Mike Zigomanis

Michael "Mike" Zigomanis (born January 17, 1981) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre. He is currently with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization of the National Hockey League.

Early life
Zigomanis was born to ethnic Macedonian parents who emigrated to Canada from the Kastoria Prefecture in Greece.

Playing career
Zigomanis was originally drafted in the 2nd round, 64th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft, but was unable to come to a contract agreement with the team. He re-entered the draft and was selected 46th overall by Carolina Hurricanes in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. Zigomanis has played 134 career NHL games, scoring 19 goals and 14 assists for 33 points. Zigomanis played four seasons of Junior Hockey with the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League. He represented Canada at the 2001 World Junior Hockey Championships. Having terrific vision, soft hands and adept in a passing touch, and great skill on the faceoff, Zigomanis has molded his role as a third-line playmaker. The Coyotes signed him to a contract extension through the 2008–2009 season on February 16, 2007. On October 9, 2008 he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins for future considerations. Zigomanis provided faceoff and penalty killing expertise to Pittsburgh.

He signed a professional tryout with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League on October 19, 2009. Zigomanis played only seven games but managed to score 13 points (all assists) before leaving for Europe on November 10, 2009, signing a contract for the rest of the 2009–10 season with Djurgårdens IF of the Swedish Elitserien.

On July 15, 2010, Zigomanis signed as a free agent to return to Toronto, signing a one-year, two-way contract with the Maple Leafs. On July 12, 2011, Zigomanis signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs worth $665,000 at the NHL level and $300,000 at the AHL level.

Awards

 * OHL - William Hanley Trophy (Most Gentlemanly Player) (2000)
 * NHL - Stanley Cup Championship (2009)