Michael Komisarek was born January 19, 1982 in West Slip, New York. The first round, 7th overall selection of the Montreal Canadiens in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, Komisarek is highly touted defenceman out of the United States Development Program who journey began with New England of the EJHL in 1998-99.
The hulking defenceman from West Slip, New York went on to play two seasons with the CCHA's Michigan Wolverines (2000-2002) earning CCHA All-Rookie Team honours in 2000-01 and CCHA First Team All-Star and NCAA West First All-American Team honours in 2001-02 before deciding to turn pro following his Sophomore year.
A two-time member of the United States World Junior team in 2001 and 2002, Komisarek joined the Canadiens AHL affiliate in Hamilton for the better part of the 2002-03 season and was instrumental in leading the Bulldogs to the AHL Calder Cup final. Although the Bulldogs came up short in their effort to capture the Calder Cup, Komisarek's strong play throughout the season gave him the opportunity to see action in 21 games with Montreal.
A member of the AHL's All-Rookie Team in 2003, Komisarek had more of a prominant role with Montreal in 2003-04, while still continuing to hone his skills in the AHL.
In Montreal Komisarek earned a reputation as a hard-hitting, no-nonsense defenseman. Though his offensive contributions were minimal (never scoring more than 4 goals in a single season) his acumen in his own end and willingness to stick up for his teammates made him a fan favorite in Montreal.
On March 20, 2006, 123 games into his NHL career, Komisarek recorded his frist NHL goal in a game against the Washington Capitals.
On July 1, 2009, Komisarek joined an exclusive group of players who have been a part of both the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs. As an unrestricted free agent, he he signed a 5 year deal with the Leafs in an effort by Maple Leafs general manager, Brian Burke to add more "pugnacity, testosterone and truculence" to the Leaf lineup.
