Garrett Pilon Bio
Garrett Pilon, born April 13, 1998, in Mineola, New York, is an American-born Canadian professional ice hockey centre and captain. He currently plays for the Belleville Senators in the American Hockey League (AHL) under contract to the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League (NHL). Drafted 87th overall in the third round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft by the Washington Capitals, Pilon has built a steady professional career as a reliable two-way centre with a strong leadership presence.
Standing 183 centimetres tall and weighing around 86 kilograms, Pilon has progressed through junior, minor professional, and NHL ranks since beginning his professional career in 2018. He is also recognized for his Métis heritage, which connects him to a broader Indigenous community in Canadian hockey culture.
Early Life and Background
Garrett Pilon was born on April 13, 1998, in Mineola, New York, where his father Rich Pilon was playing professional hockey at the time. Rich Pilon went on to play 15 seasons in the National Hockey League, most notably with the New York Islanders, giving Garrett direct exposure to elite-level competition from a very young age. Growing up around a major professional locker room helped shape Garrett’s understanding of the game, training habits, and the discipline required to succeed at the highest levels of hockey.
After his early years in New York, Pilon was raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where he is recognized as being of Métis heritage. This Canadian upbringing allowed him to develop within one of the country’s most competitive youth hockey environments. His combined American and Canadian background later allowed him to represent Canada internationally in various competitions.
Path to Hockey
Garrett Pilon developed through Canadian youth hockey systems before reaching the major junior ranks with the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League. His strong two-way play, hockey sense, and leadership qualities quickly made him a notable prospect in the WHL, and scouts recognized his potential as a future professional centre.
On March 30, 2017, after completing his junior career, Pilon signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Washington Capitals and was assigned to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Hershey Bears. This marked the start of his professional journey, where he would spend the next several seasons refining his game and preparing for potential NHL opportunities.
Garrett Pilon Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
Garrett Pilon began his professional career with the Hershey Bears during the 2018–19 AHL season, transitioning from major junior hockey to the professional ranks. Over his first three professional seasons, he spent the majority of his time developing with Hershey, adjusting to the speed and physicality of the AHL while contributing as a reliable centre.
During these developmental years, Pilon worked on his offensive production and defensive responsibilities, gradually earning a more prominent role within the Bears’ lineup. His steady progression set the foundation for his later NHL recall and positioned him as a key depth centre within the Capitals organization.
Washington Capitals Era (2021–2022)
During the 2020–21 NHL season, Pilon received his first NHL opportunity when the Capitals recalled him on May 8, 2021, and he made his NHL debut against the Philadelphia Flyers. Following the season, he re-signed with Washington on a two-year contract, reflecting the organization’s confidence in his development.
In the 2021–22 season, Pilon was recalled again, this time after Lars Eller was placed in COVID-19 protocols. He was leading the Hershey Bears in points at the time of his call-up. On November 16, 2021, Pilon scored his first career NHL goal against the Anaheim Ducks, marking a major milestone in his young career. He spent parts of two seasons with the Capitals before becoming an unrestricted free agent.
2023 Calder Cup Championship
While playing for the Hershey Bears during the 2022–23 AHL season, Pilon delivered one of the most memorable moments of his career. He scored the overtime winner in Game 5 of the 2023 Calder Cup Finals against the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the only goal of the game, giving Hershey a 3–2 series lead. The Bears then closed out the series in Game 7 to capture their 12th Calder Cup championship.
Belleville Senators Era (2023–Present)
On July 1, 2023, Pilon signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Ottawa Senators as an unrestricted free agent. After attending Ottawa’s 2023 training camp, he was placed on waivers on September 30, 2023, and after going unclaimed was assigned to Ottawa’s AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators. He played the entire 2023–24 season with Belleville, recording 18 goals and 47 points in 62 games.
On July 1, 2024, Pilon signed a two-year, two-way contract to remain with Ottawa. Ahead of the 2024–25 AHL season, he cleared waivers and was assigned to Belleville. Following the departure of captain Dillon Heatherington during the offseason, Belleville named Pilon the sixth captain in franchise history on October 8, 2024.
Driving Style and Strengths
Pilon is recognized as a dependable two-way centre with strong hockey sense, responsible defensive play, and growing offensive production. His ability to contribute in all situations has made him a valuable leader and point-producer at the AHL level.
Notable Events and Milestones
Pilon’s most defining professional moment came in the 2023 Calder Cup Finals, when his overtime goal in Game 5 helped propel the Hershey Bears to the championship. He also reached the milestone of his first NHL goal on November 16, 2021, against the Anaheim Ducks, and was later named the sixth captain in Belleville Senators franchise history.
Garrett Pilon Career Wins
Garrett Pilon’s most significant career victory came in 2023, when he helped the Hershey Bears capture the Calder Cup championship in the American Hockey League. His overtime winner in Game 5 of the Finals was a defining contribution to the title run.
AHL Highlights
During the 2023 Calder Cup Playoffs, Pilon played a key role for the Hershey Bears, including his memorable overtime goal in Game 5 of the Finals. In the following 2023–24 AHL season, he led the Belleville Senators offensively with 18 goals and 47 points in 62 games, establishing himself as a top centre in the league.
Other Wins & Performances
Throughout his junior career with the Kamloops Blazers, Pilon was a consistent contributor in the Western Hockey League, helping develop the two-way game that has defined his professional career.
Garrett Pilon Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Garrett Pilon comes from a deep hockey family, as his father Rich Pilon played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League, most notably for the New York Islanders. Growing up around professional hockey gave Garrett an early understanding of the dedication required to succeed at the game’s highest levels.
Personal Life
Pilon is married and is of Métis heritage, having been raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. His American birthplace and Canadian upbringing have given him a unique cultural background that he carries throughout his hockey career.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Garrett Pilon serves as the captain of the Belleville Senators, providing leadership and consistent two-way play for Ottawa’s AHL affiliate. After a strong 2023–24 campaign in which he posted 18 goals and 47 points in 62 games, expectations remain high for him to continue producing at a similar pace.
Pilon’s leadership will be a key storyline for Belleville, especially as the team adjusts to new personnel following the offseason departure of previous captain Dillon Heatherington. His experience in Calder Cup playoff hockey with Hershey also gives the team a proven performer in high-pressure situations.
With a two-year contract keeping him in the Ottawa organization through 2025–26, Pilon remains a steady presence in Belleville and a potential recall option for the parent Ottawa Senators throughout the 2025 season.