Mike Mottau

American ice hockey player

Michael Joseph Mottau (born March 19, 1978) is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman who played in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted in the seventh round, 182nd overall, by the New York Rangers in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft.

Mottau was born in Boston, Massachusetts, but grew up in Avon, Massachusetts. Mottau played four years of college hockey at Boston College, and was the recipient of the Hobey Baker Award for top men's collegiate hockey player during his senior season. He made his National Hockey League debut with the Rangers during the 2000–01 season. He played nineteen games with the Rangers over two seasons, and four with the Calgary Flames during the 2002–03 season. Mottau played four seasons in the American Hockey League before returning to the NHL in the 2007–08 season with the New Jersey Devils. On September 28, 2010, Mottau signed a two year deal with the New York Islanders. On February 27, 2012, Mottau was traded with Brian Rolston to the Boston Bruins in exchange for Yannick Riendeau and Marc Cantin. With the 2012–13 NHL lockout negating his chance of an NHL contract, Mottau was signed to a professional try out deal with the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL on December 7, 2012. Mottau produced 7 assists in 16 games before he was released at the conclusion of the lockout to sign a one year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on January 13, 2013. On July 5, 2013 the Florida Panthers Executive VP & General Manager Dale Tallon announced that the club has agreed to terms with D Mike Mottau on a one year, two way contract. On August 19, 2014, Mottau announced his retirement. Following his retirement, Mottau has worked as a Business Development Manager for Sunrise Erectors. Guitarist Eddie Mottau is his uncle.