Paul Cavallini was a professional ice hockey player who played as a defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on October 13, 1965, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and began his hockey career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Kingston Canadians in 1982.
Cavallini was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the fifth round of the 1984 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Blues in the 1985-86 season and played with them for six seasons. During his time with the Blues, he was known for his physical play and his ability to block shots. He was also a key player on the team's penalty kill unit.
In 1991, Cavallini was traded to the Washington Capitals, where he played for three seasons. He was a part of the Capitals team that made it to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1998 but lost to the Detroit Red Wings. Cavallini was known for his leadership skills and was named an alternate captain during his time with the Capitals.
After his stint with the Capitals, Cavallini played for the Dallas Stars for one season before retiring in 1997. He played a total of 568 NHL games, scoring 32 goals and 116 assists for a total of 148 points. He also had 1,036 penalty minutes during his career.
Cavallini was known for his physical play and his ability to block shots. He was a solid defenseman who was reliable in his own end and could contribute offensively when needed. He was also known for his leadership skills and was a respected player in the locker room.
After retiring from hockey, Cavallini became a coach and worked with various youth hockey programs. He also worked as a color commentator for the Blues' radio broadcasts. In 2017, he was inducted into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame.
Overall, Paul Cavallini had a successful career in the NHL, playing for three different teams and earning a reputation as a solid defenseman and a leader on and off the ice.
🏒