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Josh Archibald
Josh Archibald
Josh Archibald
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Joshua Archibald (born October 6, 1992) is a Canadian-born American former professional ice hockey right winger. Archibald was selected by the Penguins in the sixth round (174th overall) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Archibald was born in Regina, Saskatchewan.[1] His father Jim Archibald was a notorious Enforcer for the North Dakota Fighting Sioux men's ice hockey team in college, setting the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) record for penalty minutes before joining the Minnesota North Stars of the National Hockey League.[2] His mother Anne also attended the University of North Dakota, where she was part of the school's swim team.[3] Archibald grew up in Lumsden, Saskatchewan, a small town in the Qu'Appelle Valley, and he played minor ice hockey for the Balgonie Prairie Storm and, briefly, the Moose Jaw AAA Warriors of the Saskatchewan Male U18 AAA Hockey League.[4]

When he was 15 years old, Archibald and his family moved to Brainerd, Minnesota, where he continued to play ice hockey for Brainerd High School.[5] As a senior in 2011, Archibald set a Brainerd single-season scoring record with 78 points, and his 152 career points for the Brainerd Warriors was the second-highest in program history.[6] Also in 2011, Archibald was a finalist for Minnesota's Mr. Hockey award, given to the top graduating high school ice hockey player in the state. The award that year went to Kyle Rau, then with Eden Prairie High School.[7]

Playing career

[edit]

NCAA

[edit]

He then played college hockey at the University of Nebraska Omaha from 2011 to 2014. He was selected as the WCHA Rookie of the Week in November 2011.[8] At Nebraska Omaha, Archibald played on a line with future Pittsburgh Penguins teammate Jake Guentzel.[9] In 2013–14, Archibald was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, marking him as one of the ten best players in men's college hockey;[10] he was also named All-NCHC First Team,[11] and won the NCHC's Player of the Year and Forward of the Year awards.[12]

Professional

[edit]

Pittsburgh Penguins

[edit]

On May 16, 2014, Archibald signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.[13] Archibald made his NHL debut on March 5, 2016, in a home game against the Calgary Flames[14] but was soon reassigned to the Penguins AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

He was recalled back to the Penguins on February 11, 2017, which is also when he scored his first 2 NHL goals in a game against the Arizona Coyotes. However, he was returned to the Penguins AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins two games later. He was recalled to the Pittsburgh in late March and competed in the 2017 Stanley Cup Finals, lifting the Stanley Cup after teammate Jake Guentzel.[15]

On July 12, 2017, Archibald re-signed with the Penguins on a two-year, one-way contract with an average annual value of $675,000.[16][17]

In the 2017–18 season, Archibald made the Penguins' opening night roster. On December 1, 2017, he was reassigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for a conditioning stint.[18]

Arizona Coyotes

[edit]

On December 19, 2017, the Penguins traded Archibald, along with Sean Maguire and a 6th-round pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for Michael Leighton and a fourth-round pick in 2019. This trade's purpose was to clear space for a follow-up trade which brought defenceman Jamie Oleksiak to Pittsburgh from Dallas.[19]

The Coyotes chose not to tender Archibald a qualifying offer after the 2018–19 season, and he was released into free agency.[20]

Edmonton Oilers

[edit]

On July 16, 2019, the Edmonton Oilers signed Archibald to a one-year contract.[21] Shortly into the 2019–20 season, while playing on the checking line with Riley Sheahan and Jujhar Khaira, he fractured his right foot under unspecified circumstances.[22] Even after his return, he did not score a goal until December 1, when he was promoted to the top line alongside Connor McDavid. Archibald received a shot from Darnell Nurse to help put the Oilers up 5–2 over the Vancouver Canucks.[23] Although he was not a permanent fixture on the top line, Archibald was often the first to be promoted during the 2019–20 season when one of McDavid's usual partners was unavailable.[24] On March 7, 2020, the Oilers signed Archibald to a two-year contract extension that would take him through the 2021–22 season.[25] The following week, the NHL chose to suspend the regular season indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic;[26] at the time of the pause, Archibald had 12 goals and 21 points in 62 games.[27] When the NHL resumed play for the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs in July, Archibald was one of 31 Oilers invited into the Edmonton "bubble".[28] There, the Oilers lost the qualifying round 3-1 against the Chicago Blackhawks.[29]

