solidified his role as a top-line center, showing steady progression in production while adapting to the professional level. In 1987–88, he played 75 games, tallying 12 goals and 36 assists for 48 points, with 40 penalty minutes and a plus-2 rating, highlighting his growing assist-heavy contributions.[11] The following year, 1988–89, he reached 80 games again, scoring 26 goals and 42 assists for 68 points, though with 75 penalty minutes and a minus-8 rating, reflecting the Leafs' defensive challenges.[11] By 1989–90, Damphousse peaked with a career-high 33 goals and 61 assists for 94 points in 80 games, earning a plus-2 rating and establishing himself as one of the league's top offensive centers on a rebuilding Toronto squad.[11] In his final partial season with the team, 1990–91, he notched 26 goals and 47 assists for 73 points in 79 games, despite a minus-31 rating amid team inconsistencies.[11] Damphousse's tenure in Toronto showcased his evolution from a promising rookie to a reliable top-six forward and key scoring threat, amassing 329 points in 394 games over five seasons.[8] On September 19, 1991, the Maple Leafs traded him to the Edmonton Oilers, along with goaltender Peter Ing, defenseman Luke Richardson, and forward Scott Thornton, in exchange for goaltender Grant Fuhr, forward Glenn Anderson, and forward Craig Berube.[1] This deal marked the end of his time with Toronto, where he had become a cornerstone of the team's emerging young core.[12]Edmonton Oilers (1991–1992)
On September 19, 1991, Vincent Damphousse was traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Edmonton Oilers in a blockbuster deal that also sent Scott Thornton, Luke Richardson, and Peter Ing to Edmonton in exchange for Grant Fuhr, Glenn Anderson, and Craig Berube.[1][11] This move marked Damphousse's transition to a franchise navigating a post-dynasty rebuilding phase following multiple Stanley Cup wins in the 1980s, as the Oilers sought to inject youth and scoring depth into their lineup amid roster turnover.[12] During the 1991–92 NHL season, Damphousse emerged as a key offensive contributor for the Oilers, centering lines with players like Bernie Nicholls and Joe Murphy to form productive scoring combinations. He led the team in scoring with 38 goals and 51 assists for 89 points in 80 games, showcasing his playmaking ability and finishing touch despite the team's overall struggles, finishing ninth in the Smythe Division with 85 points.[11][2] His performance provided stability to Edmonton's attack during a transitional year marked by the departure of veteran stars and the integration of younger talent.[13] Following the season, on August 27, 1992, Damphousse was traded to the Montreal Canadiens along with Edmonton's fourth-round pick in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft (which became Adam Wiesel) in exchange for Shayne Corson, Brent Gilchrist, and Vladimir Vujtek.[1][14] This deal reflected the Oilers' ongoing roster reconfiguration, as they prioritized immediate contributors over Damphousse's long-term potential amid financial and competitive challenges.[12]Montreal Canadiens (1992–1999)
Damphousse was acquired by the Montreal Canadiens from the Edmonton Oilers on August 27, 1992, in exchange for Shayne Corson, Brent Gilchrist, and Vladimir Vujtek, along with Edmonton's fourth-round pick in the 1993 NHL Draft.[1] In his first season with the team, 1992–93, he made an immediate impact, leading the Canadiens in scoring with 97 points (39 goals and 58 assists) over 84 games.[1] During the playoffs, Damphousse contributed 23 points (11 goals and 12 assists) in 20 games, helping Montreal capture the Stanley Cup, their 24th championship and first since 1986.[11] Over the following seasons, Damphousse established himself as one of the Canadiens' top offensive players during his prime years in Montreal. In 1993–94, he achieved a career-high 40 goals and 91 points in 84 games, showcasing his scoring prowess on a team that reached the conference finals.[1] He followed with a strong 1995–96 campaign, recording 38 goals and 94 points in 80 games, leading the team in scoring and earning a berth in the NHL All-Star Game.[11] His consistent production, including multiple 30-goal seasons, solidified his role as a key forward on the roster. Damphousse assumed a leadership role with the Canadiens, serving as team captain from the 1996–97 season through 1998–99, succeeding Pierre Turgeon and preceding Saku Koivu.[15] Despite the team's struggles in the late 1990s, including early playoff exits, he remained a steady presence, though his production dipped to 59 points in 1997–98 and 49 points in 77 games (split between MTL and SJS) during the 1998–99 season.[11] On March 23, 1999, approaching unrestricted free agency, Damphousse was traded to the San Jose Sharks for San Jose's fifth-round pick in 1999, first-round pick in 2000, and second-round pick in 2001.[1]San Jose Sharks (1999–2004)
