Mark Jankowski Bio
Mark Jankowski is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who serves as a centre for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League (NHL). Jankowski was selected in the first round, 21st overall, at the 2012 NHL entry draft by the Calgary Flames. He is the highest-selected Canadian high school player in draft history, having played for Stanstead College for two seasons leading to the draft. Jankowski won the Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes in 2026. Throughout his NHL career, he has also played for the Calgary Flames, Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres, and Nashville Predators, establishing himself as a versatile two-way centre known for his size, skating ability, and defensive reliability.
Early Life and Background
Mark Jankowski was born on September 13, 1994, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and grew up in nearby Dundas, Ontario. He comes from a distinguished hockey family with deep roots in the sport. His grandfather, Lou Jankowski, appeared in 127 NHL games with the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks during the 1950s. His granduncle is Hockey Hall of Famer Red Kelly, one of the sport’s most celebrated defensemen. His father, Len Jankowski, played college hockey for the Cornell Big Red, and his uncle, Ryan Jankowski, currently serves as an assistant general manager with the Seattle Kraken. His younger brother, David Jankowski, signed an amateur tryout contract with the Calgary Flames in 2018.
Path to Professional Hockey
Jankowski was a top scorer at the midget AAA level, playing for the St. Catharines Minor Midget AAA Falcons of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association’s South-Central Triple A Hockey League. Despite his offensive production, he went unselected in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) midget draft as teams believed at five feet, eight inches tall that he was too small to compete at the top level of junior hockey. Jankowski chose to continue his development at Stanstead College, a prep school in Stanstead, Quebec. During his two seasons at Stanstead, he experienced a significant growth spurt, reaching six feet, two inches tall, and his outstanding play drew attention from NHL scouts. He scored 31 goals and 73 points in 2010-11, then improved to 53 goals and 93 points in 57 games during the 2011-12 season.
Jankowski originally committed to play for the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the United States Hockey League (USHL) before deciding to bypass the junior league entirely and move directly to college hockey. He committed to play for the Providence Friars, choosing Providence over interest from Boston University, Cornell, Harvard, Maine, and Penn State. He followed Friars coach Nate Leaman, who had previously shown interest in Jankowski while coaching at Union College. Rather than joining Providence immediately, Jankowski attended Stanstead College for two seasons, where his exceptional scoring statistics made him one of the most sought-after prospects in Canadian high school hockey. The Calgary Flames selected him 21st overall in the 2012 NHL Draft, making him the highest draft pick ever from a Canadian high school.
Mark Jankowski Career
Calgary Flames Era (2016-2020)
Jankowski began his professional career on March 30, 2016, signing a two-year entry-level contract with the Calgary Flames. He spent the remainder of the 2015-16 season with the Flames’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Stockton Heat. Jankowski was called up to the NHL roster in November 2016 and made his NHL debut against the New York Islanders on November 28, 2016. He scored his first career NHL goal on November 9, 2017, in a 6-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. On April 7, 2018, in the final game of the regular season, Jankowski recorded his first four-goal game in a 7-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights, showcasing his offensive potential at the highest level.
Despite the promising start, Jankowski’s 2019-20 season was largely disappointing. He was limited to a fourth-line role and contributed just 5 goals and 7 points in 56 games. The Flames did not tender him a qualifying offer to retain his rights on October 8, 2020, making him a free agent. His time in Calgary ended after five seasons, during which he demonstrated the ability to contribute offensively but struggled to establish consistent playing time in the Flames’ lineup.
Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres (2020-2022)
On October 9, 2020, Jankowski signed a one-year, $700,000 contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The move gave him an opportunity to revitalize his career with a new organization. He appeared in games for the Penguins during the 2020-21 season, working to earn a regular spot in their lineup. Following the conclusion of his Penguins tenure, Jankowski attended the New Jersey Devils’ training camp on a professional tryout contract (PTO) in September 2021 but was released without a contract offer.
Jankowski began the 2021-22 season with the Rochester Americans of the AHL, the primary affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres. After collecting 5 goals and 12 points through his first 13 games with the Americans, he earned a recall to the NHL level. On November 28, 2021, Jankowski signed a one-year, $750,000 contract with the Buffalo Sabres, securing his place with the organization for the remainder of the season. He contributed as a depth centre for the Sabres, working to establish consistency in his game at the NHL level.
Nashville Predators (2022-2025)
As a free agent from the Sabres, Jankowski signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Nashville Predators on July 14, 2022. The move to Nashville provided him with an opportunity for more regular playing time and a chance to solidify his role as an NHL regular. Jankowski responded well to the change of scenery, becoming a reliable two-way centre for the Predators. His versatility and size made him a valuable asset in various situations, including the penalty kill and defensive zone deployments.
On March 8, 2024, Jankowski signed a two-year contract extension with the Predators, demonstrating the organization’s confidence in his contributions. The extension reflected his importance to the team and his ability to provide stability at the centre position. He continued to be a consistent presence in the Predators’ lineup through the 2024-25 season, contributing both offensively and defensively.