On October 3, 2021, Oilers medical staff announced that Archibald would be out indefinitely because of myocarditis, which developed after he contracted COVID-19 during the summer of 2021.[30] By March 12, 2022, he had made a full recovery and returned to the Oilers line up. However, he would be limited by the travel restrictions Canada currently has in place for unvaccinated people crossing the border. He was able to participate in eight of the final twenty-four games of the regular season, largely in a fourth-line role.[31] The Oilers qualified for the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs, and Archibald participated in the team's deep run to the Western Conference Final, where they lost to the Colorado Avalanche in four games.[32]

Return to Pittsburgh

[edit]

As a free agent from the Oilers, Archibald returned to his original club, the Pittsburgh Penguins, after signing a one-year, $900,000 contract on July 13, 2022.[33]

Tampa Bay Lightning

[edit]

On July 1, 2023, Archibald signed as a free agent to a two-year, $1.6 million contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.[34] On September 9, 2023, it was announced by Lightning General Manager, Julien BriseBois, that Josh Archibald was “placed on unconditional waivers… for the purpose of terminating his contract” following talks with Archibald and his agent where it was made clear that Josh would not be playing hockey for unspecified reasons.[35]

International career

[edit]

Archibald holds dual citizenship for both Canada and the United States, choosing to play for the Americans in international competition.

Archibald played with Team USA at the 2012 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.[36]

Personal life

[edit]

Archibald was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, but grew up in Brainerd, Minnesota and is a dual citizen of both Canada and the United States. His father, Jim Archibald, played in the NHL with the Minnesota North Stars during the mid-1980s.[37]

In June 2016, he married Bailey Baxter.[38] They had met at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Their first child, Brecken Carter Archibald, was born in August 2017.[39][40] On August 30, 2017, Brecken, at 3 weeks old, was baptized in the Stanley Cup.[41]

After COVID-19 infection in summer 2021, Archibald developed myocarditis. He was out for most of the 2021–22 season but rejoined the Oilers in March 2022.[42][43]

Career statistics

[edit]

Regular season and playoffs

[edit]
Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2009–10 Brainerd High USHS 27 22 35 57 74 — — — — —
2010–11 Brainerd High USHS 27 30 48 78 40 — — — — —
2011–12 Omaha Mavericks WCHA 36 10 5 15 33 — — — — —
2012–13 Omaha Mavericks WCHA 39 19 17 36 34 — — — — —
2013–14 Omaha Mavericks NCHC 37 29 14 43 62 — — — — —
2013–14 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins AHL 7 1 0 1 13 2 1 0 1 0
2014–15 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins AHL 45 5 8 13 24 3 0 1 1 0
2014–15 Wheeling Nailers ECHL 9 7 4 11 4 — — — — —
2015–16 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins AHL 69 9 9 18 75 10 1 0 1 10
2015–16 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 1 0 0 0 0 — — — — —
2016–17 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins AHL 61 16 13 29 54 5 2 0 2 16
2016–17 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 10 3 0 3 4 4 0 0 0 2
2017–18 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 3 0 0 0 0 — — — — —
2017–18 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins AHL 6 1 2 3 4 — — — — —
2017–18 Arizona Coyotes NHL 39 5 6 11 25 — — — — —
2018–19 Arizona Coyotes NHL 68 12 10 22 15 — — — — —
2019–20 Edmonton Oilers NHL 62 12 9 21 12 4 1 0 1 4
2020–21 Edmonton Oilers NHL 52 7 6 13 37 3 0 0 0 2
2021–22 Edmonton Oilers NHL 8 0 1 1 7 13 0 1 1 4
2022–23 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 62 6 6 12 43 — — — — —
NHL totals 305 45 38 83 143 24 1 1 2 12

International

[edit]
Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2012 United States WJC 7th 6 0 2 2 6
Junior totals 6 0 2 2 6

Awards and honors

[edit]
Award Year
College
All-NCHC First Team 2014 [44]
AHCA West First-Team All-American 2014
NHL
Stanley Cup champion 2017 [45]

