Eric Cairns was drafted by the New York Rangers in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft, 72nd overall, from the OHL's Detroit Compuware Ambassadors. The hulking defenceman went on to play three seasons with Detroit (1991-1994) before making his professional debut during the 1994-95 season. In his first season of professional hockey, Cairns split his time between the ECHL's Birmingham Bulls and the AHL's Binghamton Rangers before becoming a permanent fixture in the Binghamton line-up in 1995-96. For three years Cairns worked on his game in the AHL before making his NHL debut during the 1996-97 season. The Rangers evidently didn't feel they could use Cairns, and when they put him on waivers during the 1998-99 season the New York Islanders jumped at the opportunity to acquire a big defenceman. Upon his arrival in Long Island, Cairns steadily turned into an NHL regular, getting by on his toughness and overall physical presence on the Islanders blueline. During the 1999-2000 season, Cairns was loaned to the AHL's Providence Bruins before returning to Long Island after only four games. After six seasons with the Islanders organization, Cairns signed as a free-agent with the Florida Panthers in the summer of 2004.



Shoots: Left Height: 6'6" Weight: 230 Born: June 27, 1974 in Oakville, Ontario How Acquired: Signed as an unrestricted free agent on July 5, 2004. 2004-05: Played in 34 games with the London Racers (UK Elite) going 3-7-10 with 142 PIM. Personal: Eric’s nickname is Cairnsey…His favorite player growing up was Wayne Gretzky…In the off-season he and his wife Kathryn live in Burlington, Ontario…He is involved with numerous cancer, heart disease and stroke foundations…Eric owns a window tinting business with his father in Burlington, Ontario…Eric also enjoys playing golf…His favorite movie is “Braveheart”…He enjoys listening to Nickelback…His first job was picking up golf balls at a golf course…His favorite vacation spot is Cabo San Lucas – where he also enjoys the golf.