Blake Lizotte Bio
Blake Joseph Lizotte is an American professional ice hockey forward who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on December 13, 1997, in Lindstrom, Minnesota, Lizotte went undrafted out of high school but worked his way through the United States Hockey League (USHL) and collegiate hockey at St. Cloud State University before signing his first NHL contract with the Los Angeles Kings in April 2019. After five seasons with the Kings organization, Lizotte signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins in July 2024. The 5-foot-9-inch forward has established himself as a reliable two-way player known for his hockey IQ, tenacious forechecking, and ability to contribute in all situations.
Early Life and Background
Blake Joseph Lizotte grew up in Lindstrom, Minnesota, a small community in the eastern part of the state. His father passed away when Blake was 14 years old from complications related to epilepsy, leaving his mother to raise him and his two brothers on her own. Despite this adversity, Lizotte developed a passion for hockey in Minnesota’s rich hockey culture, where the sport holds a prominent place in the state’s athletic identity.
While specific details about his youth hockey career and early coaches are limited, Lizotte’s path demonstrates the perseverance required for players who do not receive immediate draft recognition. His development through Minnesota’s amateur hockey system provided the foundation for his eventual rise to professional hockey.
Path to Professional Hockey
Following his high school career, Lizotte played in the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the Fargo Force from the 2015-16 season through the 2016-17 season. The USHL is recognized as one of the top junior hockey leagues in North America, serving as a critical development pathway for collegiate and professional players. His performance with Fargo Force helped catch the attention of college programs seeking talented forwards.
Lizotte ultimately committed to play collegiate hockey at St. Cloud State University, competing in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). During his two seasons with the St. Cloud State Huskies from 2017 to 2019, Lizotte emerged as a key contributor for a consistently successful program. He helped lead the Huskies to the NCHC regular-season championship in both years and secured the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament during each campaign. In his sophomore season of 2018-19, Lizotte ranked second on his team in points, tied for first in assists, and finished fourth in goals. His outstanding play earned him recognition on the NCHC First All-Star Team. Across his 76 games at St. Cloud State, Lizotte accumulated 69 points, showcasing his ability to produce offensively at the collegiate level.
Blake Lizotte Career
Los Angeles Kings (2019-2024)
After suffering a second consecutive early exit with the Huskies at the NCAA Tournament, Lizotte signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Los Angeles Kings on April 2, 2019. He immediately joined the Kings for the final regular-season game, making his NHL debut in a 5-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on April 6, 2019. This debut represented the culmination of his journey from undrafted high school player to professional hockey.
Lizotte scored his first career NHL goal and added an assist in a 3-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on November 9, 2019, marking a significant milestone in his professional career. He continued to develop his game over subsequent seasons, becoming known for his reliable defensive play and ability to contribute in various lineup roles.
Pittsburgh Penguins (2024-Present)
On July 1, 2024, Lizotte signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins, worth an average annual value of $1.85 million. The move represented a new chapter in his career as he joined a franchise with championship aspirations. During the preseason, Lizotte suffered a concussion when Penguins defenseman Kris Letang accidentally cleared the puck into his own bench, striking Lizotte in the face during a game against the Ottawa Senators on September 29, 2024. The injury caused him to miss approximately a month of action.
Lizotte made his Penguins debut against the Anaheim Ducks on October 31, 2024, and began integrating into the team’s forward rotation. The Penguins, with their mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent, have looked to players like Lizotte to provide consistent two-way play as they compete for a playoff position.
Driving Style and Strengths
Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, Lizotte does not rely on size but rather on smart positioning, quick acceleration, and strong hockey sense. His ability to read developing plays and win puck battles along the boards has made him a valuable asset in multiple situations. Lizotte’s tenacious forechecking style disrupts opposing defensemen and creates offensive opportunities, while his defensive awareness helps suppress opponents’ attacks. His left-shot versatility allows coaches to deploy him in various lineup configurations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Lizotte’s notable career moments, his first NHL goal against the Montreal Canadiens on November 9, 2019, stands out as a significant achievement for the undrafted forward. His strong 2020-21 season, in which he recorded 10 points and led the Kings in plus-minus rating, demonstrated his ability to contribute positively regardless of his offensive totals. The transition from college directly to NHL minutes with Los Angeles and his eventual establishment as an everyday NHL player represents a notable accomplishment in his professional journey.
Blake Lizotte Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Blake Lizotte has accumulated regular-season games played and contributed to team efforts across both the Los Angeles Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins organizations. His career totals reflect his role as a reliable depth forward rather than a high-scoring offensive player.
NHL Highlights
Over his NHL career spanning five-plus seasons, Lizotte has appeared in over 300 regular-season games, accumulating meaningful contributions including goals, assists, and strong defensive metrics. His most productive stretch came during his early years with the Los Angeles Kings, where he established himself as a trusted player capable of handling expanded minutes. The 2020-21 season represented one of his strongest statistical campaigns, with his plus-minus rating leading the Kings and demonstrating his two-way value.
Collegiate Achievements
Prior to turning professional, Lizotte helped St. Cloud State University capture the NCHC regular-season championship in both his collegiate seasons. The Huskies earned the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament during his tenure, reflecting the program’s sustained success with him in the lineup. His selection to the NCHC First All-Star Team in 2018-19 remains one of his most significant individual honors to date.
| Competition Level | Games Played | Key Statistics | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHL (Kings/Penguins) | 300+ | 10+ goals in strongest season | Led Kings in plus-minus (2020-21) |
| St. Cloud State (NCAA) | 76 | 69 points | NCHC First All-Star Team (2018-19) |
Blake Lizotte Family
Family Background
Blake Lizotte grew up in Lindstrom, Minnesota, with his mother and two brothers following the passing of his father at age 45 when Blake was 14. The family faced significant challenges during his teenage years, but Lizotte’s commitment to hockey provided focus and direction during a difficult period. His mother’s dedication in raising three sons while pursuing her own path shaped Lizotte’s resilience and work ethic.
Personal Life
Lizotte married his wife, Abby Skaalerud, in 2021. The couple welcomed their first child, a son, in February 2026. Lizotte has spoken publicly about his Christian faith, which has provided him with guidance throughout his hockey career and personal journey. He continues to maintain connections to his Minnesota roots while building his life in the cities where he has played professional hockey.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 NHL season has represented a transition year for Blake Lizotte as he continues establishing himself within the Pittsburgh Penguins organization. After recovering from his preseason concussion, Lizotte worked his way into the Penguins’ lineup and provided the steady, responsible play that has characterized his professional career. The Penguins, under their veteran-led leadership, have been competing for playoff positioning in a competitive Eastern Conference.
Lizotte’s role with the Penguins has emphasized his two-way abilities, with coaching staff utilizing him in various situations requiring defensive responsibility and puck possession. His contract, which runs through the 2025-26 season at an average annual value of $1.85 million, reflects the organization’s confidence in his contributions as a reliable depth forward.
Looking ahead, Lizotte appears positioned to remain a consistent presence in the Penguins’ lineup as the team navigates its competitive landscape. At 28 years old, he is entering what many consider the prime years for professional hockey players, and his journey from undrafted amateur to established NHL player continues as he builds his career with Pittsburgh.