References

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

Josh Archibald

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Josh Archibald (born October 6, 1992) is a Canadian-born American former right winger who played in the National Hockey League (NHL). Drafted 174th overall by the in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Archibald contributed to the Penguins' 2017 victory and appeared in 249 regular-season games across five NHL teams, accumulating 83 points. Archibald's junior and college career highlighted his offensive potential. After playing for the Brainerd High School Warriors, where he earned multiple MVP awards, he committed to the , leading the NCHC in scoring during the 2013–14 season with 32 points in conference play and finishing as a top-10 finalist for the , recognizing the nation's top college hockey player. This performance prompted his early departure to turn professional with the Penguins' organization. In the NHL, Archibald debuted with in 2016–17, scoring his first goals and participating in the en route to the championship, though his role was limited to four games in the Final. Traded to the in 2019, he established himself as a physical, bottom-six forward known for grit and speed before moving to the , , and . His career included a two-game suspension in 2018 for an illegal check to the head. A notable interruption occurred in 2021 when, unvaccinated against , Archibald contracted the virus and subsequently developed , an inflammation of the heart muscle, sidelining him indefinitely but from which he recovered to return to play. He became an unrestricted after the 2022–23 season and has not played professionally since.

Early life

Family background and upbringing

Josh Archibald was born on October 6, 1992, in , , to parents Jim and Anne Archibald. His father, Jim Archibald, had a brief professional hockey career, appearing in 21 NHL games with the from 1985 to 1987 after playing college hockey at the under coach Dean Blais from 1981 to 1985. The family resided in the Qu'Appelle Valley region of during Josh's early years, initially settling in Lumsden, approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Regina, where he developed an interest in hockey influenced by his father's background. In the spring prior to Archibald's freshman year of high school, the family relocated from to , to provide better opportunities for his hockey development. There, he attended Brainerd High School, where his father served as a coach, fostering a continued emphasis on the sport within the household. This move marked a transition from Canadian minor hockey systems to American prep hockey, though Archibald noted the adjustment was manageable given his prior exposure to competitive play in . The family's athletic heritage, particularly through his father's experiences, instilled a disciplined approach to the game from an early age.

Introduction to hockey and early achievements

Josh Archibald was born on October 6, 1992, in , , where he began playing hockey at a young age, influenced by his father, Jim Archibald, a former professional enforcer who played for teams including the . Growing up in the nearby community of Craven, Archibald was skating almost as soon as he could walk, developing his skills in local youth leagues amid Saskatchewan's strong hockey culture. His family's relocation to , during his freshman year of high school around 2007 introduced him to American prep hockey, where he joined the Brainerd High School Warriors program. At Brainerd, Archibald quickly emerged as a standout forward, bypassing traditional junior leagues like the USHL to focus on high school development. In his season (2008–09), the team finished 10–16 overall, but Archibald contributed significantly alongside teammates. His junior year (2009–10) saw Brainerd achieve a 23–4 record, capturing the Central Lakes Conference title with a 12–1 mark. As a senior in 2010–11, he set a school single-season scoring record with 73 points (27 goals, 46 assists) in 25 games, added 227 hits, and led the Warriors to a 19–8 overall finish and another conference championship (11–2), though they fell 3–1 to Bemidji in the section final. Archibald's high school tenure earned him multiple accolades, including two-time all-conference selection, three-time Offensive Player of the Year, two-time team MVP, All-State honors, and captaincy for the 2010–11 season. He was a finalist for the Minnesota Mr. Hockey Award in 2011, recognizing him as one of the state's top high school players, and captained Team North in the High School . These achievements culminated in his selection by the in the sixth round, 174th overall, of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, marking an early validation of his potential as a gritty, scoring winger.

