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Mike Danton

Mike Danton is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre best known for playing in the National Hockey League with the New Jersey Devils and St.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mike Danton is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre best known for playing in the National Hockey League with the New Jersey Devils and St. Louis Blues. Born Michael Sage Jefferson in Brampton, Ontario, he later changed his name and was convicted in a U.S. conspiracy-to-commit-murder case that ended his NHL career. He returned to professional hockey after his release from prison.

Early life and junior hockey

Born Michael Sage Jefferson in Brampton, Ontario, Danton played junior hockey before becoming a professional player. He later became known as Mike Danton and is also described in sources as Polish-Canadian.

NHL career

Danton was selected by the New Jersey Devils in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, 5th round, 135th overall. He played NHL games for New Jersey and St. Louis between 2000 and 2004. His NHL career ended in 2004 after his arrest while with the Blues.

Criminal case and imprisonment

In 2004, Danton was arrested and later convicted in the United States for conspiracy to commit murder. He was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison and later released on parole in 2009 or early 2010, depending on the source.

Return to hockey

After his release, Danton returned to professional hockey, including stints in Europe and later lower-profile leagues. Sources indicate he continued playing into the 2010s.

Key facts

  • Danton played in the NHL for the New Jersey Devils and St. Louis Blues between 2000 and 2004.
  • He was drafted by the Devils in the fifth round of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.
  • In 2004, he was arrested and later convicted in the United States for conspiracy to commit murder.
  • He was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison and later released on parole in 2009 or early 2010.
  • After prison, he resumed playing professional hockey in Europe and elsewhere.
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Canadian context

Danton was born in Brampton, Ontario, and is part of Canadian hockey history because he reached the NHL before his career was interrupted by a high-profile criminal case.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Mike Danton?
Mike Danton is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played in the NHL for New Jersey and St. Louis before a criminal conviction ended his NHL career.
What position did Mike Danton play?
He played as a centre.
Which NHL teams did Mike Danton play for?
He played for the New Jersey Devils and the St. Louis Blues.
When was Mike Danton drafted?
He was drafted in 2000 by the New Jersey Devils in the fifth round, 135th overall.
Why is Mike Danton notable beyond hockey?
He is also known for being convicted in the United States for conspiracy to commit murder in 2004.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Danton
    Supports: Birth name, birthplace, NHL teams, and overview of career and conviction.
  2. German Wikipedia — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Danton
    Supports: Birthplace, birth name, nationality, position, draft details, and career timeline.
  3. Elite Prospects — https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/60843/mike-danton
    Supports: Date of birth, birthplace, position, draft position, and retired status.
  4. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/stats/_/id/1996/mike-danton
    Supports: NHL position, birthplace, draft info, and team history.
  5. Sports Illustrated — https://www.si.com/nhl/2011/02/23/23the-story-of-mike-danton
    Supports: Draft, NHL games played, arrest, sentence, and post-prison return to hockey.
  6. Sportsnet — https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/danton-timeline/
    Supports: Timeline of arrest, conviction, sentence, and parole.