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Colby Joseph Armstrong (born November 23, 1982) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger and current hockey broadcaster. He was selected in the first round, 21st overall, by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2001 NHL entry draft. Armstrong also previously played for the Atlanta Thrashers, Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens. He currently serves as an analyst for NHL on Sportsnet along with being an analyst for the Pittsburgh Penguins on SportsNet Pittsburgh.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Armstrong was born in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, but grew up in Saskatoon. His father worked for the City of Saskatoon[1] and his mother operates a skating school in Saskatoon.[2] He has an older sister, Tiffany, and a younger brother, Riley.[1] He attended St. Joseph High School in Saskatoon.[3]

Hockey career

[edit]

Junior hockey

[edit]

Armstrong played his minor hockey with the Saskatoon Redwings and Saskatoon Blazers.[4] He later played major junior hockey with the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League (WHL) beginning in 1999. In his second year with the Rebels, the team won the 2000–01 WHL championship.[5] This allowed the Rebels to play for the Memorial Cup as the best junior hockey team in Canada. The tournament was held in Regina, Saskatchewan. The Rebels won the cup in overtime in the final with Armstrong as their captain.[6][7] He played one more year with Rebels and finished his major junior career with 185 points in 205 games.[7][8]

Professional hockey

[edit]

Armstrong was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round of the 2001 NHL entry draft as the 21st pick overall. He was assigned to the Penguins' American Hockey League affiliate, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins beginning in the 2002–03 season.[7] In the 2005–06 season, Armstrong made his NHL debut,[9] and had a superb rookie season, in which he played 47 games and tallied 40 points (16 goals and 24 assists).[10] Armstrong had three overtime goals for the Penguins in the 2006–07 season in which he accumulated 12 goals and 34 points. The Penguins and Armstrong avoided an arbitration hearing in the 2006–07 off-season by re-signing him to two-year, $2.2 million contract.[11] Armstrong became very close friends with teammate Sidney Crosby while playing for the Penguins.[3] On January 1, 2008, Armstrong scored the first ever outdoor Winter Classic goal in the inaugural event.[12]

Pittsburgh traded Armstrong on February 26, 2008, to the Atlanta Thrashers, alongside Angelo Esposito, Erik Christensen and a first-round draft pick in the 2008 NHL entry draft, in exchange for Marián Hossa and Pascal Dupuis.[13] He then scored 11 points in 18 games to finish out the 2007–08 season with Atlanta. In the 2008–09 season, Armstrong played in all 82 games, matching his career high of 40 points. On July 16, 2009, Armstrong re-signed with the Thrashers to a one-year, $2.4 million contract.[14] He served as one of the team's alternate captains during the 2009–10 season.[10] He was also suspended for two games in April for an illegal hit on Mathieu Perreault of the Washington Capitals.[15] He finished the season with 15 goals and 29 points in 79 games.[16]

On July 1, 2010, Armstrong signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Toronto Maple Leafs on a three-year, $9 million contract.[16][17] With his first two seasons largely affected by injury and inconsistent play, on June 30, 2012, he was bought-out by the Maple Leafs from his final season of his contract. He played in 79 games over the two years, registering 9 goals and 26 points. He was named an alternate captain by the Maple Leafs during his time with them.[18]

With the opening of free agency the next day, July 1, 2012, Armstrong signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Montreal Canadiens.[19] During the lock-out-shortened 2012–13 season, he signed to play with the Utah Grizzlies, where his brother Riley was playing at the time.[10] After the season resumed, Armstrong suffered another major injury in an April game versus the Carolina Hurricanes.[20] He finished the season contributing only 5 points in 37 games.[21]

On July 27, 2013, Armstrong left the NHL as a free agent and signed his only European contract with the Växjö Lakers of the Swedish Hockey League, playing one season.[21][22]

International play

[edit]
Medal record
Representing  Canada
Ice hockey
World Championships
Gold medal – first place 2007 Russia
Silver medal – second place 2009 Switzerland

Armstrong was a member of Canada's 2007 IIHF World Championship-winning team. His only goal of the tournament was the game-winning goal in the gold medal game against Finland in Moscow, which Canada won 4–2.[23] He also played in the 2009 IIHF World Championship for Team Canada[24] where they won the silver medal after losing to Russia 2–1 in the final.[25]

Broadcasting career

[edit]

Rogers Media hired Armstrong as an analyst for Sportsnet's national coverage of the NHL starting in the 2014–15 season. Since 2016, he has also been an analyst of Pittsburgh Penguins games for the SportsNet Pittsburgh studio and game broadcast crew[22][26][27] and games on TNT since 2022.[28]

In 2019, Armstrong was in training to appear on the CBC reality TV show Battle of the Blades. However, he was injured during training and instead appeared on the show as one of the judges.[29]

He currently appears on the Spittin' Chiclets spinoff podcast, Game Notes, on the Barstool Sports network, with former teammate Matt Murley.[30]

Personal life

[edit]

Armstrong's younger brother Riley briefly played in the NHL with the San Jose Sharks.

