Michael Amadio Bio
Michael Amadio is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward who currently plays for the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League. Born on May 13, 1996, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Amadio was selected 90th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Over his NHL career, he has developed into a reliable two-way forward known for his smart positioning and consistent contributions. Amadio achieved the pinnacle of professional hockey when he won the Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023. He signed with the Ottawa Senators in July 2024, returning to the organization that originally acquired him during the 2020-21 season.
Early Life and Background
Michael Amadio grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, where he developed his passion for hockey at a young age. He was a prolific scorer during his formative years, excelling in Northern Ontario’s bantam and midget levels before advancing to junior hockey. His early success as a scorer laid the foundation for the offensive instincts that would define his game at higher levels.
Path to Professional Hockey
Amadio was selected by the Brampton Battalion of the Ontario Hockey League in the second round, 36th overall, of the 2012 OHL Priority Selection draft. In his rookie OHL season during 2012-13, he appeared in 63 games and recorded 19 points. Following the franchise’s relocation to North Bay, Ontario, Amadio continued to develop his skills with the rebranded North Bay Battalion. His second season saw him tally 12 goals and 38 points in 64 games, followed by an impressive playoff performance adding another four goals and nine points in 22 postseason games.
Michael Amadio Career
Junior Career Highlights (2012–2016)
Ahead of the 2015-16 season, Amadio was named captain of the Battalion, a recognition of his leadership abilities and on-ice performance. That season proved to be his breakout year as he scored a franchise-record 50 goals in 68 games while registering 98 points. His exceptional play earned him nominations for both the Red Tilson Trophy and William Hanley Trophy, awarded to the OHL’s most sportsmanlike player. On April 22, 2016, Amadio was named the winner of the William Hanley Trophy and was later selected to the OHL Second All-Star Team, cementing his status as one of the league’s top players.
Los Angeles Kings Era (2016–2021)
Amadio was selected by the Los Angeles Kings with the 90th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He signed his first NHL contract with the Kings on March 13, 2016, joining their American Hockey League affiliate, the Ontario Reign, for their playoff run following the 2015-16 season. After a full season with the Reign in 2016-17, Amadio received his first recall to the Kings on October 26, 2017. He made his NHL debut that night in a 4-0 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. In just his fourth NHL game on November 2, 2017, Amadio scored his first career goal in a 5-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. He demonstrated his consistency with a remarkable 17-game point streak with the Reign before earning another recall. His first multi-point game came on January 21, 2018, contributing a goal and an assist in a win over the New York Rangers. In his rookie NHL season, he appeared in 37 games with the Kings, scoring four goals and eight points.
The following seasons saw Amadio establish himself as a depth forward with the Kings. During the 2018-19 campaign, he split time between Los Angeles and the Ontario Reign, making 43 appearances with the Kings and recording six goals and 13 points. He signed a two-year contract extension in the 2019 off-season and began the 2019-20 season on the Kings’ opening night roster, appearing in 68 games with six goals and 16 points before the season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season proved challenging, as Amadio appeared in only 20 games with the Kings before being placed on waivers in March and assigned to the taxi squad.
Toronto Maple Leafs and Vegas Golden Knights (2021–2024)
On March 29, 2021, Amadio was traded to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Christian Wolanin. He made his Senators debut on April 8, 2021, in a game against the Edmonton Oilers. Following the season, Amadio did not receive a qualifying offer from Ottawa, making him an unrestricted free agent. He signed a one-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 29, 2021, and earned a spot on their opening night roster after impressing during training camp. However, after appearing in just three games without recording a point, Amadio was placed on waivers and claimed by the Vegas Golden Knights on October 30, 2021.
Amadio quickly found his footing with the Golden Knights, making his debut on November 2 against his former team, the Maple Leafs. He recorded his first point with Vegas on December 1, assisting on William Carrier’s goal, and scored his first goal for the team the very next game in a 7-1 victory over the Arizona Coyotes. On January 30, 2022, the Golden Knights signed Amadio to a two-year contract extension worth $1.525 million. He finished the 2021-22 season with 11 goals and 18 points in 53 games.
The 2022-23 season marked Amadio’s breakthrough with the Golden Knights. Initially expected to serve as a depth forward, he transformed his game from a playmaker to a more direct style, earning increased ice time. He finished the regular season with 16 goals and 27 points in 67 games. The Golden Knights advanced to the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, where Amadio scored the game-winning second overtime goal in Game 3 of the first-round series against the Winnipeg Jets on April 22, 2023. He continued his strong playoff performance, finishing with five goals and ten points, including a goal in the series-clinching Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final as the Golden Knights captured their first championship. Following the victory, Amadio returned to Sault Ste. Marie and was presented with the key to the city by Mayor Matthew Shoemaker.
