Garrett Pilon Bio
Garrett Pilon, born Garrett Thomas Pilon on April 13, 1998, is an American-born Canadian professional ice hockey centre and captain. He currently plays for the Belleville Senators of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League (NHL). Pilon was selected 87th overall in the third round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft by the Washington Capitals and has built his professional career through several productive seasons in the AHL.
Early Life and Background
Garrett Pilon was born in Mineola, New York, on April 13, 1998. He was born in the United States because his father, Rich Pilon, was playing professional hockey in the area at the time. Rich Pilon went on to play 15 seasons in the NHL, most notably for the New York Islanders, giving Garrett an early and direct connection to the sport. Growing up around professional hockey allowed Garrett to develop an understanding of the game and the work ethic required at the highest levels.
Although born in New York, Garrett Pilon is of Métis heritage and was raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where he spent the majority of his childhood. The Canadian city provided a strong hockey culture and competitive youth programs, helping shape his early development. With a former NHL defenseman as his father, Pilon was immersed in the sport from a young age and quickly gravitated toward competitive play.
Path to Hockey
Garrett Pilon’s path toward professional hockey followed the traditional major junior route. He played major junior hockey with the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League, one of Canada’s top development leagues for NHL prospects. His performance with the Blazers attracted the attention of National Hockey League scouts and helped establish him as a legitimate professional prospect.
That development was rewarded in 2016 when the Washington Capitals selected him 87th overall in the third round of the NHL Entry Draft. Following his draft year, Pilon continued to refine his game in the Western Hockey League before making the transition to professional hockey. On March 30, 2017, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Capitals and was assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, marking the official start of his professional career.
Garrett Pilon Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
Garrett Pilon began his professional career in the 2018–19 season with the Hershey Bears, the AHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals. Over his first three professional seasons, he spent the majority of his time developing in Hershey, working to adjust to the speed and physicality of the professional game. His time with the Bears allowed him to grow into a reliable two-way centre capable of contributing in all situations.
During these developmental years, Pilon steadily improved his offensive production and defensive responsibility. The experience of playing a full professional schedule helped him mature as a player and prepared him for the opportunity to compete at the NHL level. By the end of the 2020–21 season, his consistent play in the AHL had earned him recognition within the Capitals organization.
NHL Breakthrough with the Washington Capitals (2020–2022)
Garrett Pilon received his first NHL call-up on May 8, 2021, when he was recalled by the Washington Capitals. That same day, he made his NHL debut against the Philadelphia Flyers, marking the culmination of years of professional development. Following the season, he re-signed with the Capitals to a two-year contract, signaling the organization’s confidence in his continued growth.
During the 2021–22 season, Pilon was recalled again after teammate Lars Eller was placed in the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol. At the time of his recall, Pilon was leading the Hershey Bears in points, reflecting his strong offensive form in the AHL. On November 16, 2021, he scored his first career NHL goal against the Anaheim Ducks, a milestone moment that confirmed his ability to produce at the top level.
Calder Cup Success with the Hershey Bears (2022–2023)
The 2022–23 season proved to be one of the most memorable of Garrett Pilon’s career. While playing for the Hershey Bears, he scored an overtime goal in Game 5 of the 2023 Calder Cup Finals against the Coachella Valley Firebirds. His goal was the only score of the game and gave Hershey a 3–2 series lead, putting the team one win away from a championship.
The Bears ultimately won the Calder Cup in Game 7, claiming the 12th Calder Cup title in franchise history. Pilon’s clutch playoff performance, highlighted by his overtime heroics, established him as a reliable performer in high-pressure moments. His contributions throughout the playoff run cemented his reputation as a winner at the AHL level.
Belleville Senators Era (2023–Present)
As an unrestricted free agent, Garrett Pilon signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Ottawa Senators on July 1, 2023. He attended Ottawa’s 2023 training camp but was placed on waivers on September 30, 2023. After going unclaimed, he was assigned to Ottawa’s AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators, to begin the 2023–24 season. Pilon played the entire season with Belleville, recording 18 goals and 47 points in 62 games, a strong offensive showing.
On July 1, 2024, Pilon signed a two-year, two-way contract to remain with the Ottawa Senators organization. He was assigned to Belleville after clearing waivers ahead of the 2024–25 AHL season. Following the offseason departure of captain Dillon Heatherington, the Belleville Senators named Pilon the sixth captain in franchise history on October 8, 2024, recognizing his leadership and consistent performance.
Playing Style and Strengths
Garrett Pilon is recognized as a reliable two-way centre with strong offensive instincts and responsible defensive play. His ability to produce points while maintaining sound positioning has made him a trusted centre at the AHL level. Pilon’s scoring touch, highlighted by his 47-point season with Belleville in 2023–24, combined with his composure in high-pressure situations, makes him a valuable leader and contributor.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Garrett Pilon’s most notable career moments are his NHL debut on May 8, 2021, against the Philadelphia Flyers and his first NHL goal on November 16, 2021, against the Anaheim Ducks. His overtime goal in Game 5 of the 2023 Calder Cup Finals stands as one of the defining plays of his career. Being named the sixth captain in Belleville Senators franchise history on October 8, 2024, further reflects his standing within the organization.
Garrett Pilon Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Garrett Pilon comes from a strong hockey family. His father, Rich Pilon, played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League, most notably with the New York Islanders. Rich’s lengthy professional career provided Garrett with a direct connection to the sport and an understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Garrett is also of Métis heritage and grew up in Saskatoon, where he developed his love for the game.
Personal Life
Garrett Pilon is married. While he keeps much of his personal life private, his family remains an important part of his identity and career. His Canadian upbringing in Saskatoon, combined with his American birth in Mineola, New York, reflects the cross-border hockey heritage that has shaped his journey to the professional ranks.
2025 Season Performance
Garrett Pilon entered the 2025 season as the captain of the Belleville Senators, a role he assumed in October 2024. His leadership and offensive production continue to be central to the team’s ambitions within the AHL’s North Division. Building on his 47-point performance from the 2023–24 season, Pilon remains a key contributor for Belleville and a respected voice in the locker room.
As a two-way centre under contract to the Ottawa Senators, Pilon’s strong play at the AHL level keeps him in position for potential future NHL opportunities. His experience at the NHL level with the Washington Capitals, combined with his Calder Cup championship pedigree, makes him a valuable asset within the Senators organization. Consistency, leadership, and continued offensive production will define his 2025 campaign.
Looking ahead, Pilon’s role as captain provides stability for a young Belleville roster aiming to compete for a deep playoff run. His veteran presence, earned through years of professional hockey and postseason success, sets the standard for teammates. The 2025 season represents another opportunity for Garrett Pilon to demonstrate his value as a leader, scorer, and championship-caliber player.