Eric Cairns (born on June 27, 1974 in Oakville, Ontario) is a professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently an unrestricted free agent. Last season (2006), he was with the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL. Drafted by the New York Rangers in 1992, he spent several seasons there before being placed on waivers. The Rangers' crosstown rivals, the New York Islanders, claimed Cairns on December 22, 1998. He played six seasons with the team before they declined to renew his contract. After the 2004-05 NHL lockout the Florida Panthers signed him as a free agent. Cairns was then traded to the Penguins mid-season. He missed most of the 2006-2007 season with post-concussion syndrome and various other injuries.
Cairns, an enforcer, has received less playing time in recent years as the enforcer role is less prominent in the post-lockout NHL. Since entering the league in the 1996-1997 season with the Rangers, Cairns accumulated 1,117 penalty minutes, 10 goals, and 32 assists.