Following his trade from the Montreal Canadiens to the San Jose Sharks on March 23, 1999, Damphousse became an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the 1998–99 season and re-signed with the team on June 11, 1999, to a four-year contract worth slightly over $18 million, with an option for a fifth year based on performance incentives.[16] This deal positioned him as a key veteran center, providing stability and playmaking to a young Sharks roster featuring emerging talents like Patrick Marleau. In his first full season with San Jose during 1999–2000, Damphousse delivered consistent production, scoring 21 goals and 49 assists for 70 points in 82 games, helping the team reach the Western Conference finals for the first time in franchise history.[1] Damphousse's role evolved into that of a reliable leader and scorer over the next few seasons, missing significant time in 2000–01 due to injuries but rebounding strongly thereafter. In 2001–02, he notched 20 goals and 38 assists for 58 points in 82 games, earning a selection to his third NHL All-Star Game and contributing to San Jose's improved standing as a playoff contender.[1] In 2002–03, he recorded 23 goals and 38 assists for 61 points in 82 games, continuing his steady production. His steady presence on the ice emphasized conceptual playmaking and faceoff reliability, mentoring younger forwards while maintaining double-digit goal totals amid the team's push for consistency in the competitive Pacific Division. In the 2003–04 season, Damphousse shared captaincy duties in a rotating system alongside Mike Ricci, Patrick Marleau, and Alyn McCauley, wearing the "C" for 20 games as the Sharks finished first in their division with 104 points.[17] This leadership underscored his veteran influence during a run to the Western Conference finals, where San Jose fell to the Calgary Flames in six games. That year, he recorded 12 goals and 29 assists for 41 points in 82 games, capping his tenure with the franchise.[1] After the season, amid the impending NHL lockout, Damphousse announced his retirement on September 7, 2005, concluding an 18-year NHL career that included 1,205 points in 1,378 games.[18]International career
1991 Canada Cup
Vincent Damphousse was selected to Canada's roster for the 1991 Canada Cup while in his fifth NHL season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he completed the 1990–91 season with 26 goals, 47 assists, and 73 points in 79 games.[11] This performance earned him a spot on the star-studded Canadian team, coached by Mike Keenan, alongside icons like Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux, marking his first major international appearance at age 23. During the tournament, Damphousse played in all 8 games for Canada, recording 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points, along with 10 penalty minutes and 7 shots on goal.[19] His contributions came across the round-robin phase, semifinals, and final series, as he adapted to the high-stakes international style while providing depth scoring and physical play on the forward lines. The tournament represented a breakout international moment for Damphousse early in his career, helping Canada secure the championship with an undefeated record of 6 wins and 2 ties; the team defeated the United States 2–0 in the decisive Game 2 of the best-of-three final series on September 16, 1991, in Hamilton, Ontario, behind shutout goaltending from Bill Ranford.[20]Other international appearances
Damphousse represented Canada at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey, a best-on-best international tournament held in North America that served as the successor to the Canada Cup. Selected as part of the roster following the conclusion of the 1995–96 NHL season, he played in all eight games for the host nation, contributing two goals with no assists for a total of two points while logging eight penalty minutes.[21] His goals came in the tournament opener against Slovakia and against Russia in the round-robin phase.[22] Canada posted a 2-1-1 record through the preliminary round and semifinal victory over Sweden before falling 5-2 to the United States in the final at Montreal's Molson Centre, securing the silver medal in a high-profile matchup that drew significant attention to international competition.[23] Building on his prior experience from the 1991 Canada Cup, Damphousse's international career with the senior national team spanned two major tournaments, totaling 16 games played and 5 points (3 goals and 2 assists).[21]Post-retirement
Retirement