In the 2023-24 season, Amadio became a regular fixture in the Golden Knights’ lineup as the team largely kept the roster that won the Stanley Cup. Playing primarily in a bottom-six role, he appeared in 73 games and recorded 14 goals and 27 points. The Golden Knights qualified for the playoffs but were eliminated in the first round by the Dallas Stars, with Amadio scoring one goal and one assist in four playoff games.
Ottawa Senators Return (2024–Present)
On July 1, 2024, Amadio left the Golden Knights after three seasons and returned to the Ottawa Senators as an unrestricted free agent, signing a three-year contract worth $7.8 million. He registered his first goal with the Senators on November 9, 2024, in a 3-2 victory over the Boston Bruins. Amadio primarily played on the team’s third line alongside Shane Pinto and Ridly Greig, often matching up against opponents’ top lines. The line emerged as one of Ottawa’s most consistent units throughout the season, with Amadio finishing with 11 goals and 27 points in 72 games. The Senators qualified for the playoffs and faced the Toronto Maple Leafs in the opening round, though they were eliminated in six games. In the playoff series, Amadio recorded one assist.
Playing Style and Strengths
Amadio has evolved into a dependable two-way forward throughout his NHL career. Originally known as a playmaker during his junior days, he adapted his game in Vegas to include a more direct style that proved effective in earning increased responsibilities. His hockey intelligence allows him to read plays well and contribute in various situations. Amadio’s ability to play both special teams roles and his versatility across forward positions make him a valuable asset for any lineup. His consistent work ethic and defensive awareness have enabled him to thrive in middle-six roles and against top opposition.
Notable Achievements
Amadio’s most significant career achievement remains winning the Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023. His playoff performance that year demonstrated his ability to elevate his game when it matters most, including clutch overtime goals and timely scoring. During his junior career, he set a Battalion franchise record with 50 goals in a single season and won the William Hanley Trophy as the OHL’s most sportsmanlike player in 2016. He also represented the OHL on the Second All-Star Team that same year.
Michael Amadio Career Statistics
Throughout his NHL career spanning multiple teams, Amadio has established himself as a reliable scoring contributor at the professional level. His versatility has allowed him to adapt to different team systems and roles throughout his career.
NHL Highlights
Amadio made his NHL debut with the Los Angeles Kings on October 26, 2017, against the Montreal Canadiens. His first NHL goal came on November 2, 2017, in a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. During his time with the Golden Knights, he became a key contributor to their championship run, scoring five goals and ten points during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. His game-winning goal in overtime against the Winnipeg Jets in Game 3 of the 2023 playoffs stands as one of the defining moments of his career.
Junior and Amateur Achievements
Prior to turning professional, Amadio built an impressive resume in the Ontario Hockey League. His 50-goal season with the Battalion in 2015-16 remains a franchise record. Winning the William Hanley Trophy in 2016 recognized his combination of skill and sportsmanship at the junior level.
Michael Amadio Personal Life
Family Background
Amadio was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. Following his Stanley Cup victory with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023, he returned home to share the championship experience with his community. On July 19, 2023, Mayor Matthew Shoemaker presented Amadio with the key to the city of Sault Ste. Marie in recognition of his achievement.
Professional Career
Amadio continues to represent his hometown with pride throughout his professional career. His journey from Sault Ste. Marie to NHL regular to Stanley Cup champion demonstrates his dedication to the sport. Currently in his second season with the Ottawa Senators following his return in July 2024, Amadio remains focused on contributing to his team’s success while building on his established professional career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 season marked Amadio’s first full campaign with the Ottawa Senators following his return to the organization in July 2024. He began the season on Ottawa’s third line, continuing his partnership with Shane Pinto while joined by veteran forward Claude Giroux. The line’s chemistry developed throughout the season, with Amadio’s two-way play complementing his linemates’ skills. On December 11, 2024, Amadio recorded a standout three-point performance, scoring one goal and assisting on two others in a game featuring assists to Giroux and Tim Stützle.
Throughout the season, Amadio’s versatility allowed Senators coaches to use him in various situations, including the penalty kill and offensive zone deployments. His consistent performance helped stabilize the Senators’ bottom-six forward group as the team pushed for a playoff position in the Eastern Conference. He finished the regular season with 15 goals and 35 points in 81 games, demonstrating his reliability over the course of a full NHL season.
The Ottawa Senators qualified for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, earning a matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes in the opening round. Despite Amadio’s contributions during the regular season, the Senators were swept in four straight games by the Hurricanes. Amadio appeared in all four playoff games, recording one assist. The playoff elimination marked the second consecutive first-round exit for the Senators during Amadio’s tenure, highlighting the team’s ongoing efforts to advance further in the postseason.