Vincent Enrique Hinostroza Bio
Vincent Enrique Hinostroza is an American professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Minnesota Wild in the National Hockey League (NHL). Drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Hinostroza has built a career across multiple NHL teams since his debut in 2015.
Early Life and Background
Vincent Enrique Hinostroza was born on April 3, 1994, in Melrose Park, Illinois. He grew up in Illinois with his parents, Rick and Laura Hinostroza, and an older sister named Carli. Hinostroza attended Bartlett High School, where he also played lacrosse, before moving to Iowa to play junior hockey.
While playing for the Waterloo Black Hawks in the United States Hockey League (USHL), Hinostroza attended Waterloo West High School and graduated in 2012. His paternal grandparents were from Ecuador, adding to his diverse family background.
Path to Hockey
Hinostroza played youth hockey with the Chicago Mission AAA Youth Hockey Club, where he competed alongside future NHL players. He was selected fourth overall in the 2010 USHL Futures Draft by the Waterloo Black Hawks. His strong performance at the junior level earned him a commitment to the University of Notre Dame to play college hockey.
At Notre Dame, Hinostroza played two seasons with the Fighting Irish. He earned recognition on the Hockey East All-Rookie Team in his freshman year and was named to the Hockey East First All-Star Team in his sophomore year. His collegiate success set the stage for his professional career.
Vincent Enrique Hinostroza Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
Hinostroza signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks in March 2015, ending his collegiate career early. He began his professional career with the Rockford IceHogs, Chicago’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, during the 2015–16 season.
He made his NHL debut on October 17, 2015, against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Hinostroza scored his first NHL goal on November 19, 2016, contributing two assists in the same game to help the Blackhawks rally from a three-goal deficit to win in overtime. He secured a two-year contract extension with Chicago in June 2018.
Arizona Coyotes Era (2018–2020)
In July 2018, Hinostroza was traded to the Arizona Coyotes as part of a multi-player deal. He played two seasons with the Coyotes before becoming a free agent when the team did not tender a qualifying offer in October 2020.
Florida Panthers and Return to Chicago (2020–2021)
Hinostroza signed a one-year contract with the Florida Panthers in October 2020. After nine games without points, he was traded back to the Chicago Blackhawks in April 2021. He finished the season with Chicago, recording four goals and eight assists in 14 games.
Buffalo Sabres Tenure (2021–2023)
In July 2021, Hinostroza signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres. During the 2021–22 season, he played 62 games, scoring 13 goals and adding 12 assists. He split the following season between the Sabres and their AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans.
Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators (2023–Present)
Hinostroza signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins in July 2023. He primarily played with their AHL affiliate but appeared in 14 NHL games, contributing one goal and three points. In July 2024, he signed a two-year contract with the Nashville Predators and began the 2024–25 season with their AHL affiliate, Milwaukee Admirals, leading the league in scoring before being recalled to the NHL.
He made his Predators debut on December 30, 2024, and after 13 appearances, was claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Wild in February 2025.
Playing Style and Strengths
Hinostroza is known for his versatility as a forward, combining speed and skill to contribute offensively. His ability to adapt to different team roles and his experience across multiple NHL organizations highlight his professional approach and hockey IQ.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key moments in Hinostroza’s career include his NHL debut in 2015, his first NHL goal in 2016, and his leadership in scoring for the Milwaukee Admirals in the 2024–25 AHL season, which led to his recall to the NHL.
Vincent Enrique Hinostroza Career Wins
Throughout his NHL career, Hinostroza has contributed consistently as a forward across several teams. While not known for high scoring totals, his role has been valuable in depth and secondary scoring positions.
NHL Highlights
Hinostroza’s first NHL goal came in 2016 with the Chicago Blackhawks. He has recorded multiple multi-point games and has been a reliable presence on the ice during his stints with various NHL teams. His leadership in the AHL with the Milwaukee Admirals in 2024–25 stands out as a career highlight.
Other Performances
In addition to his NHL play, Hinostroza has had significant impact in the AHL, particularly with the Rockford IceHogs and Milwaukee Admirals, where he has been a top scorer and key contributor.
Vincent Enrique Hinostroza Family
Family Background and Lineage
Vincent Hinostroza is the son of Rick and Laura Hinostroza. He has an older sister named Carli. His paternal grandparents were from Ecuador, contributing to his diverse heritage.
Personal Life
Details about Hinostroza’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
In the 2025 season, Vincent Hinostroza began with the Nashville Predators organization, excelling in the AHL with the Milwaukee Admirals by leading the league in scoring. His performance earned him a recall to the NHL, where he made his Predators debut late in the year. After 13 games and two assists, he was claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Wild, where he continues to contribute as a versatile forward. His experience and adaptability remain assets as he seeks to solidify his role in the NHL.