Drake Caggiula Bio
Drake Caggiula is a Canadian professional ice hockey left wing who currently plays for Lausanne HC in Switzerland’s National League. He previously spent several seasons in the National Hockey League with the Edmonton Oilers, Chicago Blackhawks, Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, and Pittsburgh Penguins. Listed at 5 feet 10 inches and roughly 181 pounds, Caggiula built his career on speed, forechecking, and a dependable two-way game after going undrafted out of college.
Early Life and Background
Drake Caggiula was born on June 20, 1994, in Pickering, Ontario, Canada, to parents Sal and Terri Caggiula. He grew up in a hockey household, and his father coached and mentored him from the ages of eight to 15, helping shape his early approach to the game. His older brother, Brody, also played hockey and later became a Level 4R Ontario Minor Hockey Association official, keeping the family tied closely to the sport.
Caggiula played minor midget hockey with the Ajax/Pickering Raiders during the 2009–10 season, finishing the year with 95 points through 66 games. That production drew the attention of Ontario Hockey League scouts, and he was selected in the third round of the OHL Priority Selection by the Erie Otters.
Path to Hockey
Instead of reporting to the OHL, Caggiula chose to play with the Stouffville Spirit of the Ontario Junior Hockey League in order to protect his NCAA eligibility. As a rookie, he tallied 45 points in 48 games and was named to the OJHL North-West Conference 1st Team All-Prospect. His play also earned him a selection by the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League, and he attended the USHL Fall Classic before returning to the Spirit.
In his second season with Stouffville, Caggiula helped the club capture its first-ever OJHL title, recording 17 goals and 37 points during their long playoff run. He was again selected to the OJHL 1st Team All-Prospect and was named the most valuable player of the OJHL playoffs. During this period he also verbally accepted a full scholarship to play college hockey at the University of North Dakota.
Drake Caggiula Career
Collegiate Career at North Dakota (2012–2016)
Caggiula played for the University of North Dakota from 2012 to 2016, majoring in kinesiology while lining up as a left winger. In his freshman year he played alongside Rocco Grimaldi and Carter Rowney, appearing in 39 games and ranking second among team rookies in points, goals, and assists. The following season he helped North Dakota reach the 2014 Frozen Four, where the team fell 2–1 to Minnesota.
After his sophomore year, Caggiula attended the Buffalo Sabres’ 2014 Development Camp and opened his junior season with 13 points through nine November games, leading his conference and tying for third nationally. He capped his college career by leading North Dakota to the 2016 NCAA championship and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. He also earned Second-Team All-American West and NCHC First All-Star Team honors, finishing as the top available collegiate free agent.
Edmonton Oilers (2016–2018)
On May 7, 2016, Caggiula signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers after going undrafted. A delayed debut finally came on November 19, 2016, in a 5–2 win over the Dallas Stars, and he scored his first NHL goal on December 3, 2016, in an overtime win against the Anaheim Ducks. On June 14, 2018, he re-signed with Edmonton on a two-year deal before the trade that sent his NHL journey in a new direction.
Chicago Blackhawks (2018–2020)
On December 30, 2018, Caggiula was traded, along with Jason Garrison, to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Brandon Manning and Robin Norell. He scored his first goal as a Blackhawk on February 1, 2019, in a 7–3 win over the Buffalo Sabres. He played through a hand injury during the 2018–19 season, and in 2019–20 he posted 9 goals and 15 points in 40 games before the campaign was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Arizona Coyotes and Buffalo Sabres (2020–2022)
After Chicago did not tender him a qualifying offer, Caggiula signed a one-year, $700,000 contract with the Arizona Coyotes on December 21, 2020. He recorded 1 goal and 7 points in 27 games before being claimed off waivers by the Buffalo Sabres on April 9, 2021. On July 27, 2021, he signed a one-year, $750,000 extension with the Sabres.
Pittsburgh Penguins and Return to Edmonton (2022–2025)
As a free agent, Caggiula signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins on July 13, 2022. After one season in Pittsburgh, he returned to the Edmonton Oilers on a two-year, two-way contract on July 1, 2023, beginning his second stint with the organization that had originally signed him.
Lausanne HC Era (2025–Present)
On June 2, 2025, Caggiula signed a one-year contract with Lausanne HC of Switzerland’s National League, taking his game to Europe. The move gave him a leading role on a competitive club and an opportunity to extend his professional career abroad.
Driving Style and Strengths
Caggiula is best described as a fast, two-way left wing who thrives on the forecheck and in transitional play. His college résumé and NHL stops show a player who can drive possession, contribute on the penalty kill, and deliver timely offense in bottom-six or middle-six roles.
Notable Events and Milestones
Leading North Dakota to the 2016 NCAA championship and earning Most Outstanding Player honors stands as the defining achievement of his career. Scoring his first NHL goal in overtime against the Anaheim Ducks and later notching his first Chicago Blackhawks goal against the Buffalo Sabres also mark memorable early milestones in his pro journey.
Drake Caggiula Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Caggiula was raised by Sal and Terri Caggiula, with his father serving as his coach and mentor through his formative years. His older brother Brody also played hockey and later became a Level 4R Ontario Minor Hockey Association official, keeping the family closely connected to the sport.
Personal Life
Public information about Caggiula’s personal life is limited. He is a Canadian by nationality, and his professional journey has carried him from Pickering, Ontario, through American college hockey, several NHL cities, and now to Lausanne, Switzerland.
2025 Season Performance
Caggiula’s 2025 storyline began with his decision to leave the Edmonton Oilers and sign a one-year contract with Lausanne HC on June 2, 2025, transitioning to the National League in Switzerland. The move offered a fresh start and a featured role on a club competing at the top tier of European hockey.
With Lausanne HC, Caggiula brought his NHL-tested pace, forechecking habits, and two-way reliability to a new league. His experience from championship college hockey and multiple NHL organizations positioned him as a veteran presence expected to contribute offensively and in leadership.
Looking ahead, Caggiula’s contract with Lausanne HC runs through 2026, and his play in Switzerland will shape the next chapter of a career that has spanned the OHL, OJHL, USHL, NCAA, NHL, and now the National League. His progress with Lausanne will determine whether he continues in Europe or pursues another NHL opportunity in the future.