Career statistics

[edit]

Regular season and playoffs

[edit]
Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
1998–99 Saskatoon Blazers AAA SMHL 33 21 19 40 103 — — — — —
1998–99 Red Deer Rebels WHL 1 0 1 1 0 — — — — —
1999–2000 Red Deer Rebels WHL 68 13 25 38 122 2 0 1 1 11
2000–01 Red Deer Rebels WHL 72 36 42 78 156 21 6 6 12 29
2001–02 Red Deer Rebels WHL 64 27 41 68 115 23 6 10 16 22
2002–03 Wilkes–Barre/Scranton Penguins AHL 73 7 11 18 76 3 0 0 0 4
2003–04 Wilkes–Barre/Scranton Penguins AHL 67 10 17 27 71 24 3 1 4 45
2004–05 Wilkes–Barre/Scranton Penguins AHL 80 18 37 55 89 10 4 2 6 14
2005–06 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 47 16 24 40 58 — — — — —
2005–06 Wilkes–Barre/Scranton Penguins AHL 31 11 18 29 44 — — — — —
2006–07 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 80 12 22 34 67 5 0 1 1 11
2007–08 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 54 9 15 24 50 — — — — —
2007–08 Atlanta Thrashers NHL 18 4 7 11 6 — — — — —
2008–09 Atlanta Thrashers NHL 82 22 18 40 75 — — — — —
2009–10 Atlanta Thrashers NHL 79 15 14 29 61 — — — — —
2010–11 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 50 8 15 23 61 — — — — —
2011–12 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 29 1 2 3 9 — — — — —
2012–13 Montreal Canadiens NHL 37 2 3 5 12 4 0 0 0 15
2013–14 Växjö Lakers SHL 37 12 7 19 26 10 0 1 1 20
AHL totals 251 46 83 129 280 37 7 4 11 22
NHL totals 476 89 120 209 376 9 0 1 1 26

International

[edit]
Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2007 Canada WC 1st place, gold medalist(s) 9 1 1 2 4
2009 Canada WC 2nd place, silver medalist(s) 9 0 3 3 4
Senior totals 18 1 4 5 8

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Colby Armstrong

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Colby Joseph Armstrong (born November 23, 1982) is a Canadian former winger and current hockey broadcaster. He played eight seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 2005 to 2014, appearing in 476 games for the , , , and , where he recorded 89 s and 120 assists for 209 points while maintaining a plus-minus rating of +24. Known for his physical, energetic style and leadership on the ice, Armstrong also represented internationally, contributing to a at the 2007 IIHF —where he scored the game-winning in the final—and a at the 2009 tournament. Earlier in his career, he won the 2001 with the Western Hockey League's . Selected 21st overall by the in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, Armstrong debuted with the team in the 2005–06 season after developing in the with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. He established himself as a reliable depth forward and penalty killer, later being traded to the in 2007 and signing with the Maple Leafs as a in 2010. His NHL tenure ended with a brief stint on the Canadiens in 2013–14, after which he played one season in Sweden's SHL with the before retiring in 2015. Since retiring, Armstrong has built a successful broadcasting career, serving as an NHL analyst for , contributing to the Pittsburgh Penguins' coverage on , and appearing on and the podcast. His engaging personality and insider perspective have made him a popular figure in hockey media, including hosting his own interview series, On the Couch with Colby.

