Riley Stillman

Riley Stillman Bio

Riley Stillman is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman currently under contract with the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born in Calgary, Alberta, on March 9, 1998, Stillman grew up in Peterborough, Ontario, and developed his skills within the local minor hockey system. He was selected by the Florida Panthers in the fourth round, 114th overall, during the 2016 NHL entry draft. Following his junior career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Stillman began his professional journey in 2018 and has since appeared in over 150 NHL games across six organizations. He carries a notable family legacy in hockey, being the son of former NHL player Cory Stillman.

Early Life and Background

Riley Stillman was born in Calgary while his father, Cory Stillman, was serving as a player for the Calgary Flames. The Stillman family relocated to Peterborough, Ontario, following Cory is retirement from professional hockey, establishing roots in the community that would shape Riley is hockey development. Growing up in Peterborough provided Stillman with access to strong minor hockey programs and a supportive hockey culture that fostered his growth as a defenseman.

Stillman is younger brother, Chase Stillman, also pursued a professional hockey career and currently plays within the Vancouver Canucks organization. Additionally, Stillman is brother-in-law to NHL player Sam Lafferty, further extending the family is connections within professional hockey circles. This environment of shared athletic ambition and professional guidance undoubtedly influenced his development path.

Path to Hockey

Stillman began his organized hockey journey playing bantam and midget hockey within the Peterborough Petes minor hockey organization. His strong performances at the midget level led to an opportunity in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) with the Cobourg Cougars during the 2014-15 season. Prior to joining the Cougars, Stillman was selected 63rd overall in the 2013 OHL Priority Selection by the Oshawa Generals, marking his entry into major junior hockey.

Stillman joined the Generals near the end of the 2014-15 season from the Cougars, appearing in nine games. He emerged as a promising two-way defenseman during his rookie OHL campaign, recording 21 points in 62 games with Oshawa. His solid play earned him recognition as an NHL draft prospect, and he was selected by the Florida Panthers with the 114th overall pick in the 2016 NHL entry draft. This selection represented the continuation of a family tradition, as his father Cory had also been drafted into the NHL years earlier.

During his final junior season in 2017-18, Stillman was traded by the Generals to the Hamilton Bulldogs on December 28, 2017, joining a contending club in pursuit of an OHL championship. He responded with a career-best performance, recording 29 assists and 34 points while helping the Bulldogs capture the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL champions.

Riley Stillman Career

Junior Career (2013-2018)

Stillman is tenure with the Oshawa Generals established him as a reliable two-way defenseman capable of contributing both offensively and defensively. His rookie season in the OHL demonstrated his potential, as he posted 21 points while adapting to the faster pace and physical demands of major junior hockey. The experience gained during this developmental period proved valuable for his eventual transition to professional play.

The trade to Hamilton in 2017-18 marked a turning point in Stillman is junior career. Playing for a championship-caliber team, he elevated his game and posted his highest career point total. The Bulldogs ultimately won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, and Stillman is strong postseason performance solidified his standing as a professional prospect. Following the championship, he signed his entry-level contract with the Florida Panthers on March 5, 2018, officially beginning his professional hockey journey.

Florida Panthers Era (2018-2021)

After attending the Panthers 2018 training camp, Stillman was assigned to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds, for the 2018-19 season. He adapted well to professional hockey, showcasing a responsible two-way game that balanced defensive reliability with occasional offensive contribution. Through 46 games with the Thunderbirds, Stillman registered 11 points before receiving his first NHL recall on February 26, 2019.

Stillman made his NHL debut that same night, appearing in a 4-3 overtime defeat to the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona. The milestone carried special significance for the Stillman family, as Riley became the first father-and-son duo to play with the Panthers franchise, following in the footsteps of his father Cory. This historic connection underscored the family is deep roots within the organization and the professional hockey world.

During the 2020-21 season, Stillman remained a part of the Panthers defensive pipeline. On April 8, 2021, he was traded by Florida to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Lucas Carlsson and Lucas Wallmark, along with Brett Connolly and the rights to Henrik Borgström. Less than three weeks later, on April 25, 2021, Stillman signed a three-year, $4.05 million contract extension with the Blackhawks, securing his immediate future with his new team.

Chicago Blackhawks (2021-2022)

Stillman began the 2021-22 season with the Blackhawks, benefiting from the long-term contract he had signed during the previous campaign. The deal represented a significant vote of confidence in his abilities and provided him with an opportunity to establish himself as a regular contributor on the Chicago blue line. He appeared in 55 games during the season, demonstrating the consistency that earned him the extension.

Vancouver Canucks (2022-2023)

Ahead of the 2022-23 season, Stillman was traded once again, this time to the Vancouver Canucks. On October 7, 2022, the Blackhawks dealt him to Vancouver in exchange for Jason Dickinson and a second-round pick in the 2024 NHL entry draft. Stillman is time with the Canucks was interrupted by injuries, limiting him to just 32 games where he recorded five assists. Despite the challenges, he continued working to find his stride within a new system.

