Background
Mottau was born in Boston, Massachusetts, but grew up in Avon, Massachusetts.
Mottau was born in Boston, Massachusetts, but grew up in Avon, Massachusetts.
He was drafted in the seventh round, 182nd overall, by the New York Rangers in the 1997 National Hockey League Entry Draft. He currently works as a pro scout for the Chicago Blackhawks. He made his National Hockey League debut with the Rangers during the 2000-2001 season.
He played nineteen games with the Rangers over two seasons, and four with the Calgary Flames during the 2002-2003 season.
Mottau played four seasons in the American Hockey League before returning to the National Hockey League in the 2007-2008 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 2012-2013 National Hockey League lockout negating his chance of a National Hockey League 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 Doctorate Mike Mottau on a one-year, two way contract. On August 19, 2014, Mottau announced his retirement.