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Jordin Tootoo

Jordin John Kudluk Tootoo is a Canadian former professional ice hockey right winger from Churchill, Manitoba.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jordin John Kudluk Tootoo is a Canadian former professional ice hockey right winger from Churchill, Manitoba. He became the first Inuk player to compete in the National Hockey League and played 13 seasons for four NHL teams before retiring in 2018.

Early life and junior hockey

Tootoo was born in Churchill, Manitoba, and was raised in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. He played junior hockey with the Brandon Wheat Kings in the Western Hockey League before being drafted into the NHL.

NHL career

Tootoo was selected by the Nashville Predators in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft and made his NHL debut in 2003. Over his career he also played for the Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils and Chicago Blackhawks. He played 723 regular-season NHL games and recorded 65 goals, 96 assists and 1,010 penalty minutes.

Historic significance

Tootoo became the first Inuk player in NHL history, a milestone widely noted by Canadian media and hockey organizations. His career has been referenced as significant for Indigenous representation in professional sport.

Post-playing career

After retiring in 2018, Tootoo focused on giving back to Indigenous communities and promoting mental health awareness. Sources also note charitable work connected to the Team Tootoo Foundation/Fund.

Key facts

  • He is recognized as the first Inuk player to play in the NHL.
  • He played 723 regular-season NHL games and recorded 65 goals, 96 assists and 1,010 penalty minutes.
  • He was drafted by the Nashville Predators in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
  • He played for the Brandon Wheat Kings in the Western Hockey League before reaching the NHL.
  • He retired from professional hockey in 2018.
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Canadian context

Tootoo is significant in Canada as a trailblazing Inuit athlete and an NHL player from Nunavut-linked communities, making him an important figure for Indigenous representation in Canadian sport.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jordin Tootoo?
Jordin Tootoo is a Canadian former NHL right winger and the first Inuk player to compete in the league.
Which NHL teams did he play for?
He played for the Nashville Predators, Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils and Chicago Blackhawks.
When was Jordin Tootoo born?
He was born on February 2, 1983.
Where is Jordin Tootoo from?
He was born in Churchill, Manitoba, and is closely associated with Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, where he was raised.
When did he retire?
He announced his retirement from professional hockey in October 2018.
What is he known for beyond hockey?
He is known for Indigenous representation in sport and for advocacy and community work, including mental health awareness.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordin_Tootoo
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, teams, career totals, and first Inuk NHL player claim.
  2. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/jordin-tootoo
    Supports: Biography, birthplace, NHL career, retirement, and community work.
  3. National Aboriginal and Indigenous Hockey Hall of Fame — https://www.naiahf.org/team/jordin-tootoo/inuit
    Supports: First Inuk player drafted by the NHL, career teams, advocacy, and community work.
  4. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/stats/_/id/2054/jordin-tootoo
    Supports: Birthdate, birthplace, position, and draft information.
  5. CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/jordin-tootoo-retires-1.4871348
    Supports: Retirement announcement, teams played for, and career context.