Early life and junior career

Early life

Colby Armstrong was born on November 23, 1982, in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Canada. His family relocated to Saskatoon, where he spent much of his childhood and developed a strong connection to the local sports community. Armstrong grew up in an athletic family that emphasized competition and physical activity. His father was a former hockey player, while his mother was a professional figure skater who later operated a skating school in Saskatoon. He has an older sister, Tiffany, who pursued a professional career in soccer, including playing in Australia, and a younger brother, Riley, who also played professional hockey, including two NHL games with the San Jose Sharks. This family environment, surrounded by siblings and parents involved in sports, sparked Armstrong's early passion for hockey and encouraged his active participation from a young age. Armstrong began playing minor hockey with the Lloydminster Minor Hockey Association (MHA), honing basic skills in his birthplace before the family's move. Upon settling in , he continued his development with local teams, including the Saskatoon Redwings in the minor hockey system and later the Saskatoon Blazers at the midget AAA level, where he built foundational abilities like skating and puck handling under structured coaching, recording 21 goals and 19 assists for 40 points in 33 games. These experiences in Saskatchewan's competitive youth leagues laid the groundwork for his progression into more organized junior play.

Junior hockey

Armstrong was selected by the in the sixth round, 103rd overall, of the 1997 (WHL) Bantam Draft. He joined the team for the 1998–99 season, embarking on a four-year major junior career marked by steady development as a physical right winger known for his tenacity along the boards and willingness to engage in tough play. In 1998–99, he appeared in 1 game, recording 1 assist. Over 205 regular-season games with the Rebels from 1998 to 2002, Armstrong amassed 76 goals, 109 assists, and 185 points while accumulating 393 penalty minutes, showcasing his blend of scoring ability and physical edge. The following year, 1999–2000, saw improvement with 13 goals and 25 assists in 68 games, totaling 38 points amid 122 penalty minutes. His most productive season came in 2000–01, when he erupted for 36 goals and 42 assists—78 points—in 72 games, helping the Rebels capture the WHL championship and the , defeating 6–5 in the final held in . In his final junior year, 2001–02, Armstrong served as team captain for the Rebels, recording 27 goals and 41 assists for 68 points in 64 games, plus 6 goals and 10 assists in 23 playoff games. His aggressive, physical style and leadership qualities drew NHL attention, culminating in his selection by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round, 21st overall, of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, where scouts praised his potential as a hard-nosed winger difficult to dislodge from high-danger areas.

Professional hockey career

Pittsburgh Penguins era

Following his selection as the 21st overall pick in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, Colby Armstrong signed a three-year entry-level contract with the . He completed his junior season with the in 2001–02, though he was later traded to the for the playoffs, helping them win the , before transitioning to professional hockey, receiving his initial assignment to the Penguins' (AHL) affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, for the 2002–03 season. In his AHL debut year, Armstrong appeared in 73 games, recording 7 goals and 11 assists while accumulating 76 penalty minutes, showcasing his physical presence and willingness to engage in the gritty aspects of the game. Over the subsequent seasons in the AHL (2003–04 and 2004–05), he continued to develop, playing 147 combined games with 28 goals and 54 assists, honing a tenacious, energy-driven style that emphasized forechecking and hits. Armstrong made his NHL debut on December 29, 2005, against the at Mellon Arena, a game delayed by the that postponed his full professional transition. In his first NHL appearance, he contributed energetically on the ice, logging shifts alongside established teammates and demonstrating the physicality that defined his approach. His first NHL goal came shortly after, on January 6, 2006, in a power-play tally against the , assisted by Tom Surovy and , helping Pittsburgh secure a 5–4 victory. The 2005–06 season marked Armstrong's breakout at the NHL level, where he played 47 games for , posting 16 goals and 24 assists for 40 points while achieving a plus-15 rating—tied for the team lead among regulars—and 58 penalty minutes. His offensive contributions and relentless added depth to Pittsburgh's rebuilding roster, including stints on lines with emerging stars like . In the following 2006–07 campaign, Armstrong solidified his role, appearing in all 80 games with 12 goals and 22 assists for 34 points, along with a plus-2 rating and 67 penalty minutes. His physical play was particularly evident, as he ranked among the team's leaders in hits and provided consistent energy on the third and fourth lines, including three goals that highlighted his performance. Armstrong's tenure with the Penguins ended on February 26, 2008, when he was traded to the as part of a blockbuster deal that sent forwards Marian Hossa and Pascal Dupuis to in exchange for Armstrong, , prospect Angelo Esposito, and the Penguins' 2008 first-round draft pick (used by Atlanta to select Daultan Leveille 29th overall).

