Michael Cammalleri was drafted in the second round of the 2001 entry draft 49th overall by the Los Angeles Kings. Toronto native Mike Cammalleri played 3 years of college hockey with the University of Michigan. After making his NHL debut with the Los Angeles Kings on November 8th, 2002; Cammalleri would spend time with both the Kings and their AHL affiliate Manchester Monarchs until the NHL lockout in 2004-2005. During the lockout Mike Cammalleri spent a full season playing for the Manchester Monarchs and went on to lead the league in goals with 46. This breakout season lead to a full time position with the Los Angeles Kings in 2005-2006.

Mike Cammalleri was traded to the Calgary Flames during the 2008 off-season. The trade involved three teams: Anaheim, Calgary and Los Angeles. Michael Cammalleri was the only player involved while the other terms involved player draft picks. Cammalleri's best season came after being traded to Calgary where he put up an NHL career best 82 points in 82 games including 39 goals playing alongside Jarome Iginla.

Michael Cammalleri elected to sign a five year deal with the Montreal Canadiens on trade deadline day of 2009. Cammalleri's point per game effort the previous season led to a hefty 6 million dollar per year contract with the Canadiens. By signing in Montreal Mike Cammalleri rejected an Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs contract. The Senantors' contract was rejected because the money just wasn't right for Cammalleri. And the Maple Leafs' contract was rejected because Mike Cammalleri lives in Toronto and didn't want hockey to be all encompassing as is so often the case with hometown heroes who end up playing for their hometown.

Standing only 5 feet 9 inches tall, Michael Cammalleri's presence is most noticeable on offense. He excels on the powerplay, during cycle play and on the rush. Mike Cammalleri is a great skater and puck handler, he is also very smart with the puck. On occasion Cammalleri has been known to get frustrated while playing and put in a few cheap shots here and there. Like his sucker punch on Martin Havlat during the 2009 playoffs and in preseason, a slash on Islander's rookie Nino Niederreiter in 2010 who was giving Mike Cammalleri the business.

Michael Cammalleri boasts one of the best one timers in the league. His small stature allows him to put all his weight behind the puck quickly allowing for hard, fast release one timers that will usually catch opposing goaltenders off guard. It's not surprising to see Mike Cammalleri falling to one knee when blasting a quick one timer short side, top cheese.

Aside from his one timer, Michael Cammalleri's wrist shot has one of the trickiest releases in the sport. With this tricky release goaltenders have trouble judging when the puck will come off his stick and are unable to time their reaction. Cammalleri is able to score the majority of his goals from the wrist shot not with the quickness of the puck but with good accuracy and timing.

Strengths of Michael Cammalleri include his unique shot that fools goaltenders, his coordination, speed and ability to handle the puck. Weaknesses of Cammalleri include his play on defence, Mike Cammalleri is an on and off plus-minus player. Also, Cammalleri's small stature means he is easily pushed off the puck and has trouble making his presence known in the physical department.

Michael Cammalleri is known around the locker room as "Cammy" or "Cam". During his stint with the Flames Mike Cammalleri was known by Calgary fans by the nick name "squid", a play on words since Calamari is similar to Cammalleri. Nutrition is a big part of Cammalleri's life, he eats very healthy and pays special attention to what he puts into his body. Mike Cammalleri was featured on an episode of MTV Cribs while playing for the Kings in Los Angeles. Cammalleri calls his dad after every game to ask how he can improve.