Phil Esposito Biography

Philip Anthony Esposito was born on February 20, 1942, and is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player, coach, executive, and current broadcaster for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Esposito played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Chicago Black Hawks, Boston Bruins, and New York Rangers, winning two Stanley Cups with Boston. In the 1970–71 season, he became the first player to score 50 goals in five consecutive seasons, including a record 76 goals and 152 points in that same year. After retiring as a player, Esposito served as head coach and general manager for the New York Rangers for two seasons. He served as the franchise's first president and general manager until 1998 and now holds a role as the Lightning's radio colour commentator. Esposito was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history in 2017 and ranked as the ninth-best player of all time by The Athletic in 2023. As a teenager, Esposito joined the Chicago Black Hawks and played junior hockey with the Sarnia Legionnaires during the 1960–61 season.