Vincent Damphousse officially announced his retirement from the National Hockey League on September 7, 2005, at the age of 37, following an 18-season career that included 1,378 regular-season games.[24][1] Reflecting on his accomplishments, Damphousse concluded his tenure with 432 goals and 1,205 points, ranking 38th on the NHL's all-time scoring list at the time, and highlighted his contributions to the 1993 Stanley Cup-winning Montreal Canadiens and the San Jose Sharks' run to the 2004 Western Conference Finals in what proved to be his final on-ice season.[25][11] The decision was influenced by his advancing age, cumulative wear from a physically demanding career that included prior injuries such as those limiting him in the 2000–01 season, and a waning passion for the game, as he admitted his "heart was not 100 per cent into it anymore" and expressed reluctance to relocate or endure another training camp.[25][1] In the immediate aftermath, Damphousse returned to his hometown of Montreal to adjust to life outside professional hockey, focusing on family time, travel, and enjoying games as a fan of the Canadiens while temporarily retaining his role on the NHL Players' Association executive committee to assist with the transition following the league's new collective bargaining agreement.[25][26]Broadcasting career
Following his retirement from professional hockey in 2005, Vincent Damphousse transitioned into broadcasting, joining the French-language sports network Réseau des sports (RDS) ahead of the 2011–12 NHL season as a hockey analyst and color commentator.[27] In this role, he provides expert commentary during live game broadcasts, drawing on his extensive playing experience across 18 NHL seasons to offer insights into team strategies and player performances.[28] Damphousse's primary focus at RDS has been on coverage of Montreal Canadiens games, where he serves as a color commentator alongside play-by-play announcers, enhancing the viewing experience for Quebec audiences with detailed analysis of on-ice action.[27] He also contributes as a panelist on the network's popular pre-game show L'Antichambre, participating in discussions on league-wide topics, matchups, and player evaluations. During the NHL playoffs, Damphousse provides specialized analysis for Canadiens postseason games and broader tournament coverage, including breakdowns of key series and tactical decisions that influence outcomes.[28][29] In July 2022, Damphousse was appointed as an ambassador for the Montreal Canadiens, participating in alumni events and community initiatives.[3] Damphousse was considered a candidate for the Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2025 but was not selected.[6][30] As of November 2025, Damphousse remains an active member of the RDS broadcasting team, continuing his roles in regular-season and playoff coverage without any reported changes to his position since joining the network.[31] His contributions have earned recognition, including a win at the 39th Prix Gémeaux in 2024 for best sports or leisure animation alongside fellow RDS analysts for exemplary game coverage.[32]Personal life
Family
Vincent Damphousse married Allana Henderson during the height of his NHL career. The couple welcomed two sons, Denver and Bo, into their family.[33][8] As a lifelong Montreal resident, Damphousse centered his family life in the city, particularly during his seven seasons with the Canadiens from 1992 to 1999, where he balanced the demands of professional hockey with fatherhood. Upon retiring in 2005, he expressed a desire to focus more on time with his wife and sons, highlighting the importance of family amid his athletic achievements.[25] Damphousse and Henderson divorced around 2015, after which he obtained joint custody of their sons. Both sons have pursued hockey careers; as of 2025, Denver plays for the Lone Star Brahmas in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), while Bo was drafted by the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in the QMJHL and participates in junior hockey. Damphousse has been involved in their development, attending events such as the inaugural LHJMQ Foundation Golf Tournament in August 2025. As of 2025, he maintains a private personal life in Montreal, prioritizing his role as a father while limiting public details about his family dynamics.[34][35][36][37][38]Legal matters
In 2011, Vincent Damphousse was charged with six counts of simple assault against his then-estranged wife, Allana Henderson, stemming from alleged incidents between 2008 and 2011.[39] On June 18, 2013, the Crown withdrew all charges against him, citing a lack of sufficient evidence to proceed, which resulted in his acquittal.[40][41] Separately, Henderson faced charges of assault, theft, and assault with a weapon filed by Damphousse in relation to their marital disputes.[42] On January 14, 2015, Damphousse requested that the Crown drop these charges against her, leading to their withdrawal and her acquittal in Quebec court.[43][44] These events, arising during the couple's divorce proceedings, drew media attention but concluded without any convictions for either party, allowing Damphousse to maintain his post-retirement focus on family and broadcasting without further legal repercussions.[45]Awards and honors