Atlanta Thrashers era

Following his acquisition by the from the on February 26, 2008, in exchange for forwards Marian Hossa and Pascal Dupuis along with prospects and a draft pick, Armstrong made an immediate impact as a physical winger. In the remaining 18 games of the 2007–08 season, he recorded 4 goals and 7 assists for 11 points while providing energy and hits in a bottom-six role. Armstrong's production rose significantly in the 2008–09 season, where he appeared in all 82 games and achieved career highs with 22 goals, 18 assists, and 40 points, helping solidify his place as a reliable middle-six forward known for his speed and forechecking. He also contributed on the penalty kill, logging substantial time and aiding Atlanta's special teams efforts. An early-season in October 2009 briefly sidelined him, but he returned to play a key role in the team's penalty-killing unit throughout his tenure. In the 2009–10 season, Armstrong suited up for 79 games, tallying 15 goals and 14 assists for 29 points amid ongoing trade rumors fueled by the Thrashers' unstable ownership and speculation that ultimately led to the franchise's move to in 2011. On July 16, 2009, he signed a one-year, $2.4 million contract extension with , reflecting the team's intent to retain his gritty style despite the uncertainty. His consistent physicality and versatility made him a fan favorite during a challenging period for the organization.

Toronto Maple Leafs era

On July 1, 2010, Armstrong signed a three-year, $9 million contract as an unrestricted with the , bringing his physical, energy-line style to the team under general manager Brian Burke. The deal averaged $3 million annually and positioned him as a key bottom-six forward expected to provide grit and secondary scoring alongside players like Mikhail Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin. In the 2010–11 season, Armstrong appeared in 50 games for , recording 8 goals and 15 assists for 23 points, but his campaign was marred by multiple that limited his consistency and impact. Early in the year, on October 26, 2010, he suffered a in his left hand during a game against the , requiring surgery and sidelining him for approximately four to six weeks. Later, on March 14, 2011, he broke his foot while blocking a shot from defenseman Mike Lundin, an that effectively ended his season and prevented him from contributing in the final stretch of games. Despite these setbacks, Armstrong's physical presence and 38 penalty minutes underscored his role as a agitator, though his production fell short of expectations given the contract's value. The 2011–12 season brought further challenges, with Armstrong limited to 29 games, tallying just 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points amid a string of debilitating injuries. On October 19, 2011, he sprained his left ankle in the first period against the Winnipeg Jets, missing the next 23 games and disrupting his early-season rhythm. Returning in December, he sustained a concussion on December 17, 2011, during a collision with Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler; Armstrong initially concealed symptoms like nausea and blurred vision to avoid missing more time, but was placed on injured reserve indefinitely after disclosing them the following day, sparking discussions on player accountability and concussion awareness in the NHL. Later, on March 6, 2012, he broke his nose in a fight against Boston Bruins defenseman Dennis Seidenberg, adding to his day-to-day status and further eroding his availability. These injuries contributed to a sharp decline in performance, with his ice time averaging under 10 minutes per game and no goals after the opening month. By the end of the 2011–12 season, Armstrong's frequent absences had turned him into a cap burden for the salary-capped Leafs, leading to his placement on unconditional waivers on June 30, 2012, followed by a of the final $3 million year of his . Under NHL rules, Toronto would retain a $1 million hit over the next two seasons while paying Armstrong two-thirds of the remaining value, allowing the team to clear space for roster adjustments. Over two seasons in , the injuries hampered what was intended as a resurgence, resulting in only 79 games played and 26 points, a far cry from his more productive tenure in .

Montreal Canadiens era

On July 1, 2012, Armstrong signed a one-year contract worth $1 million with the as an unrestricted following the buyout of the final year of his deal with the . During the , he joined the ECHL's on December 5, 2012, to play alongside his brother Riley, though he did not appear in any regular-season games before the lockout ended. The lockout resolution on January 6, 2013, allowed Armstrong to return to the NHL, where he filled a role as a physical depth forward on the Canadiens' fourth line, providing energy and agitation while contributing to penalty kill duties. In 37 regular-season games, he recorded 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points, along with 12 penalty minutes and a +1 plus-minus rating, often paired with wingers like and . His scoring output included his first goal as a Canadien on March 16, 2013, in a 2–1 win over the , and his final NHL goal on March 19, 2013, tying the score in a 3–2 overtime loss to the . Armstrong also appeared in four playoff games against the , accumulating 15 penalty minutes without recording a point. At the conclusion of the 2012–13 season, Armstrong opted not to pursue further NHL opportunities and instead explored professional options overseas, which ultimately led to his announcement following the 2013–14 campaign.