Collegiate career

University of Nebraska Omaha tenure

Archibald joined the (UNO) Mavericks men's team directly from high school in the fall of 2011, forgoing junior hockey to compete in . Over three seasons from 2011 to 2014, he appeared in 112 games, accumulating 94 points (58 goals and 36 assists) and 129 penalty minutes. As a in the 2011–12 season, Archibald played in 36 games, recording 10 goals among his contributions as one of five freshmen to reach double-digit goals. In his sophomore year of 2012–13, he improved to 39 games with 19 goals. His junior season in 2013–14 marked a breakout, as he led the team with 29 goals and 43 points in 37 games, helping propel UNO to the NCHC playoffs.
SeasonGames PlayedGoalsAssistsPointsPIM
2011–123610???
2012–133919???
2013–1437291443?
Career112583694129
In conference play during 2013–14, Archibald captured the NCHC scoring title with 32 points (21 goals and 11 assists) in 24 games, earning him NCHC Player of the Year and Forward of the Year honors. He was also named to the NCHC First All-Star Team, selected as an AHCA/CCM West First-Team All-American, and advanced as one of ten finalists for the Memorial Award, recognizing the top player in NCAA men's hockey. His performance included leading the NCHC and NCAA in goals (10) and points (16) for the month of 2014. Archibald signed with the organization following the season, transitioning to professional hockey.

Key performances and transition to professionals

Archibald's sophomore season at the in 2012–13 marked a significant improvement, as he established career highs with 19 goals, 17 assists, and 36 points over 39 games, finishing second on the team in scoring and goals. His junior year in 2013–14 represented a breakout performance, leading the with 29 goals and 43 points in 37 games, which set a new program single-season record for goals and ranked second nationally in that category. This scoring surge included multiple hat tricks, such as one in a come-from-behind victory over , and contributed to his selection as (NCHC) Player of the Year, Forward of the Year, and First Team All-NCHC. His standout junior campaign earned him a spot among the top ten finalists for the , recognizing him as one of the premier players in men's hockey. Over three collegiate seasons, Archibald accumulated 58 goals and 94 points in 112 games, showcasing a progression from a solid contributor to an elite goal scorer. Following the 2013–14 season, Archibald signed a two-year entry-level contract with the organization on March 22, 2014, forgoing his senior year and transitioning directly to professional hockey. He was immediately assigned to the Penguins' affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, where he began adapting to the pro level with a focus on physical play and penalty killing.

Professional career

Pittsburgh Penguins debut and development (2014–2018)

Archibald, selected by the in the sixth round (174th overall) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, signed a three-year entry-level contract with the organization on May 26, 2014, following his junior season at the . He joined the Penguins' (AHL) affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (WBS), late in the 2013–14 season, appearing in seven regular-season games and recording one assist while accumulating 13 penalty minutes. In the playoffs, he played two games, scoring one goal. During the 2014–15 AHL season, Archibald established himself in WBS, playing 45 games and posting five goals and eight assists for 13 points, along with 24 penalty minutes. His performance included time with the ECHL's Wheeling Nailers, where he tallied seven goals and four assists in nine games. In the playoffs, he contributed one assist in three games. The following season, 2015–16, saw further development as he skated in 69 regular-season games for WBS, recording nine goals and nine assists for 18 points and 75 penalty minutes, reflecting his physical, agitating style. He added one goal in 10 playoff games. Archibald made his NHL debut with Pittsburgh on March 5, 2016, against the Calgary Flames, appearing in one game without recording a point. Archibald's breakthrough came in the 2016–17 season, where he led WBS with 16 goals and 29 points in 61 games, earning 54 penalty minutes and a plus-25 rating, showcasing improved offensive contributions alongside his grinding role. Called up to amid injuries, he played 10 NHL games, scoring three goals—including his first two on February 11, 2017, in a comeback win over the —and registering four penalty minutes with a plus-three rating. In the playoffs, Archibald appeared in four games for the Stanley Cup-winning , accumulating two penalty minutes but no points. The 2017–18 season began with limited NHL action (three games, no points) and six AHL games with WBS (one goal, two assists), before he was traded to the on December 19, 2017. Over his tenure, Archibald played 14 regular-season NHL games, scoring three goals, emphasizing his development as a depth forward valued for physicality and penalty killing.

