Brief Introduction of Eric Gelinas
Éric Gélinas is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman, currently playing for Lukko in the Finnish Liiga. Born on May 8, 1991, in Vanier, Ontario, he was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the second round, 54th overall, in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Gélinas is recognized for his powerful shot and offensive capabilities from the blue line. Throughout his career, he has played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the New Jersey Devils and the Colorado Avalanche. He has also had a significant career in European leagues, playing in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), and the Swiss National League before joining the Finnish Liiga. His journey in professional hockey showcases a versatile and enduring career across various high-level international leagues.
Eric Gelinas Overview
| Full Name | Éric Gélinas |
| Date of Birth | May 8, 1991 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 34 |
| Birthplace | Vanier, Ontario, Canada |
| Profession | Professional Ice Hockey Defenceman |
| Husband/Wife | Andrea Tilson |
| Family | Father – Marc Gélinas, Mother – Colette Gelinas, Brother – Karl Gélinas |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Information not disclosed |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $5.7 million |
Early Life and Education of Eric Gelinas
Éric Gélinas was born in Vanier, Ontario, Canada, into a family with a strong athletic background. His father, Marc Gélinas, was a baseball player drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, and his older brother, Karl, also pursued a professional baseball career. Despite the family’s inclination towards baseball, Eric was drawn to ice hockey from a young age, starting to play at the age of four. He has stated that his initial inspiration to play hockey came from wanting to be like his older brother who played the sport first. Growing up, he idolized and modeled his game after NHL defenseman Chris Pronger. His early development in the sport took place in his hometown, where he honed the skills that would eventually lead him to a professional career. Information regarding his formal education is not publicly available.
Eric Gelinas’s Career
Gélinas’s junior hockey career was spent in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), where he played for the Lewiston Maineiacs, Chicoutimi Saguenéens, and Saint John Sea Dogs. A significant achievement during his junior career was winning the Memorial Cup with the Saint John Sea Dogs in 2011. His impressive performance in the QMJHL led to him being selected by the New Jersey Devils in the second round (54th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
He turned professional in the 2011–12 season, starting with the Albany Devils, the AHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils. In his first professional season, he tied for the AHL lead in goals by a defenseman. Gélinas made his NHL debut with the New Jersey Devils on April 25, 2013. He established himself as an NHL regular in the 2013–14 season, where he showcased his powerful shot from the point. He remained with the Devils until he was traded to the Colorado Avalanche during the 2015–16 season.
After his time in the NHL, Gélinas embarked on a career in Europe. He has played for several teams across various leagues, including Slovan Bratislava in the KHL, Rögle BK and Djurgårdens IF in the SHL, and SC Bern and HC Ajoie in the Swiss National League. Most recently, he signed with Lukko of the Finnish Liiga, where he continues his professional career. For the 2025-26 season, he was named the captain of Lukko.
Eric Gelinas Personal Life & Family
Eric Gelinas comes from a family with a rich history in sports. His father, Marc Gélinas, was a talented baseball player who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1978 MLB draft. His older brother, Karl Gélinas, also pursued a career in baseball and was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2003. His uncle, Pierre Gelinas, played professional football in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the Montreal Alouettes. He is married to Andrea Tilson. Details about their relationship and whether they have children are not widely publicized. His parents are Alain and Colette Gelinas.
Awards and Achievements of Eric Gelinas
- SHL SM Silver Medal (2021)
- KHL Defenseman of the Week (October 15, 2018)
- AHL Most Goals by a Defenseman (2012)
- CHL Memorial Cup Champion (2011)
- QMJHL Champion (2011)
- Played in the CHL Top Prospects Game (2009)
Eric Gelinas Net Worth and Income
The net worth of Eric Gelinas is estimated to be around $5.7 million. His primary source of income is his career as a professional ice hockey player. His earnings have been accumulated through contracts with various NHL and European league teams. Over his NHL career, he earned a substantial salary, and his subsequent contracts in the KHL, SHL, Swiss National League, and the Finnish Liiga have further contributed to his wealth. Specific details of his current contract with Lukko are not publicly disclosed.
Legacy and Influence
Eric Gélinas has built a reputation as a durable and offensively gifted defenseman with a notably powerful shot. His ability to contribute on the power play has been a valuable asset to the teams he has played for. While he may not be a household name in the upper echelons of the NHL, his sustained career across North America and various top European leagues speaks to his skill and adaptability. His journey serves as an example of a successful professional hockey career that extends beyond the NHL, showcasing the opportunities available for talented players on the international stage. His transition to a leadership role as captain of Lukko in the Finnish Liiga further solidifies his legacy as a respected veteran in the sport.
Interesting Facts about Eric Gelinas
- He comes from a family of baseball players, with both his father and older brother being drafted by MLB teams.
- Growing up, his hockey idol was defenseman Chris Pronger.
- As a child, he once peed his pants on the ice the first time he was allowed to play goaltender.
- He won the Memorial Cup, one of the most prestigious trophies in Canadian junior hockey, with the Saint John Sea Dogs in 2011.
- In his first full professional season in the AHL, he tied for the league lead in goals scored by a defenseman.
Controversies
There are no publicly known major controversies involving Eric Gelinas.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Not publicly available
- Twitter – Not publicly available
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about Eric Gelinas
Eric Gélinas’s career is a testament to his dedication and passion for the game of ice hockey. From his early days in the QMJHL to reaching the pinnacle of the sport in the NHL, and now continuing his journey in the competitive leagues of Europe, he has consistently demonstrated his skill and value as a player. His powerful shot and offensive instincts have made him a threat from the blue line throughout his career. Now serving as a captain for Lukko in the Finnish Liiga, he has embraced a leadership role, passing on his wealth of experience to his teammates. The Eric Gelinas biography is one of a resilient and adaptable athlete who has carved out a successful and lengthy career in the demanding world of professional hockey.