Devin Setoguchi is a Canadian professional ice hockey player best known for his time in the National Hockey League as a right winger. He was born on January 1, 1987 in Taber, Alberta. Setoguchi is of Canadian and Japanese descent and rose through the Canadian junior hockey system before becoming an NHL draft selection. Early in his career he was identified as a natural goal scorer with quick release and an ability to produce on the power play.
Early life and junior career
Setoguchi developed as a prospect playing major junior hockey in the Western Hockey League (WHL). He spent the majority of his junior career with the Saskatoon Blades and completed a final season with the Prince George Cougars. Those seasons established him as an offensive forward who could play against top competition and attracted attention from NHL scouts for his scoring instincts and skating.
NHL draft and San Jose Sharks
Regarded as one of the leading prospects in his draft year, Setoguchi was selected in the first round, eighth overall, by the San Jose Sharks in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. He joined the Sharks organization and spent several seasons developing into an NHL regular. During his tenure with San Jose he earned a reputation as a winger who could contribute goals and support the team's forward depth, particularly on special teams.
Trade to Minnesota and later career
In a notable multi-player transaction, Setoguchi was traded to the Minnesota Wild as part of a deal that exchanged players and draft choices between the two clubs. With Minnesota he continued to play a top-six or middle-six winger role at times, offering offensive upside and experience. After his stint in Minnesota, Setoguchi went on to play for additional professional teams and leagues, continuing his career as a veteran forward.
Playing style, strengths and role
Setoguchi is categorized as an offensive right winger: he has a quick shot, an ability to find soft areas in the offensive zone and a willingness to play on the power play. Coaches and teammates often noted his knack for scoring and his work ethic in practice. Like many forwards, his career was shaped by periods of scoring success and times when he needed to adapt his role to team needs.
Notable facts and summary
- Nationality and background: Canadian with Japanese heritage.
- Position: right winger, known for offensive play.
- Junior development: played in the WHL for the Saskatoon Blades and the Prince George Cougars.
- NHL draft: selected in the first round by the San Jose Sharks.
- Notable transaction: later traded to the Minnesota Wild in a deal that involved multiple players and draft picks.
Throughout his professional career Setoguchi has been recognized as a player with legitimate offensive skill who moved between roles as teams required. His journey from junior hockey in Alberta through high draft selection and into an NHL career illustrates the path of a modern goal scorer who combined junior success with professional opportunity.