Arizona Coyotes stint (2018–2021)

Archibald was acquired by the from the on December 19, 2017, in exchange for goaltender Michael Leighton and a 2019 fourth-round draft pick, with the Penguins receiving forward and a 2019 sixth-round pick in return. In the remainder of the , he appeared in 39 games for Arizona, recording 5 goals and 6 assists for 11 points, along with 25 penalty minutes and a minus-2 plus-minus rating. During the 2018–19 season, Archibald established himself as a regular in the Coyotes' lineup, playing 68 games and contributing 12 goals and 10 assists for 22 points, with 15 penalty minutes and a plus-1 plus-minus. His role emphasized speed, physicality, and energy on the fourth line, aligning with Arizona's needs for depth scoring and forechecking. The Coyotes qualified for the that year, finishing with 93 points, though Archibald did not record points in their first-round series loss to the . Following the season, the Coyotes declined to tender Archibald a qualifying offer as a on June 25, 2019, allowing him to enter unrestricted free agency. Over his 107 total games with , he amassed 17 goals and 16 assists for 33 points.

Edmonton Oilers period (2021–2022)

Archibald entered the 2021–22 NHL season with the under the second year of a two-year, $3 million extension he signed on , 2020. On October 3, 2021, shortly after the season's start, Oilers coach announced that Archibald had been diagnosed with —a heart muscle inflammation—stemming from a infection over the summer, ruling him out indefinitely. Despite the setback, Archibald returned to limited action, appearing in 9 games for during the regular season, where he recorded 0 goals and 1 assist while contributing physical play in a bottom-six role. His participation was curtailed by ongoing recovery from the heart condition and federal travel restrictions for unvaccinated players, which barred cross-border flights and confined him to home games and matchups against Canadian teams like the . Archibald last skated with the Oilers in practice around early March 2022, but general manager indicated plans to explore trade options given the limitations. Archibald's contract expired at the end of the 2021–22 season, after which he entered unrestricted free agency without re-signing with . In 60 combined regular-season games with the Oilers over the prior two seasons (2020–21 and 2021–22), he had tallied 7 goals and 7 assists, valued for his hitting ability and penalty-kill contributions.

Return to (2022)

On July 13, 2022, the Pittsburgh Penguins signed forward Josh Archibald to a one-year contract with an average annual value of $900,000, marking his return to the organization that originally drafted him in the sixth round (174th overall) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Archibald, who had spent the previous season with the Edmonton Oilers, cited family considerations—including the birth of children—and familiarity with Pittsburgh as key factors in choosing to rejoin the Penguins over other options. Archibald entered training camp focused on bolstering the Penguins' penalty kill and providing bottom-six energy, roles aligned with his physical, skating-based style developed during his initial tenure from 2014 to 2018. He debuted in the 2022-23 regular season on October 7, 2022, against the , contributing to the fourth line's forechecking emphasis under coach Mike Sullivan. In 62 games with during the 2022-23 , Archibald recorded 6 goals and 6 assists for 12 points, along with a +6 plus-minus rating and 43 penalty minutes, averaging 9:59 of ice time per game. His production peaked in November 2022, following a slow start, though he missed time later in the season before returning to the lineup on February 7, 2023, amid the team's push for contention. Archibald's return added physicality and depth but did not fully resolve the Penguins' bottom-six scoring inconsistencies, as the team finished outside the .

Tampa Bay Lightning and contract termination (2022–2023)

On July 1, 2023, Archibald signed a two-year, $1.6 million contract with the as an unrestricted , with an average annual value of $800,000. The deal positioned him as a potential depth forward, leveraging his physical, energy-line playing style developed in prior NHL stints. Prior to the 2023–24 training camp, Archibald informed Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois that he did not intend to play hockey for the time being, prompting discussions with his agent. On September 9, 2023, the Lightning placed him on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination, a move mutually agreed upon to allow Archibald to step away without impacting the team's salary cap. He cleared waivers the following day, finalizing the termination. Archibald did not participate in any preseason activities or regular-season games with the Lightning, marking the shortest tenure of his NHL career. In response, the Lightning signed forward to a one-year, $800,000 contract on the same day to fill the roster spot. BriseBois expressed support for Archibald's decision while emphasizing the team's focus on roster readiness.

