Between the Pipes: The Professional Path of Trevor Kidd
The Weight of the 1990 NHL Entry Draft
In the history of NHL drafts, the 1990 class remains a major talking point for goaltending scouts. The Calgary Flames selected Trevor Kidd 11th overall, famously taking him ahead of future legend Martin Brodeur. While that comparison—unsurprisingly—followed him throughout his career, Kidd entered the league with a resume that earned those high expectations. He was a standout in the WHL, winning the Del Wilson Trophy as the league’s top goaltender and leading the Spokane Chiefs to a Memorial Cup title in 1991.
Establishing a Crease in Calgary
Trevor Kidd broke into the NHL full-time during the 1993-94 season, eventually taking over the starting role from Stanley Cup winner Mike Vernon. His peak performance in Calgary came during the lockout-shortened 1994-95 season. He posted a 2.61 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage, earning a spot in Vezina Trophy voting.
Cool Fact: Trevor Kidd earned his first NHL win (in his second NHL game) on April 15, 1992; 4–3 Calgary win vs. San Jose.
Consistency Through Transition
After his time in Calgary, Kidd was traded to Carolina, where he served as a primary starter during the franchise’s early years following the move from Hartford. He recorded a career-high .922 save percentage in the 1997-98 season before moving on to the Florida Panthers. In Florida, Kidd provided a veteran presence, often splitting time (e.g., with former Calgary teammate Mike Vernon) or mentoring a young Roberto Luongo. He then remained a steady hand for the Toronto Maple Leafs until the end of his NHL career in 2004. Over 387 NHL games, Trevor Kidd earned 140 wins and 19 shutouts (Calgary, Carolina, Florida, Toronto).
Kidd: A Legacy on the International Stage
While his NHL journey was that of a reliable starter and journeyman, Trevor Kidd’s international record was nearly flawless. He is one of the few players to win back-to-back gold medals at the World Junior Championships (1990, 1991) and added an Olympic silver medal to his trophy case (1992 Winter Olympics). Trevor Kidd didn't just occupy the net; he brought a specific personality and excitement to the position (along with cool goalie pad designs), helping to bridge the gap between the traditional stand-up style and the modern era during a time of significant change for NHL goaltenders.