International and post-NHL play

International play

Colby Armstrong represented at the IIHF on two occasions during his NHL career, earning selections as a gritty, physical forward amid a highly competitive roster of established players. In 2007, while with the , Armstrong was added to Team Canada's roster for the tournament in , , where he appeared in all nine games, recording one goal and one assist for two points. His lone goal came in the gold medal game, a game-winner against in a 4-2 victory that secured Canada's 24th world title. Armstrong returned to the Canadian squad in 2009, selected during his tenure with the , and contributed to the silver medal effort in and , , playing nine games with three assists and no goals. Known for his intangibles and physical presence, he filled a checking-line role as Canada fell 2-1 to in the final. Over his international career, Armstrong tallied one goal and four assists in 18 games for at the IIHF .

European leagues

Following his departure from the NHL, Armstrong signed a one-year with the Växjö Lakers HC of the (SHL) on July 27, 2013. During the 2013–14 season, Armstrong appeared in 37 regular-season games for the Lakers, recording 12 goals and 7 assists for 19 points, while accumulating 26 penalty minutes. He contributed further in the with 1 assist in 10 games as the team advanced to the postseason. Adapting to the European style, Armstrong noted the larger surface emphasized skating and development, describing the pace as slower and more tactical, akin to a "chess match," which allowed for greater emphasis on positioning over high-speed physicality. He adjusted to practical differences such as bus travel for away games and carrying his own equipment, while maintaining his energetic presence through instinctive play. The move also required family adjustments, with Armstrong, his wife , and their young children relocating to an apartment in . Armstrong announced his retirement from professional hockey in the summer of 2014 at age 31, following the conclusion of his SHL season, to pursue opportunities in after a career spanning over a decade in North American professional leagues.

Broadcasting career

Transition to broadcasting

Following his retirement from professional hockey in 2014 after a stint in European leagues, Colby Armstrong made a swift transition into , leveraging his experience as a player to provide insider perspectives on the game. Armstrong's first major role came with Rogers Media, where he was hired as a studio analyst for Sportsnet's national NHL coverage beginning in the 2014–15 season. He debuted on in late 2014, appearing as a rookie analyst during pre-game and intermission segments. Lacking formal broadcasting training, Armstrong navigated an initial learning curve that included mastering industry terminology and cultivating a confident on-air presence. He focused on developing his delivery through practice and feedback, drawing on his playing background to offer authentic player insights while adapting to the studio environment. By 2016, Armstrong expanded his media footprint with contributions to radio programming and podcasts, where he discussed game strategies and player mindsets from his NHL tenure.

Roles with and NHL Network

Armstrong joined as a studio analyst for national NHL coverage beginning in the 2014–15 season, drawing on his professional playing experience to provide insights during games and special programming. He regularly contributes to pregame and postgame shows, breaking down plays, strategies, and player performances for Canadian audiences. His role expanded to include prominent appearances on trade deadline panels, where he discusses potential deals, team needs, and the emotional impact on players, often sharing anecdotes from his own career trades. In addition to live broadcasts, Armstrong participates in Sportsnet's panel discussions, offering balanced analysis on league-wide topics such as roster construction and playoff races. These contributions have helped establish him as a reliable voice for behind-the-scenes perspectives, emphasizing the human elements of the game. From 2019 to 2022, amid the challenges of pandemic-disrupted seasons, he maintained a steady presence on these programs, adapting to remote formats while delivering commentary on team morale and adjustments. Armstrong has also made guest appearances on NHL Network programming, including data-driven alternate broadcasts and player-focused segments that extend his reach to U.S. viewers. Starting around 2015, these included contributions to interview-style shows and analysis pieces, broadening his platform beyond Canadian networks. He has contributed to as a studio analyst and for alternate broadcasts, such as the NHL DataCast, since at least 2023. Additionally, Armstrong appears regularly on the podcast, providing commentary on current NHL events. Beyond traditional broadcasting, Armstrong has hosted "On the Couch with Colby," a video series and podcast-style program since 2018, where he conducts in-depth conversations with current NHL players about career highlights, team dynamics, and off-ice life. The format highlighted personal stories and locker room insights, resonating with fans seeking unfiltered hockey narratives. Recent episodes as of November 2025 include interviews with and . Armstrong's style—characterized by humor, authenticity, and a player-first viewpoint—has earned praise for making complex topics accessible and engaging. In August 2025, he appeared on the "100% Hockey" to reflect on his broadcasting journey, the evolution of media roles, and tips for aspiring analysts.

