Nicolas Deslauriers Bio
Nicolas Deslauriers is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on February 22, 1991, in LaSalle, Quebec, Canada, Deslauriers was drafted in the third round, 84th overall, by the Los Angeles Kings at the 2009 NHL entry draft. His playing style has been described as a blend between an enforcer and a grinder, making him a valuable physical presence on the ice. After beginning his career primarily as a defenseman, he transitioned to the left wing position, which became his permanent role in the NHL. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 218 pounds, he has built a reputation as a hard-hitting forward capable of contributing both physically and offensively throughout his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Deslauriers was born to parents Penny and Stephane, who co-own a moving company in Quebec. Growing up in LaSalle, he developed a passion for sports at an early age, participating in both baseball and ice hockey during his childhood years. His athletic journey took a decisive turn when he qualified for the midget Triple-A team Châteauguay Patriotes, prompting him to abandon baseball and dedicate himself fully to hockey. As a young player, his favorite athlete was Hall of Fame defenseman Bobby Orr, whose excellence on the blue line inspired Deslauriers during his formative years in the sport.
His commitment to hockey intensified during his major junior career in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), where he developed his skills with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies and later the Gatineau Olympiques. The transition from a multi-sport athlete to a focused hockey player laid the foundation for his eventual professional career and shaped the competitive mentality that would define his NHL journey.
Path to Professional Hockey
Deslauriers played major junior hockey in the QMJHL with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies and Gatineau Olympiques, where he established himself as a reliable defenseman. His performance during the 2009-10 season caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection in the 2009 NHL entry draft by the Los Angeles Kings in the third round, 84th overall. Following the draft, he continued his development in the QMJHL, where he tied for 12th among league defensemen with 45 points through 65 regular season games. He was subsequently traded to the Gatineau Olympiques prior to the 2010-11 QMJHL season in exchange for two draft picks.
During the 2011 QMJHL playoffs, Deslauriers delivered an exceptional performance, leading all QMJHL defensemen in postseason scoring with 20 points. This standout playoff showing demonstrated his ability to elevate his game during critical moments, a trait that would serve him well throughout his professional career. His combination of physical play and offensive capability made him an attractive prospect for the Kings organization as he prepared to transition to professional hockey.
Nicolas Deslauriers Career
Early Career (2011–2014)
On May 31, 2011, the Los Angeles Kings signed Deslauriers to a three-year, entry-level contract and assigned him to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs. He made his professional debut during the 2011-12 season with the Monarchs, recording 14 points through 65 games. The following season, he began with the Monarchs before receiving a recall to the NHL level on May 9, 2013.
During the 2013 off-season, Jack Ferreira, special assistant to the Kings general manager, suggested that Deslauriers transition from defense to become a full-time left winger. This positional change represented a significant adjustment in his career trajectory. He embraced the new role during training camp and recorded four goals during the preseason, demonstrating his adaptability and willingness to evolve his game to find a path to the NHL.
Buffalo Sabres Era (2014–2017)
On March 5, 2014, Deslauriers was traded to the Buffalo Sabres, along with Hudson Fasching, in exchange for defenseman Brayden McNabb, Jonathan Parker, and two draft picks. He was initially assigned to the Rochester Americans, but injuries to the Sabres lineup earned him a quick recall. He made his NHL debut a few days later on March 7, 2014, in a 2-0 loss to the Florida Panthers. In his second NHL game, he played 12:13 minutes of ice time and threw three hits, drawing praise from interim head coach Ted Nolan, who noted his competitive nature despite his inexperience.
Deslauriers scored his first NHL goal on April 4, 2014, with 6:40 remaining in the third period in a 3-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. He finished the season with one goal through 17 of the Sabres’ last 20 games, demonstrating his ability to contribute offensively when given opportunity. The 2014-15 season became his first full NHL campaign as a winger, and he played in all 82 games, tallying 15 points and 71 penalty minutes. He finished ninth in the league with 261 hits, establishing himself as one of the most physical forwards in hockey and earning the Sabres’ Rookie of the Year award.
Montreal Canadiens Years (2017–2019)
On October 4, 2017, Deslauriers was traded by the Sabres to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Zach Redmond. Upon joining the Canadiens organization, he was assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket, where he tallied three goals and five points in 14 games. He was recalled to the NHL level on November 15 and made his debut with the Canadiens in a 5-4 loss against the Arizona Coyotes.
Deslauriers experienced his most productive offensive season during December 2017, leading the team with four goals through 11 games while also leading all NHL players with 54 hits during that span. He ranked first on the team and tied for seventh in the league in goal differentials. His improved play earned him the prestigious Molson Cup honor at the end of December 2017, and he was promoted to the Canadiens’ top line alongside Jonathan Drouin and Alex Galchenyuk. After playing 36 games with Montreal, he signed a two-year, one-way contract extension worth $1.9 million, securing his place with the team for the following seasons.
During the 2018-19 season, Deslauriers suffered a facial fracture during a preseason game against the New Jersey Devils on September 17, 2018, requiring him to be placed on injured reserve. He returned to the lineup in October and continued his tenure with the Canadiens, though his offensive contributions were limited compared to the previous season.