NHL All-Star selections
Vincent Damphousse was selected to participate in four NHL All-Star Games during his career (1991, 1992, 2001, 2002), playing in three while representing the Campbell Conference in 1991 and 1992, and North America in 2002.[11] In the 1991 NHL All-Star Game held at Chicago Stadium, Damphousse, then with the Toronto Maple Leafs, delivered a historic performance by scoring four goals for the Campbell Conference in an 11-5 victory over the Wales Conference, tying the All-Star single-game record previously set by Wayne Gretzky in 1983 and Mario Lemieux in 1990.[46][1] This effort earned him the All-Star Game MVP award, making him the first Maple Leafs player to receive the honor since 1963.[1] The following year, in the 1992 All-Star Game at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Damphousse suited up for the Campbell Conference (now with the Edmonton Oilers) and recorded one assist in a 10-6 win over the Wales Conference, contributing to the team's offensive output alongside stars like Mark Messier and Steve Yzerman.[47][48] Damphousse's final All-Star appearance came in 2002 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, where he represented North America against the World All-Stars. Playing for the San Jose Sharks, he tallied one goal and two assists for three points in a 13-11 loss, including the opening goal assisted by Rob Blake and an assist on Ed Jovanovski's tally.[49][50] This performance highlighted his continued productivity late in his career at age 34.[1]Major achievements
One of Vincent Damphousse's most significant achievements was winning the Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens in 1993, the franchise's 24th championship and the last for a Canadian team to date.[51] During the playoffs, he contributed 11 goals and 23 points (12 assists) in 20 games, including assisting on the Cup-clinching goal in Game 5 against the Los Angeles Kings.[11][1] His performance that postseason, following a regular season where he led the team with 97 points, underscored his pivotal role in the Canadiens' improbable run through 10 overtime victories.[1] Throughout his 18-season NHL career, Damphousse established himself as a reliable offensive contributor, achieving at least 20 goals in 12 seasons across four teams.[1] This consistency highlighted his adaptability and scoring prowess, with career totals of 432 goals, 773 assists, and 1,205 points in 1,378 games, often serving as a top-line center who elevated team production.[11] Damphousse also demonstrated strong leadership, serving as the 24th captain of the Montreal Canadiens from 1996 to 1999 and as one of the San Jose Sharks' rotating captains during the 2003–04 season.[3][52] In this role with the Sharks, he helped guide a young roster to a franchise-record 104 points and the Pacific Division title, mentoring emerging stars while contributing 41 points in 82 games despite his advancing age.[53] Complementing his All-Star selections, he earned MVP honors at the 1991 NHL All-Star Game by scoring four goals, tying a single-game record.[1]Junior awards
Career statistics
Regular season and playoffs
| Season | Age | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986-87 | 19 | TOR | 80 | 21 | 25 | 46 | -8 | 24 |
| 1987-88 | 20 | TOR | 75 | 12 | 36 | 48 | 2 | 40 |
| 1988-89 | 21 | TOR | 80 | 26 | 42 | 68 | -8 | 75 |
| 1989-90 | 22 | TOR | 80 | 33 | 61 | 94 | 2 | 56 |
| 1990-91 | 23 | TOR | 79 | 26 | 47 | 73 | -31 | 65 |
| 1991-92 | 24 | EDM | 80 | 38 | 51 | 89 | 10 | 53 |
| 1992-93 | 25 | MTL | 84 | 39 | 58 | 97 | 5 | 98 |
| 1993-94 | 26 | MTL | 84 | 40 | 51 | 91 | 0 | 75 |
| 1994-95 | 27 | MTL | 48 | 10 | 30 | 40 | 15 | 42 |
| 1995-96 | 28 | MTL | 80 | 38 | 56 | 94 | 5 | 158 |
| 1996-97 | 29 | MTL | 82 | 27 | 54 | 81 | -6 | 82 |
| 1997-98 | 30 | MTL | 76 | 18 | 41 | 59 | 14 | 58 |
| 1998-99 | 31 | 2TM | 77 | 19 | 30 | 49 | -4 | 50 |
| 1999-00 | 32 | SJS | 82 | 21 | 49 | 70 | 4 | 58 |
| 2000-01 | 33 | SJS | 45 | 9 | 37 | 46 | 17 | 62 |
| 2001-02 | 34 | SJS | 82 | 20 | 38 | 58 | 8 | 60 |
| 2002-03 | 35 | SJS | 82 | 23 | 38 | 61 | -13 | 66 |
| 2003-04 | 36 | SJS | 82 | 12 | 29 | 41 | -5 | 66 |
| Career | NHL | 1378 | 432 | 773 | 1205 | 7 | 1074 |
1996 World Cup of Hockey
| GP | G | A | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
International Totals
| GP | G | A | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 2 | 0 | 2 |