Pittsburgh Penguins broadcaster

In 2023, Colby Armstrong joined as an in-game for games, expanding on his role as a studio analyst that began in and drawing from his tenure as a Penguins forward from 2001 to 2007. Armstrong rotated in this capacity with fellow former Penguins and from the 2023–25 seasons, partnering with play-by-play voice Josh Getzoff to deliver game analysis. During the 2024–25 season, he provided commentary on significant developments, such as Sidney Crosby's milestone of securing his 20th consecutive point-per-game season on March 27, 2025, and the team's late efforts toward a playoff berth amid a challenging 34-36-12 campaign that ended in elimination on April 6. On August 18, 2025, SportsNet Pittsburgh announced Mike Rupp's departure from the broadcast team, positioning Armstrong and Bourque as the primary color analysts for the 2025–26 season. Armstrong, a fan favorite known for infusing broadcasts with the high-energy style of his 2000s-era playing days, will contribute to the Penguins' slate of 16 nationally televised games that season.

Personal life

Family

Colby Armstrong married his wife, Melissa Lavelle, in 2009 after meeting her during his tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The couple has four children: son Cruise (born 2011), and daughters Mila (born 2013), Liv (born 2015), and Lucy (born 2017). Following Armstrong's stint playing in Europe during the 2014–15 season, the family relocated to the Pittsburgh area in October 2015 to provide stability for the children amid his frequent career-related moves. Melissa has been instrumental in supporting the family through Armstrong's demanding schedules, both during his NHL travels and later in his broadcasting role, which often requires extended time away from home. In a 2025 interview, Armstrong highlighted his children's growing involvement in sports, noting particular pride in his son Cruise's selection by the in the WHL U.S. Priority Draft.

Interests and philanthropy

Armstrong is an avid outdoorsman, particularly fond of and . During his time playing in with HC, he celebrated his 31st birthday by going on a successful trip in the region. He has also expressed interest in local and opportunities while settling his family in , seeking advice and potential buddies for such activities. Post-retirement, Armstrong maintains his athletic physique through consistent workouts and off-season conditioning routines, as showcased in videos from his playing days that emphasize strength and . He occasionally participates in pickup hockey games to stay sharp on the . Armstrong has been actively involved in , particularly supporting the Foundation and youth hockey initiatives in . As co-vice president of the Penguins Alumni Association, he contributes to community events, including youth clinics and charity games that visit 10 to 20 local communities annually. Since 2021, his efforts have included participating in foundation fundraisers like the Summer Sticks Golf Classic and virtual panels for students on wellness topics. In 2017, he teamed up with Penguins players and the Iceburgh for a -based hockey experience program benefiting special needs children at The Pathfinder School, with plans for ongoing annual events. A key aspect of Armstrong's advocacy work focuses on and player wellness, informed by his own injury history, including concussions sustained during his NHL career. In a 2022 interview, he discussed the mental toll of injuries and self-imposed pressure in , describing it as "the worst two years of my life in hockey," and praised initiatives like Carey Price's leave for raising awareness in the sport. He emphasized the importance of support systems, such as family, in managing these challenges. Armstrong enjoys and has connections within the genre; he helped inspire the song "Never Not" and participated in a 2018 tribute concert featuring Canadian country artists to support the tragedy victims. His pre-game rituals included eating waffles, a habit he detailed in a interview.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Armstrong's professional career in North American leagues spanned the NHL and AHL, where he accumulated solid production as a physical winger known for his energy and penalty minutes. Over 476 NHL regular season games from 2005 to 2013, he recorded 89 goals, 120 assists, and 209 points, with a +24 plus-minus rating and 376 penalty minutes, split across the , , , and . In the AHL, primarily with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton from 2002 to 2006, he played 251 games, tallying 46 goals, 83 assists, and 129 points, along with 280 penalty minutes and a +16 plus-minus.

NHL Regular Season

SeasonTeamGPGAPts+/-PIM
2005–06PIT47162440+1558
2006–07PIT80122234+267
2007–08PIT5491524+650
2007–08ATL184711–26
2008–09ATL82221840+575
2009–10ATL79151429+661
2010–11TOR5081523–138
2011–12TOR29123–89
2012–13MTL37235+112
Total47689120209+24376

AHL Regular Season

SeasonTeamGPGAPts+/-PIM
2002–03WBS7371118–1376
2003–04WBS67101727+671
2004–05WBS80183755+989
2005–06WBS31111829+1444
Total2514683129+16280