Anaheim Ducks and Minnesota Wild (2019–2022)
On June 30, 2019, Deslauriers was traded by the Canadiens to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a 2020 fourth-round draft pick. During the 2019-20 season with the Ducks, he tallied seven points and 80 penalty minutes through 45 games by February 2020. His strong physical presence earned him a two-year contract extension with the Ducks organization. Shortly after signing the extension, Deslauriers set the franchise record for the fastest hat trick in Ducks history, scoring all three goals in the first period of a 5-2 win over the Ottawa Senators.
On March 19, 2022, just days before the NHL trade deadline, Deslauriers was traded to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a 2023 third-round draft pick. This brief stint with the Wild concluded his time in the Western Conference and set the stage for his next career chapter.
Philadelphia Flyers Era (2022–Present)
As a free agent from the Minnesota Wild, Deslauriers signed a four-year, $7 million contract with the Philadelphia Flyers on July 13, 2022. This contract represented the most significant commitment of his career and provided him with an opportunity to establish himself as a core contributor with a franchise seeking to rebuild its competitive foundation. His physical style of play and veteran experience made him an attractive addition to a young Flyers roster.
Deslauriers brought his blend of toughness, leadership, and reliable checking-line play to Philadelphia, providing the team with a physical presence capable of creating momentum shifts through hard hits and forechecking pressure. His ability to kill penalties and contribute on the penalty kill added defensive value to his offensive capabilities.
Playing Style and Strengths
Deslauriers has carved out a niche in the NHL as a physical forward whose game revolves around hard work, body contact, and reliable positioning. Originally developing as a defenseman, he successfully made the transition to left wing, where his understanding of defensive play enhances his two-way game. His ability to throw checks and finish hits has consistently ranked among the league leaders during various seasons of his career. His forechecking intensity creates turnovers and momentum for his linemates, while his willingness to go to the dirty areas in front of the net makes him a valuable complementary piece on any line.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Deslauriers has achieved several memorable milestones. His fastest hat trick record with the Anaheim Ducks showcased his goal-scoring ability when given offensive opportunities. The Molson Cup honor he earned in December 2017 with the Montreal Canadiens recognized his all-around excellence during a standout month. His career-high hit totals have established him as one of the most feared physical players in the league, and his journey from third-round draft pick to NHL regular exemplifies the perseverance required to succeed at the highest level of professional hockey.
Nicolas Deslauriers Career Statistics
Deslauriers has compiled over 500 games of NHL experience across his career with the Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild, and Philadelphia Flyers. His career totals include approximately 50 goals and over 100 points, with his best offensive season coming during the 2017-18 campaign with Montreal. He has accumulated over 600 penalty minutes, reflecting his willingness to protect teammates and play a physical brand of hockey. His versatility has allowed him to contribute as a regular penalty killer while maintaining his role as a checking-line forward throughout his career.
Career Milestones
His most significant career achievements include winning the Sabres’ Rookie of the Year award in 2014-15, earning the Molson Cup honor with Montreal, and setting the Ducks’ fastest hat trick record. His first NHL goal against the Detroit Red Wings on April 4, 2014, marked the beginning of his transition from AHL regular to NHL contributor. Each milestone represents a step in his development from a defensive prospect to a reliable professional forward who has earned extended opportunities with multiple organizations through his consistent effort and physical style of play.
Nicolas Deslauriers Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Deslauriers was born to Stephane and Penny Deslauriers in LaSalle, Quebec. His parents co-own a moving company in Quebec, providing a family business background alongside his athletic career. While no other immediate family members have pursued professional hockey, his parents’ entrepreneurial support has allowed him to focus on his development throughout his minor hockey and junior career.
Personal Life
Deslauriers and his wife have four children together, creating a substantial family life alongside his professional hockey career. He has a tattoo on his left arm displaying the inscription “The future will be whatever you make it,” reflecting his positive outlook and personal philosophy. Off the ice, he previously owned the XPN Centre in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Quebec, before the venue declared bankruptcy. His Quebec roots have remained important throughout his career, and he has returned to his home province during off-seasons throughout his professional journey.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Deslauriers continues his tenure with the Philadelphia Flyers as a veteran presence in their forward corps. His leadership and physical style provide valuable mentorship to younger players developing within the organization. The Flyers have relied on his experience to help establish a competitive culture as they work to return to playoff contention in the Eastern Conference.
Deslauriers’ role with the Flyers centers on his checking-line duties, penalty-kill responsibilities, and ability to provide energy through physical play. His consistency in these areas has made him a reliable asset for the coaching staff, and his veteran voice in the locker room contributes to team chemistry and unity. As he progresses through his 14th professional season, Deslauriers remains committed to bringing the same work ethic and competitive fire that characterized his early career.
The outlook for Deslauriers and the Flyers involves building on their progress from previous seasons while maintaining the defensive structure and physical identity that defines their game. His presence provides stability on the fourth line and special teams units, allowing the coaching staff to deploy him in key situations that require his particular skill set. The veteran forward continues to embrace the grinding, north-south style of play that has defined his NHL career and made him a respected player throughout the league.