Buffalo Sabres (2023-2024)

As the 2022-23 NHL trade deadline approached, Stillman was dealt once more, joining the Buffalo Sabres organization. On February 27, 2023, the Canucks traded him to Buffalo in exchange for prospect Josh Bloom. Stillman spent parts of two seasons with the Sabres, continuing his journey through the NHL landscape while seeking稳定性 and opportunity for consistent playing time.

Carolina Hurricanes (2024-2025)

Following his departure from Buffalo as a free agent, Stillman signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Carolina Hurricanes on July 3, 2024. He began the 2024-25 season with the Chicago Wolves, Carolina is AHL affiliate, before earning a recall to the NHL roster. Stillman made his Hurricanes debut on January 28, 2025, in a 4-0 victory against the New York Rangers. Notably, he wore number 61 with Carolina, the same number his father Cory had worn during his playing career.

Stillman appeared in approximately 25 games with the Hurricanes during the 2024-25 season before his campaign concluded. After completing his lone season with Carolina, he entered free agency once again in the summer of 2025.

Edmonton Oilers (2025-Present)

On July 1, 2025, Stillman signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Edmonton Oilers, joining his sixth NHL organization. The deal provided him with a fresh opportunity with a competitive team as he enters the prime years of his career. Stillman will look to carve out a regular role within the Oilers defensive corps and contribute to the team is pursuit of postseason success.

Driving Style and Strengths

Stillman is style of play centers on reliable positioning, strong gap control, and an active stick to disrupt opposing plays. At 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds, he possesses the size necessary to handle physical competition along the boards and in front of the net. His two-way game allows him to contribute occasionally on the offensive end while prioritizing defensive responsibility. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated the ability to log important minutes and adapt to various team systems.

Notable Events and Milestones

Stillman is most significant career milestone remains his NHL debut with the Florida Panthers on February 26, 2019, which made him and his father Cory the first father-and-son duo to play with the franchise. Additionally, his championship run with the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2017-18, culminating in an OHL title, represents a career highlight. His journey through six NHL organizations demonstrates both his resilience and his ability to earn opportunities at the highest level of professional hockey.

Riley Stillman Career Wins

Throughout his professional career spanning from 2018 to the present, Stillman has accumulated experience across both the NHL and AHL levels. His most notable achievement remains winning the J. Ross Robertson Cup with the Hamilton Bulldogs during his final junior season, representing the pinnacle of his accomplishments at the major junior level.

Junior Highlights

During his OHL career, Stillman established career highs in his final season with Hamilton, recording 34 points through the regular season and playoffs combined. His performance helped the Bulldogs capture the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL champions. He was selected 114th overall by the Florida Panthers in the 2016 NHL draft, fulfilling his dream of hearing his name called at the NHL draft.

Other Wins and Performances

Beyond his championship with Hamilton, Stillman is junior career included steady development with the Oshawa Generals and Cobourg Cougars. At the professional level, he has appeared in over 150 NHL games across six organizations, demonstrating the perseverance required to maintain an NHL career through roster changes and organizational shifts.

Riley Stillman Family

Family Background and Hockey Lineage

Riley Stillman was born to Cory Stillman, a former NHL player who enjoyed a 13-year professional career with multiple teams including the Calgary Flames, Hartford Whalers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Ottawa Senators. Cory captured the Stanley Cup twice, winning with the Hurricanes in 2002 and the Senators in 2007, providing Riley with a firsthand understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level of professional hockey. This family legacy created a unique environment for Riley is development, offering both genetic predisposition and practical guidance from an experienced professional.

Personal Life

Beyond his immediate family, Stillman maintains connections throughout the professional hockey world through his brother Chase Stillman, who is currently signed with the Vancouver Canucks organization and pursuing his own professional career. Additionally, Stillman is brother-in-law to NHL player Sam Lafferty, creating a network of hockey relationships that reflects the interconnected nature of professional sports. These family ties provide both support and shared understanding as Stillman continues his hockey journey.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season represented a period of transition and opportunity for Stillman. He began the campaign with the Chicago Wolves, Carolina is AHL affiliate, before earning a recall to the Hurricanes main roster in late January 2025. His NHL debut with Carolina came in a commanding 4-0 victory over the New York Rangers, providing a positive start to his tenure with the organization. Despite the limited sample size of approximately 25 games, Stillman demonstrated the defensive reliability and positional awareness that have characterized his game throughout his career.

Following the conclusion of his lone season with the Hurricanes, Stillman entered free agency in the summer of 2025. He secured a new opportunity by signing with the Edmonton Oilers on July 1, 2025, joining an organization with strong traditions and competitive aspirations. The two-year contract provides Stillman with both stability and the chance to contribute to a team with playoff ambitions. As he integrates into the Oilers defensive corps, Stillman will look to build upon his professional experience and establish himself as a reliable option on the Edmonton blue line.