Who Is Craig Simpson? Age, Biography and Wiki
As of 2025, Craig Simpson is 58 years old. Born in London, Ontario, Canada, he rose to fame as a professional ice hockey player who played in the NHL for teams such as the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Edmonton Oilers. Simpson was known for his sharp shooting and playmaking abilities, securing a lasting legacy in the world of hockey. He also transitioned into a successful career as a broadcaster and sports analyst after retiring from professional play.
| Occupation | Hockey Player |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 15, 1967 |
| Age | 58 Years |
| Birth Place | London, Ontario, Canada |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | Canada |
Popularity
Craig Simpson's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Craig Simpson stands tall at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) and is known to have maintained a healthy weight throughout his career, especially during his active years in the NHL. His fitness regimen has allowed him to keep in shape well into his fifties, although specific weight details tend to fluctuate with age and fitness routines.
Simpson continued to blossom in Edmonton, shifting to the left wing and playing on a line with future Hall of Famers Mark Messier and Glenn Anderson.
He scored a career-high 56 regular season goals (becoming the first player in NHL history to score 50 goals in a season split between two teams; Pittsburgh and Edmonton) during the 1987–88 season, and 13 more in the playoffs.
His 13th and final goal of that postseason was set up by Wayne Gretzky and would prove to be the final point recorded by The Great One in an Oiler sweater. He won two Stanley Cups with the Oilers, in 1988 and 1990.
In the spring of 1990, he led the playoffs with 16 goals (including the Cup-winning goal) in 22 games and tied with teammate Mark Messier for the points lead with 31.
The Oilers had another playoff run in 1992, advancing to the Conference Finals, but Simpson was sidelined in game one of the playoffs after a Larry Robinson check separated his shoulder. In 1992–93, he missed games with a strained back which was the beginning of back issues that would plague him the rest of his career.
He was in and out of the Oilers lineup that year as the back issues would flare up and force him to the sidelines on multiple occasions before a protruding disc in his back ended his season.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As for his personal life, Craig Simpson is notably private. He currently resides in a committed relationship with his girlfriend, whose name has not been publicly disclosed. Although Simpson has a daughter from a previous relationship, not much is known about his immediate family and their current status. His focus seems to be on maintaining a low-key lifestyle while balancing his career and relationships.
Net Worth and Salary
In 2025, Craig Simpson's estimated net worth stands at approximately $15 million. His wealth comes primarily from his successful career in the NHL, where he earned a substantial salary as a player, alongside lucrative contracts as a sports commentator. His financial acumen has also led him to invest wisely, contributing to his impressive net worth.
That summer, Simpson became a free agent and turned down the Oilers offer of the same salary he had previously made. On July 16, 1993, the San Jose Sharks presented Simpson with an offer sheet which he accepted, joining the club as a free agent.
However, the Oilers protested the deal that would see Simpson earn just $130,000 per season (the NHL minimum) while receiving a sizeable $1,790,000 "reporting bonus" for merely showing up at Sharks training camp. The unique structure of the deal would see the Oilers receive no compensation for losing Simpson.
Upon further review, the league found that the Sharks offer was illegally structured and invalidated the contract. When rumours began to swirl that the Buffalo Sabres were also preparing an offer sheet for Simpson, the Oilers instead traded him there.
Career, Business and Investments
Post-retirement, Craig Simpson has been heavily involved in media, serving as a hockey analyst for prominent networks. His insight into the game has made him a respected voice in sports commentary. Additionally, Simpson has engaged in various business ventures, including sports-related endorsements and mentorship programs for young athletes, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the sport that made him successful.
Simpson was drafted in the first round, second overall, by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft. As an 18-year-old rookie, he scored 11 goals playing right wing (shifting from his natural centre ice position) with veterans Doug Shedden and Terry Ruskowski. then more than doubled that total in his second year with 26 goals.
His third season saw him slotted on a line with superstar Mario Lemieux and Simpson began to fill the net 13 goals and 26 points in his first 21 games to start the 1987–88 season before a blockbuster trade would take him off the wing of one of hockey's superstars and land on the wing with another.
On November 24, 1987, Simpson, along with Dave Hannan, Chris Joseph and Moe Mantha were shipped to Edmonton in exchange for Paul Coffey, Wayne Van Dorp and Dave Hunter.
Social Network
Craig Simpson is active on various social media platforms, including Twitter and Instagram, where he shares insights about his life and career. His online presence allows fans to connect with him and follow his interests in different sports and philanthropy. While he does not have a massive following compared to some celebrities, his engagement is authentic and appreciated by fans of the sport.
Education
Craig Simpson attended the University of Western Ontario during his early years and also played for the Western Mustangs before entering the NHL. His education not only enriched his knowledge of sports but provided him with skills that served him well in his post-professional career, particularly in his broadcasting and business endeavors.
Simpson played collegiate hockey for the Michigan State Spartans of the NCAA from 1983–84 to 1984–85. Simpson skipped the third grade, then took his grade 11 and 12 course load simultaneously allowing him to start college at age 16.
He became the first 16-year old to play Varsity hockey in the United States and led the team in scoring as a freshman. Then in his second year, his draft-eligible season, he exploded for 31 goals and 84 points in just 42 games.
This performance made him the number one ranked prospect heading into the 1985 NHL Entry Draft according to Central Scouting.
