Cornell University Athletics

2016 NHL Draft Pick (Edmonton Oilers; 3rd round, 84th overall)

As a junior (2019-20)

• Worked his way into 19 games, primarily in the first half of the season while paired with Sam Malinski.
• Had one assist, springing Liam Motley for a breakaway goal Nov. 16 against St. Lawrence.

As a sophomore (2018-19)

• Played in 32 games, which ranked fourth among the team's defensemen — though he also played at times both on the wing and at center.
• Opened season with a multiple-point effort, scoring a goal and adding an assist Oct. 26 against Michigan State.
• Added a second goal in team's Feb. 15 game at Brown.

As a freshman (2017-18)

• Played 10 games on a defensive unit that led the nation with a 1.58 goals against average, the eighth-lowest in NCAA Division I history.
• Made nine appearances after Jan. 1, scoring first collegiate goal on a one-timer during regular-season finale Feb. 24 at Union.

Prior to Cornell

• Selected at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers with the 84th overall pick in the third round.
• Went on to start 2016-17 season with the USHL's Fargo Force before shipping out to the British Columbia Hockey League's Powell River Kings.
• Led Powell River's blueliners in points per game with 16 points on two goals and 14 assists through 18 games to close out the regular season.
• While picked in the third round of the 2014 OHL Priority Selection, stayed on the college trajectory by playing the next two seasons in the Ontario Junior Hockey League.
• Won a league title with the Toronto Patriots at the end of the 2014-15 season, then broke out the following year with 33 points in 46 games with the Georgetown Raiders.
• Named the OJHL’s top prospect in 2015-16.

Personal

• Matthew Ronald Cairns is the son of Derek and Vanda Cairns, and he has an older brother.
• Enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the SC Johnson College of Business.