Every organization has a few players in the catalog that could be classified as "larger than life". In both the literal and metaphorical sense, Mike Commodore is one for the Carolina Hurricanes. His hair and robe became staples of the 2006 Stanley Cup run, endearing him to the fan base after being acquired from the Calgary Flames after the lockout in 2005.
Commodore began his NHL journey with the New Jersey Devils after being selected in the 2nd round in 1999. He played parts of two seasons before being sent to Anaheim in 2002. He spent less than a year with the Ducks and was on the move again. This time he landed in Calgary. Commodore was sparingly used until the 2004 playoffs, where he played 20 games in the Flames' run to the Cup Final.
The price to fetch Commodore was light, only costing the Hurricanes a 3rd-round pick in 2005 to get the job done. With the 69th pick, the Flames selected defenseman Gord Baldwin. Never making it to the NHL, Baldwin played a few years in the AHL and the ECHL before heading to Europe. He played in Czechia for two years, came back to North America for a year, and finished his career in England.
The hair and bathrobe made Commodore a favorite during the 2006 run
Commodore's signature beard and red afro had already gained notoriety during his time with Calgary in 2004, but it went to the next level in 2006. After playing almost as many games in 2005-06 as he had in the four seasons prior and setting a career high in points (13), Commodore reached cult icon status amongst the Caniacs with his bizarre fashion statement.
During the team's run in 2006, Commodore was often seen sporting a white bathrobe and shower shoes combination that quickly swept through the area. I distinctly remember going trick-or-treating that year dressed as Mike Commodore. I don't believe there is photographic evidence of such an outfit, much to everyone's delight.
Even then-President George W. Bush got in on the fun when the Hurricanes visited the White House following their Stanley Cup victory. The President opened his remarks by saying:
"You know, I'm not sure what's prettier, the Stanley Cup, or Mike Commodore's hair"George W. Bush, on Commodore's hair
Commodore went a step further in 2006-07, scoring seven goals and 29 points in a full 82-game campaign, all numbers he'd fail to replicate again in his career. Along with his offensive numbers improving, Commodore spent a lot of time in the box. He was tied for 18th in PIMs in 2005-06 (138) and finished the following season over 100 again.
His time in Raleigh was cut short when the Hurricanes traded him to Ottawa, along with Cory Stillman, for Joe Corvo and Patrick Eaves in February 2008. Commodore played four more years after the trade, spending time in Columbus, Detroit, and Tampa Bay before leaving for Russia in 2013, where he'd finish his career.
Even if he didn't make a massive impact on the scoresheet nightly, Commodore was one of the best character guys in franchise history. He was a brooding 6'4" defenseman who would lay the body in an instant. While I'm sure he would've loved to score more points, he knew his role. Better yet, Commodore became an endearing part of the organization's history and a Stanley Cup champion.