Overview

Scott "Scottie" Upshall (born October 7 1983 in Fort McMurray, Alberta) is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player who primarily played as a right winger. Known early in his career for speed and offensive instincts, Upshall became a regular NHL presence after a standout junior tenure and a high selection in the NHL draft.

Junior career and draft

Upshall made his name in major junior hockey with the Western Hockey League (WHL), skating for the Kamloops Blazers. His production and two-way play at junior level raised his profile among NHL scouts, and he was selected sixth overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. That draft position reflected expectations that he would become a top-line forward at the professional level.

NHL career and teams

Over the course of his NHL career Upshall played for multiple clubs and filled several roles from scoring winger to penalty killer. His teams included the Nashville Predators, the Philadelphia Flyers, the Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes, the St. Louis Blues, the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Florida Panthers. He was traded from the Flyers to the Coyotes — a move that involved Daniel Carcillo on March 4, 2009 — and later continued his career with other franchises before eventual retirement.

  • Nashville Predators — drafted 6th overall and began his NHL career
  • Philadelphia Flyers — part of his early NHL development
  • Phoenix / Arizona Coyotes — arrived via trade in 2009
  • St. Louis Blues, Columbus Blue Jackets, Florida Panthers — later stops in a journeyman NHL tenure

Style of play and role

Upshall combined quickness and a tenacious puck pursuit with a willingness to play in traffic. He was often used on second- and third-line units, contributing both goals and energy-driven minutes. Coaches valued his blend of offensive upside from the wing and his adaptability to different special teams roles over long periods in the league.

Legacy and notable facts

While Upshall never became a perennial All-Star, he established a long professional career built on consistency and perseverance. His path — from junior standout with Kamloops to a high draft pick and then a multi-team NHL veteran — is a familiar arc for skilled Canadian forwards of his generation. For further background on his junior achievements and professional statistics, see sources tied to his early life and team histories.

Additional references: birth and date records appear in team biographies and player databases, and many season-by-season summaries include transactions such as the trade involving Daniel Carcillo. For more on the leagues and clubs mentioned see organizational pages for the WHL, the Kamloops Blazers, and NHL franchise histories such as the Nashville Predators and the Philadelphia Flyers.