International career

Representation of Team USA

Archibald, born in , Canada, but raised partly in the United States and holding dual citizenship, elected to represent the United States in international competition rather than Canada. His only documented appearance for Team USA occurred at the 2012 IIHF World U20 Championship, held in and , , from December 26, 2011, to January 5, 2012. Selected as a right winger for the U.S. National Junior Team while in his sophomore year at the , Archibald donned jersey number 21 and participated in all six tournament games as the team advanced to the quarterfinals before a 3-2 overtime loss to . In the , Archibald contributed offensively with two assists, both in preliminary round matches, while accumulating six penalty minutes and posting a minus-2 rating amid the team's fifth-place finish. His role emphasized physical forechecking and energy-line play, aligning with his collegiate style, though scoring chances were limited against top international competition. No senior-level appearances for Team , such as at the IIHF or Olympic qualifiers, are recorded in official rosters or statistics.

Notable tournaments and contributions

Archibald represented the at the 2012 IIHF World Under-20 Championship, held from December 26, 2011, to January 5, 2012, in and , , . Selected as a from the , he played in all six games for the U.S. team, which advanced to the quarterfinals before losing to and finishing fifth overall. In those contests, Archibald contributed two assists, both in preliminary round games, while logging six penalty minutes reflective of his physical, agitating style even at the junior level. One notable moment came in a 5-2 loss to the on December 29, 2011, when Archibald was awarded a penalty shot midway through the third period after being tripped on a drive to the net, though he did not convert. His participation underscored early international recognition amid a college season where he had already shown scoring prowess, tallying 14 goals in 34 games for Nebraska Omaha. No further senior-level appearances for Team USA in IIHF tournaments, such as the , are recorded in his career.

Controversies

COVID-19 vaccination refusal and its repercussions

During the 2021–22 NHL season, Josh Archibald declined vaccination against , becoming one of only four unvaccinated players league-wide at the season's outset. This stance restricted his participation with the , as Canada's federal entry requirements prohibited unvaccinated individuals from crossing the border, barring him from all games in —including numerous Oilers home contests in . The Oilers suspended him without pay for road games outside to comply with protocols, limiting him to just eight regular-season appearances, in which he recorded one assist. Oilers general manager described the situation as "very difficult" for Archibald's roster role and team logistics, emphasizing the operational burdens of accommodating an unvaccinated player amid a league vaccination rate exceeding 98%. Archibald's unvaccinated status drew criticism from media and fans, with some outlets labeling his choice as selfish and detrimental to team . In March 2022, he reaffirmed his position in interviews, acknowledging severe professional fallout but expressing no regret. Compounding these repercussions, Archibald contracted during the offseason, leading to a diagnosis of —a rare heart inflammation associated with the —that sidelined him indefinitely from October 2021 onward. He returned to practice in February 2022 after medical clearance but remained constrained by vaccination-related travel limits until May 2022, when he obtained a medical exemption permitting full availability, including . Post-2022, as NHL and border COVID protocols eased, Archibald's vaccination refusal had negligible direct impact on subsequent contracts, including his 2022 return to the and signing with the . His 2023 contract termination by stemmed from his personal decision to step away from hockey temporarily, unrelated to vaccination status per team statements.

On-ice incidents, suspensions, and physical play style critiques

Archibald received a two-game suspension on November 16, 2018, for delivering an illegal check to the head of forward during a game on November 15 while with the ; the NHL Department of Player Safety determined the hit targeted Hartman's head with excessive force through the shoulders and elbows, independent of the puck's location. The infraction resulted in a minor penalty on the ice and forfeiture of $47,619.05 in salary. In the , Archibald was suspended for one game on May 24 by the NHL for clipping defenseman in Game 3 of Edmonton's first-round series against ; the low hit caught Stanley's knee from behind, deemed reckless by Player Safety despite Archibald's hearing where he argued it was a standard body check. He missed Game 4, forfeiting $10,416.67 in pay, amid Edmonton's 5-4 overtime loss. Archibald's physical play style, characterized by aggressive forechecking, , and willingness to engage in fights, has drawn mixed assessments; while praised for injecting energy and hits—such as contributing to Pittsburgh's league-leading hit totals in 2022–23—critics and league rulings highlight risks of penalties for borderline contact, as evidenced by his suspensions for head and knee targeting. He has participated in multiple documented fights, including against defenseman on January 6, 2019, after a cross-check, and Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman on March 12, 2022, underscoring his enforcer role but also exposing him to scrutiny for escalating physicality. No further NHL suspensions have been issued to Archibald post-2021, though his style aligns with bottom-six forward demands for grit over finesse.