SHL Regular Season

SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPtsPIM
2013–14 HCSHL427162324
Total427162324
Armstrong's NHL production peaked from 2005–06 to 2009–10, when he averaged over 0.4 across 360 contests, highlighted by a career-high 22 goals in 2008–09 with and consistent contributions on scoring lines with during their emerging contender phase. This period showcased his transition from a depth forward to a reliable middle-six player, bolstered by his physicality and ability to generate offense in high-event situations. However, injuries in contributed to a decline in output from 2010–11 onward, where he managed just 0.27 over 116 appearances, shifting toward a more defensive and enforcer role before concluding with . In the playoffs, Armstrong's NHL experience was limited to nine games, with one assist and no goals, split between five games with Pittsburgh in 2007 and four with Montreal in 2013; neither run advanced beyond the first round. His AHL playoff tenure was more extensive, appearing in 37 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, where he posted seven goals and 11 points, including a strong 2004–05 run that reached the division finals.

International

Armstrong represented at the IIHF World Championships in 2007 and 2009, where he played as a physical winger and enforcer on the national team. In 2007, captured the gold medal, defeating 4–2 in the final, with Armstrong contributing offensively in a supporting role. The team earned silver in 2009, losing to in the championship game. These were his only senior international appearances.
YearTournamentGPGAPtsPIM
2007IIHF World Championship91124
200990334
Total181458

