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Jeff O'Neill

Jeff O'Neill is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and current broadcaster.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jeff O'Neill is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and current broadcaster. A right winger from Richmond Hill, Ontario, he played in the NHL for the Hartford Whalers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Toronto Maple Leafs. He was drafted fifth overall in 1994 and retired from professional hockey after the 2006–07 season.

Early life and junior hockey

Jeff O'Neill was born in Richmond Hill, Ontario, and played junior hockey with the Guelph Storm. He was a highly regarded prospect in the OHL before moving to professional hockey.

NHL career

O'Neill began his NHL career with the Hartford Whalers and later played for the Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs. He built a 12-season NHL career as a right winger and finished with 496 points.

Statistics and achievements

Over his NHL career, O'Neill played 821 regular-season games, scoring 237 goals and 259 assists. Sources also note that he did not win a Stanley Cup as a player.

Post-playing career

After retiring, O'Neill worked in hockey broadcasting and analysis in Canada. He is known publicly as a former NHL player and media personality.

Key facts

  • O'Neill played 821 NHL regular-season games and recorded 496 career points.
  • He scored 237 goals and added 259 assists in his NHL career.
  • He was selected in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft by the Hartford Whalers with the fifth overall pick.
  • He played junior hockey with the Guelph Storm and became a franchise icon there.
  • He retired from professional hockey after the 2006–07 season.
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Canadian context

O'Neill is a Canadian-born player from Ontario and a familiar figure to Canadian hockey audiences, including Toronto Maple Leafs fans and Canadian sports-media viewers.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jeff O'Neill?
Jeff O'Neill is a Canadian former NHL right winger and current broadcaster, known for playing with Hartford, Carolina, and Toronto.
When was Jeff O'Neill born?
He was born on February 23, 1976.
Which NHL teams did Jeff O'Neill play for?
He played for the Hartford Whalers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Toronto Maple Leafs.
What was Jeff O'Neill's draft position?
He was drafted fifth overall by the Hartford Whalers in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft.
What are Jeff O'Neill's career NHL totals?
He finished with 237 goals, 259 assists, and 496 points in 821 regular-season games.
When did Jeff O'Neill retire?
He retired from professional hockey after the 2006–07 season.

References

  1. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/stats/_/id/688/jeff-oneill
    Supports: Birthdate, birthplace, position, draft information, and NHL teams
  2. Hockey-Reference — https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/o/oneilje01.html
    Supports: Birthdate, birthplace, height, weight, career totals, retirement year, and Hall of Fame status
  3. Canadian Hockey League / Guelph Storm — https://chl.ca/ohl-storm/jeff-o-neill/
    Supports: Junior hockey background, draft selection by Guelph, retirement after 2006–07, and franchise honours
  4. The Hockey Writers — https://thehockeywriters.com/docs/jeff-oneill/
    Supports: Canadian broadcaster status, NHL teams, and general career overview
  5. StatMuse — https://www.statmuse.com/nhl/player/jeff-o'neill-5164
    Supports: Career games played, goals, assists, points, and team context