Devon Toews Bio
Devon Toews is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Colorado Avalanche in the National Hockey League (NHL). Known by the nickname “Tazer,” Toews was drafted 108th overall by the New York Islanders in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He has distinguished himself with strong defensive skills and was a key contributor to the Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup victory.
Early Life and Background
Devon Toews was born on February 21, 1994, in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada, to parents Werner and Tammy Toews. Raised alongside his brother Nolan, Toews grew up in a family passionate about baseball, with both sons named after prominent Major League Baseball players. He began playing youth hockey at the Yale Hockey Academy at age six and later joined the Abbotsford Hawks Bantam A1 team, helping them secure the B.C. bantam Tier 1 title.
Despite his early passion for hockey, Toews faced challenges due to his smaller stature during his youth, standing only 5’2″ at one point, which led to him being overlooked by Western Hockey League teams. However, after a growth spurt and recovery from a bus accident injury, he excelled in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) with the Surrey Eagles, earning multiple accolades and championships.
Path to Hockey
Toews played two seasons with the Surrey Eagles in the BCHL, where he was named to the All-Rookie Team in his first season and helped the team win the BCHL Championship and Western Canada Cup in 2013. His performance earned him a full hockey scholarship to Quinnipiac University. He also represented Team Canada West at the 2012 World Junior A Challenge, winning a silver medal.
At Quinnipiac University, Toews majored in accounting and played three seasons of collegiate hockey. He was recognized for his defensive skills and academic achievements, earning spots on the ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team and All-ECAC Hockey Second Team. His collegiate career culminated in leading the Bobcats to the 2016 National Championship game.
Devon Toews Career
Early Career (2016–2018)
Toews signed a three-year entry-level contract with the New York Islanders in April 2016, ending his collegiate career. He began his professional career with the Islanders’ AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, where he tied the team record for most assists by a rookie defenseman and was named to the AHL All-Rookie Team. He also won the Fastest Skater competition at the 2017 AHL All-Star Classic.
In the 2017–18 season, Toews competed for a spot on the Islanders’ NHL roster but was reassigned to the Sound Tigers. His season was cut short by a shoulder injury requiring surgery, sidelining him for the remainder of the year. Despite this, the Islanders extended his contract in 2018.
New York Islanders Breakthrough (2018–2020)
Toews made his NHL debut with the Islanders on December 23, 2018. He scored his first NHL point and game-winning goal in overtime on January 3, 2019. During the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs, he recorded his first playoff goal and became one of the few rookie defensemen in Islanders history to score in the postseason. His performance solidified his role as a reliable defenseman for the team.
Colorado Avalanche Era (2020–Present)
In October 2020, Toews was traded to the Colorado Avalanche due to salary cap constraints faced by the Islanders. Shortly after, he signed a four-year contract with the Avalanche. Toews quickly became a key player, often paired with Cale Makar and leading the team in ice time during both the regular season and playoffs. His contributions were instrumental in the Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup championship.
In October 2023, Toews signed a seven-year, $50.75 million contract extension with Colorado, reflecting his value to the team and his continued presence as a top defenseman in the NHL.
Playing Style and Strengths
Devon Toews is known for his strong skating ability, defensive awareness, and effective puck-moving skills. His speed and agility allow him to excel on various ice surfaces, and his strategic understanding of the game complements his offensive contributions. His partnership with key teammates and effective communication with his crew chief have enhanced his impact on the ice.
Notable Events and Milestones
Toews’ first NHL goal came in overtime, a rare and memorable achievement. His rapid rise from overlooked youth player to Stanley Cup champion highlights his determination and skill. Winning the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022 stands as a career-defining milestone.
Devon Toews Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Devon Toews has accumulated multiple wins across the NHL and AHL, contributing significantly to his teams’ successes. His playoff performances and regular-season consistency have marked him as a dependable defenseman.
National Hockey League Highlights
Toews has recorded several NHL wins with both the New York Islanders and Colorado Avalanche. His first NHL goal was a game-winner in overtime, and he played a pivotal role in the Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup victory. His playoff contributions include key goals and assists that helped his teams advance in the postseason.
Other Wins & Performances
Prior to his NHL career, Toews earned championships and individual awards in the BCHL, including the BCHL Championship and Western Canada Cup MVP honors. His collegiate career also featured multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and individual accolades.
Devon Toews Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Devon Toews was born to Werner and Tammy Toews and raised in Abbotsford, British Columbia. His family’s passion for sports influenced his early development. Despite sharing a last name, he is not related to fellow NHL player Jonathan Toews.
Personal Life
Toews is married to his wife Kerry, with whom he has two children. The couple became engaged in 2018 and married in October 2020. At their wedding, they made a charitable donation in honor of a teammate’s late mother, reflecting their commitment to community causes.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Devon Toews remains a cornerstone of the Colorado Avalanche defense. His recent contract extension underscores the team’s confidence in his abilities. Expectations are high for Toews to continue delivering strong performances, contributing both offensively and defensively as the Avalanche pursue further success.
His experience and leadership will be vital as the team navigates the challenges of the NHL season, with Toews expected to maintain his role as a top-pairing defenseman and key ice-time leader.