Carolina Hurricanes (2025-Present)
During the 2024-25 season, Jankowski was traded by the Nashville Predators to the Carolina Hurricanes at the NHL trade deadline. The trade occurred on March 7, 2025, with Nashville receiving a 2026 fifth-round draft pick in exchange. Jankowski made his Hurricanes debut on March 9, 2025, and made an immediate impact by scoring 2 goals in a 4-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. He became the third player in franchise history to score multiple goals in their Hurricanes debut, demonstrating his ability to contribute offensively in new surroundings.
The addition of Jankowski strengthened the Hurricanes’ depth at centre and provided them with an experienced veteran for their playoff push. His size at six-foot-four combined with his skating ability made him a difficult player to defend against and a reliable option in all situations. The Hurricanes’ decision to acquire Jankowski reflected their commitment to building a championship-contending roster.
Driving Style and Strengths
Jankowski is known for his combination of size and mobility, standing at six-foot-four with strong skating ability for a player his height. His strength lies in his two-way game, as he is capable of contributing offensively while also being responsible in his own end. He has shown effectiveness in defensive situations, including faceoffs and penalty-kill duties. His versatility allows him to play in various roles, from scoring lines to checking lines, making him a valuable depth player for any team. His professional approach and experience across multiple organizations have helped him develop into a reliable NHL centre.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Jankowski has achieved several notable milestones. His four-goal game against the Vegas Golden Knights on April 7, 2018, remains one of the most memorable performances of his career. Being selected as the highest-drafted Canadian high school player in NHL history at 21st overall in 2012 set the stage for his professional journey. His Hurricanes debut with two goals showcased his ability to make an immediate impact with a new team. The Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup victory in 2026 marked the pinnacle of his professional career, earning him hockey’s ultimate prize.
Mark Jankowski Career Wins
Throughout his NHL career, Jankowski has accumulated wins across multiple organizations while demonstrating consistent offensive contribution and versatility. His Stanley Cup championship with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2026 represents the highlight of his professional achievements. He has also contributed to team successes at various levels throughout his career.
NHL Highlights
Jankowski’s most significant career win came with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2026 when the team captured the Stanley Cup championship. His regular-season performance with the Hurricanes included the memorable two-goal debut on March 9, 2025, against the Winnipeg Jets. During his time with the Calgary Flames, he recorded several multi-goal games, including his four-goal performance against Vegas on April 7, 2018. His career has been marked by consistent effort and the ability to contribute when called upon, though team championships have been limited to the 2026 Hurricanes victory. Jankowski’s experience playing meaningful games across multiple organizations has contributed to his development as a professional.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his NHL career, Jankowski’s amateur career included significant team success at Stanstead College, where his scoring prowess helped elevate the program during his two seasons. His international experience includes representing Canada at various levels. The Stanley Cup victory with the Hurricanes stands as the ultimate achievement of his professional career, representing years of dedication at various levels of the sport.
Mark Jankowski Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
The Jankowski family has a rich history in professional hockey spanning multiple generations. Mark’s grandfather, Lou Jankowski, carved out a solid NHL career, appearing in 127 games with the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks in the 1950s. His granduncle, Red Kelly, was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, cementing the family’s place among hockey’s most accomplished lineages. His father, Len Jankowski, continued the tradition by playing college hockey for the Cornell Big Red, while his uncle Ryan Jankowski has risen to an executive role as assistant general manager with the Seattle Kraken. Mark’s younger brother, David Jankowski, also pursued professional hockey, signing an amateur tryout contract with the Calgary Flames in 2018.
Personal Life
Jankowski grew up in Dundas, Ontario, within a family that prioritized both athletics and education. His hockey upbringing was heavily influenced by his family’s deep connections to the sport, providing him with guidance and mentorship from an early age. His father’s college hockey experience at Cornell and his uncle’s NHL management career have given Jankowski a broad perspective on the game from multiple angles. Despite his professional success, Jankowski has remained connected to his Ontario roots and continues to be involved in his community.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant chapter in Mark Jankowski’s career as he joined the Carolina Hurricanes at the trade deadline. His immediate impact was evident from his very first game with the team, as he scored twice against the Winnipeg Jets in his debut on March 9, 2025. The Hurricanes’ acquisition of Jankowski was part of their strategy to add depth and experience to their roster for a playoff push. His performance in the remaining regular-season games demonstrated his ability to adapt quickly to new teammates and systems, making him a valuable addition to the Hurricanes’ lineup.
Working with the Hurricanes coaching staff, Jankowski settled into a role that capitalized on his two-way abilities. His combination of size and skating made him particularly effective in the Hurricanes’ system, which emphasizes puck possession and defensive responsibility. The team entered the playoffs with momentum following their late-season additions, and Jankowski’s experience from previous playoff runs provided additional depth at the centre position. The season ultimately concluded with the Hurricanes capturing the Stanley Cup championship, with Jankowski contributing throughout the playoff run.