Personal life

Health issues beyond hockey

In October 2021, Archibald was diagnosed with , an inflammation of the heart muscle, following a bout with contracted earlier that summer. The condition sidelined him indefinitely from play, with head coach confirming the diagnosis after medical tests revealed signs of prior infection alongside the heart inflammation. Archibald underwent treatment and monitoring, resuming full practice with the Oilers on March 6, 2022, after approximately five months of recovery. Archibald reported feeling fully healthy upon his return, stating he anticipated no long-term effects from the . He played eight games for the Oilers in the 2021–2022 season post-recovery before subsequent team changes. In May 2022, he received a medical exemption related to his condition, allowing participation in U.S.-based games despite broader protocols. No further public disclosures of ongoing or additional health complications have been reported in verified medical or team statements.

Family, residence, and post-retirement activities

Archibald married Bailey Baxter, a former high school player, prior to his NHL career. The couple welcomed their first child, son Brecken Carter Archibald, in August 2017. On August 30, 2017, they baptized Brecken in the during a private ceremony in . Archibald and Bailey have three children in total. The family maintains residence in Brainerd, Minnesota, where Archibald attended high school after relocating from as a . Following his mutual contract termination with the on September 9, 2023, Archibald stepped away from professional hockey at age 30. In retirement, he has prioritized family life, describing the raising of his three children as his greatest accomplishment. On April 27, 2024, Archibald was inducted into the Brainerd High School athletics hall of fame, recognizing his prep hockey achievements alongside his professional success. No public details have emerged on additional professional or business pursuits post-retirement.

Playing attributes and career analysis

Strengths, weaknesses, and roles in teams

Archibald's primary strengths as an NHL player lay in his speed and physicality, enabling him to deliver high-energy forechecking and contribute to puck possession through aggressive defensive-zone play. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches and 176 pounds, he recorded 161 hits in the 2018-19 season with the , ranking second on the team at a rate of 12 per hour during 5-on-5 play, while drawing 11 penalties against just two taken. His tenacity as a "heavy hitter" made him effective in grinding roles, where he thrived as a system player under structured coaching. Despite these attributes, Archibald's weaknesses included subpar possession metrics and limited offensive upside, positioning him strictly as a depth player rather than a top-six contributor. His 44% Corsi rating in 2018-19 ranked second-worst among Coyotes forwards, indicating struggles in sustaining puck control even against lower-end competition. Lacking elite size and game-breaking skill, he never exceeded 20 points in an NHL season and was not suited for primary scoring roles. In team contexts, Archibald filled bottom-six winger positions, often on the fourth line, where his defensive reliability and penalty-killing acumen provided value; he featured on Arizona's second PK unit in 2018-19, helping limit opponents to 5.0 goals against per hour. With the from 2019 to 2021, he addressed penalty-kill deficiencies and added speed to energy lines, while his returns to the in 2022-23 emphasized similar grinding duties alongside bottom-six linemates, driving strong defensive underlying numbers. As a hard-working player, he contributed to playoff pushes, including Pittsburgh's 2016-17 run in a limited but supportive capacity.

Statistical overview and impact metrics

Archibald's NHL career encompassed 305 regular-season games with the , , and , yielding 45 goals, 38 assists, and 83 total points for an average of 0.27 . His scoring peaked in the 2021–22 season with the Coyotes, where he posted 22 points (10 goals, 12 assists) in 68 games, alongside 161 hits that underscored his role as a physical presence. In terms of physical metrics, Archibald averaged over 2.5 hits per game in multiple seasons, reaching a career-high 3.15 hits per game in 2022–23 with , which ranked 17th in . This aggressive style also manifested in penalty minutes, with 43 PIM accrued in 62 games during 2022–23 (0.69 PIM per game), often tied to on-ice confrontations and forechecking intensity. His rating stood at +6 in that campaign, reflecting territorial control and contributions in bottom-six minutes despite limited power-play time. Archibald's impact extended beyond raw offense to penalty-drawing ability, leveraging speed and physicality to generate opposition infractions, as evidenced by his deployment in energy-line roles that disrupted opponents' rhythm. Advanced possession metrics from sources like Natural Stat Trick indicate competent even-strength play relative to his depth role, with positive on-ice shares in select seasons, though his overall value derived more from intangible grit than elite analytics. These attributes positioned him as a complementary player on contending teams, enhancing efficiency and lineup toughness without relying on top-line production.