References

  1. https://www.nhl.com/player/colby-armstrong-8469474
  2. https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/a/armstco01.html
  3. https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/9067/colby-armstrong
  4. https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=46427
  5. https://watch.sportsnet.ca/on-the-couch-with-colby-armstrong
  6. https://leaderpost.com/sports/hockey/regina-pats/armstrong-remembers-his-own-golden-goal
  7. https://theahl.com/news/armstrongs-make-sports-a-family-affair
  8. https://thestarphoenix.com/sports/hockey/colby-armstrong-armed-with-popcorn-for-his-biggest-prank
  9. https://www.eliteprospects.com/draft/whl-prospects-draft/1997
  10. https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/2001-memorial-cup-champions/
  11. https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/861/red-deer-rebels/captaincy-history
  12. https://www.espn.com/nhl/draft2001/s/skatercaps.html
  13. https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2005/12/31/Armstrong-a-hit-in-belated-debut-with-Penguins/stories/200512310213
  14. https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2009/07/17/Thrashers-re-sign-Armstrong/stories/200907170166
  15. https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=5346213
  16. https://www.nbcsports.com/nhl/news/2010-nhl-free-agency-colby-armstrong-signs-3-year-9-million-deal-with-toronto
  17. https://www.nbcsports.com/nhl/news/leafs-forward-colby-armstrong-expected-to-miss-4-6-weeks-with-finger-injury
  18. https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/armstrong-broken/
  19. https://www.9news.com/article/sports/nhl/sprained-ankle-sidelines-leafs-armstrong/73-334585951
  20. https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/featured/2011/12/20/maple-leafs-forward-colby-armstrong-out-with-concussion-he-hid-from-team
  21. https://www.nbcsports.com/nhl/news/watch-dennis-seidenberg-break-colby-armstrongs-nose
  22. https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs-buy-out-colby-armstrong/
  23. https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/maple-leafs-part-ways-with-oft-injured-colby-armstrong-1.1201603
  24. https://www.spotrac.com/nhl/player/_/id/1416/colby-armstrong
  25. https://www.nbcsports.com/nhl/news/colby-armstrong-signs-with-echl-utah-grizzlies
  26. https://nationalpost.com/sports/hockey/nhl/canadiens-colby-armstrong-breathes-sigh-of-relief-after-ending-goal-drought-2
  27. https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/gamelog/_/id/1551/colby-armstrong
  28. https://thehockeywriters.com/docs/colby-armstrong/
  29. https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/2009-wmc-005-en
  30. https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2007/04/25/Colby-Armstrong-added-to-Team-Canada-roster/stories/200704250203
  31. https://www.quanthockey.com/whc/en/teams/team-canada-players-2007-whc-stats.html
  32. https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/team-canada/men/world-championship/2007/home
  33. https://theihlc.com/2007/05/13/ihlc-results-canada-4-2-finland-may-13-2007/
  34. https://www.quanthockey.com/whc/en/teams/team-canada-players-2009-whc-stats.html
  35. https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/team-canada/men/world-championship/2009/can-roster
  36. https://stats.iihf.com/Hydra/200/IHM2000CAN_83_10_0.pdf
  37. https://www.quanthockey.com/hockey-stats/en/profile.php?player=129
  38. https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/armstrong-signs-with-team-in-sweden/
  39. https://www.eliteprospects.com/transfer/2013/07/28/colby-armstrong-in-a-confirmed-transaction-to-vaxjo-lakers-hc/172430
  40. https://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/q-a-former-maple-leaf-colby-armstrong/article_fd95796b-73b9-5a36-a11f-c8f3504bc289.html
  41. https://www.cbc.ca/television/battleoftheblades/skaters/colby-armstrong-1.5274505
  42. https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/access-behind-the-scenes-with-colby-armstrong/
  43. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/colby-armstrong-on-broadcasting-fleurys-farewell-sidney/id1787800910?i=1000722678470
  44. https://prospeakers.com/speakers/colby-armstrong/
  45. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2KNCRI5Tz0
  46. https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/5-friday-colby-armstrong-getting-traded-deadline/
  47. https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-datacast-broadcast-western-conference-final
  48. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql4lztJWtoQ
  49. https://smt.com/tnt-sports-launching-nhl-datacast-for-western-conference-final/
  50. https://x.com/armdog
  51. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo12SYwt93STDM65ieX12DOnyQ53pFRZB
  52. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ht47lJfzDYI
  53. https://www.sportscage.com/centerpiece/we-got-a-saskie-phenom-spittin-chiclets-analyst-colby-armstrong-excited-about-maddox-schultzs-hockey-career-10756629
  54. https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/voices-added-pittsburgh-penguins-tv-broadcast-team
  55. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4875266/2023/09/18/penguins-tv-broadcasters-2023-2024/
  56. https://triblive.com/sports/sportsnet-pittsburgh-hires-analysts-for-penguins-games/
  57. https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2023/09/20/penguins-broadcast-colby-armstrong-phil-bourque-mike-rupp-bob-errey-sidney-crosby/stories/202309200111
  58. https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/sidney-crosby-point-per-game-all-time-record/
  59. https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2025/04/06/penguins-blackhawks-sidney-crosby-ville-koivunen-rutger-mcgroarty/stories/202504040099
  60. https://triblive.com/sports/mike-rupp-wont-return-to-penguins-broadcasts-this-season/
  61. https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2025/08/18/mike-rupp-broadcasts-sportsnet-pittsburgh-tv-news/stories/202508180036
  62. https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2021/10/22/pittsburgh-penguins-colby-armstrong-mike-sullivan-sidney-crosby-nhl/stories/202110220092
  63. https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/penguins-to-appear-on-national-tv-sixteen-times-in-2025-26
  64. http://hockeyfortheladies.blogspot.com/2009/06/congratulations-to-colby-and-melissa.html
  65. https://www.ajc.com/sports/hockey/more-than-hockey-for-wives-thrashers-players/7fuNPfNtaDVGJ8uO1d3dCM/
  66. https://www.facebook.com/HM3Partners/posts/we-are-delighted-to-have-colby-and-melissa-armstrong-at-this-years-celebrity-car/382061712434053/
  67. https://www.post-gazette.com/life/seen/2019/11/25/lumaze-festival-lights-holidays-31st-street-studios-strip-district/stories/201911250004
  68. https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/colby-armstrong-back-in-red-deer-with-sportsnet/
  69. https://www.timesonline.com/story/sports/nhl/2016/06/07/former-penguin-colby-armstrong-embarking/18563001007/
  70. https://lebomag.com/bartkowski-in-the-booth/
  71. https://chl.ca/whl/article/western-hockey-league-completes-2025-whl-u-s-priority-draft/
  72. https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/ex-leaf-colby-armstrong-goes-deer-hunting-in-sweden-on-his-birthday/article_9124782d-8077-59ab-be17-35d2f9862261.html
  73. https://twitter.com/armdog/status/361570171535638528
  74. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKOebwZtS7s
  75. https://www.nhl.com/penguins/team/penguins-alumni
  76. https://issuu.com/penguinsfoundation/docs/ppf_community_report_2020-21_pages/s/15581406
  77. https://purbalite.net/9448/sports/baldwin-and-penguins-help-special-needs-children/
  78. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6tpvf2n_oY
  79. https://www.facebook.com/sportsnet/videos/how-colby-armstrong-helped-inspire-new-high-valley-song-never-not/1061695584597209/
  80. https://discoverhumboldt.com/articles/hunter-brothers-perform-at-humboldt-broncos-tribute-concert
  81. https://theathletic.com/792713/2019/02/01/20-questions-with-colby-armstrong-on-waffles-pre-game-rituals-and-a-boy-named-cheese/
  82. https://www.iihf.com/en/medalists
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