Who Is Corey Tropp?

By now, we have all seen the drop dead gorgeous goal scored by Corey Tropp against the Penguins on Sunday night. The finesse and style with which he scored got me thinking about how I don’t know much about him. I knew he was a grinder and I certainly did not expect such a highlight-reel goal, but I didn’t know where he played in the NHL or otherwise prior to moving to Columbus, or if there were any cool stories about him, so I figured I would do some research and report to you all.

Dec 29, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing

(26) scores a goal against Pittsburgh Penguins goalie

(37) during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

Born in Grosse Point Woods, Michigan, Tropp grew up playing hockey locally before going through junior hockey in the United States Hockey League with the Sioux Falls Stampede. His first season, 05-06, left a bit to be desired with a meager 15 points and 21 PIMs, but he was much improved in 06-07, scoring 62 points and 76 PIMs. To be noted, he only played 9 more games in his second season than his first.

Dec 19, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Corey Tropp (26) screens Philadelphia Flyers goalie

(35) during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

After juniors, Tropp went to Michigan State University, where he spent 3 years developing his skills. Despite some strong numbers, he was most known for an incident in which he pretty much lost his mind during a Michigan/Michigan State game.

In the final minute with Michigan leading 5-3, Tropp was hit by Michigan’s Steve Kampfer cleanly. MSU player Andrew Conboy took offense to the hit for some reason and hit Kampfer from behind, while Tropp decided it would be smart to viciously slash Kampfer in the neck while he was down. Needless to say, the two were suspended by the MSU coach for the remainder of the season.

Also to be noted, Tropp was named to the CCHA Second All-Star team in his final year.

Tropp was drafted 87th overall by Buffalo in 2007, but didn’t play an NHL game until November 4, 2011 against Calgary. He scored his first NHL goal against Winnipeg just 4 days (3 games) later. After this, he saw more consistent time with Buffalo, but he still made some visits to the AHL. Tropp established himself as a grinder and a fighter in his time with Buffalo.

Dec 9, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Corey Tropp (26) and Pittsburgh Penguins left wing

(38) fight during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Speaking of being a fighter, during the 2013 preseason, Tropp was knocked out and had his jaw broken in a fight with Maple Leaf Jamie Devane. Not a great way to start a season. In late November of this year, he was put on waivers and was picked up by Columbus, and, speaking for CBJ fans everywhere, I like the pick-up.

So there you go. A brief history of Corey Tropp. How do you guys feel about Tropp? Comment, Tweet, Facebook comment, do whatever you’ve gotta do. We’re all ears.