Career statistics

NHL regular season and playoffs

Archibald debuted in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2015–16 season, appearing in one game without recording a point. Over the subsequent seasons, he established himself as a bottom-six forward known for physical play, splitting time primarily with the Penguins, Edmonton Oilers, and Arizona Coyotes. In 305 career regular-season games, he tallied 45 goals, 38 assists, and 83 points, along with 143 penalty minutes and a plus-minus of even. His scoring peaked in 2018–19 with 22 points in 68 games for Arizona, while he notched short-handed goals in three seasons but no power-play production.
SeasonTeamGPGAPtsPIM+/-PPGSHGGWGSS%
2015–16PIT1000000000—
2016–17PIT103034+30101127.3
2017–182TM42561125–20004211.9
2018–19ARI6812102215+10019213.0
2019–20EDM621292112–80236418.8
2020–21EDM52761337+20006211.3
2021–22EDM80117–200040.0
2022–23PIT62661243+6000718.5
Total305453883143003434613.0
In the playoffs, Archibald participated in 24 games across four postseasons, registering 1 and 1 assist for 2 points, with 12 penalty minutes and a minus-6 rating. His lone playoff came in 2020 with during the qualifying round against . Notably, he earned a as a member of the 2017 champion , despite limited ice time in four games that postseason.
SeasonTeamGPGAPtsPIM+/-
2016–17PIT40002–1
2019–20EDM41014+1
2020–21EDM30002–1
2021–22EDM130114–5
Total2411212–6

International competitions

Archibald represented the at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship, hosted in and , , from December 26, 2011, to January 5, 2012. Selected as a from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, he played as a right wing on the roster. In six tournament games, Archibald recorded two assists and no goals, contributing to Team USA's offensive efforts in a fifth-place finish. His assists came in matches against and , where the U.S. secured victories of 8-1 and 12-2, respectively. Team USA advanced to the quarterfinals but lost 5-2 to , ending their medal contention. No further senior international appearances are recorded for Archibald, who holds dual Canadian-American citizenship but opted to compete for the U.S. in eligible tournaments.

Awards and honors

Professional accolades

Archibald contributed to the ' victory in the 2016–17 Stanley Cup Finals, earning him recognition as an NHL champion despite limited regular-season appearances (five games) and no playoff participation that year. management included him among the qualifying players awarded rings under league eligibility rules, which credit contributions from the active roster during the championship campaign. No other individual professional honors, such as selections or league awards, are recorded in his NHL or AHL tenure.

Collegiate and junior recognitions

During his freshman season at the in 2011–12, Archibald earned WCHA Rookie of the Week honors on November 14, 2011, after recording four points (two goals and two assists) in a weekend series against . In his junior year of 2013–14, he led men's hockey with 29 goals and tied for the national lead in , culminating in selection as the inaugural NCHC Player of the Year and Forward of the Year on March 21, 2014. He captured the NCHC scoring title with 32 points (21 goals, 11 assists) in 24 conference games, eight more goals than any other player in the league, and was named to the NCHC First Team. Archibald also earned NCAA West Region First-Team All-American honors and advanced to the top 10 finalists for the Memorial Award, recognizing the nation's top player, announced on March 20, 2014. Additionally, he received NCHC Offensive Player of the Week accolades twice, including January 6, 2014, for a five-point performance over two games. and on March 6, 2014, after leading the conference and NCAA with 10 goals and 16 points in February. Prior to college, Archibald starred in high school hockey at Brainerd High School in Minnesota, where as a senior in 2010–11 he tallied 27 goals and 46 assists for 73 points in 25 games, finishing second in state scoring. He was named a finalist for the 2011 Minnesota Mr. Hockey Award, given to the state's top high school player. Although selected by the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the 2010 USHL Phase II draft, Archibald opted to complete his senior year at Brainerd rather than play junior hockey.

References

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