Jake Neighbours Bio
Jake Neighbours is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger and alternate captain for the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on March 29, 2002, in Airdrie, Alberta, Canada, he was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the first round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft with the 26th overall pick. Neighbours made his NHL debut in October 2021 and has since become a consistent presence in the Blues forward rotation, known for his two-way play and physical style. He played a key role in helping the Edmonton Oil Kings capture the Ed Chynoweth Cup in 2022 before fully establishing himself at the NHL level.
Early Life and Background
Jake Neighbours grew up in Alberta, competing with the Calgary Midget AAA Buffaloes of the Alberta Midget AAA Hockey League and the Airdrie Xtreme in the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League during his minor hockey years. He later transferred to the Kelowna Pursuit of Excellence Bantam Prep team before being selected in the Western Hockey League (WHL) bantam draft. In 2017, Neighbours was chosen fourth overall by the Edmonton Oil Kings in the WHL bantam draft, launching his junior hockey career with the franchise.
When praised for his maturity beyond his years, Neighbours has cited his family background as the reason. In an interview, he explained that the wide age gap between his half and step-siblings taught him early to be mature and relaxed so his older brothers would want him around. This upbringing helped shape his composed demeanor that coaches and teammates have noted throughout his development.
Path to Professional Hockey
Neighbours joined the Edmonton Oil Kings for the 2018-19 WHL season, recording 24 points in 47 regular-season games. He earned two WHL Rookie of the Month awards during his debut campaign and was the only rookie on the team to score during the playoffs, helping push the Oil Kings into the post-season. His sophomore season saw him average more than one point per game, tallying 70 points in 64 regular-season games before the WHL season was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to the pandemic pause, Neighbours was invited to participate at the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game and was ranked 30th amongst all North American Skaters by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau’s Midterm Draft Rankings. He was also named the recipient of his team’s Most Improved Player Award and Scholastic Award while maintaining academic excellence at Salisbury Composite High School, where he was named to the WHL Academic Spotlight. Leading up to the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, his draft ranking improved to 26th among North American skaters.
Neighbours was drafted in the first round, 26th overall, by the St. Louis Blues in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. He began the 2020-21 season by signing a three-year entry-level contract with the Blues on October 17, 2020. After attending the Blues’ training camp, he was assigned to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Utica Comets, as he remained eligible to play junior hockey.
Jake Neighbours Career
NHL Debut and Early Career (2021-Present)
Neighbours made the St. Louis Blues opening night roster for the 2021-22 season. He made his NHL debut on October 16, 2021, at Ball Arena against the Colorado Avalanche, where the Blues won 5-3. In that game, Neighbours registered 9:00 minutes of ice time, three hits, and one shot on goal. Just two days later in his second game against the Arizona Coyotes, he recorded his first NHL point, providing the primary assist on a game-winning goal by Klim Kostin in a 7-4 Blues victory.
His first career NHL goal came in the second period of his fourth game against the Los Angeles Kings on October 21, 2021. Neighbours received a pass from Brayden Schenn and beat Kings goalie Cal Petersen to score. The goal gave the Blues a 4-1 lead and proved to be the game-winner in a 7-3 victory. After playing the first nine games of the season with St. Louis, Neighbours was returned to the WHL to rejoin the Edmonton Oil Kings for the remainder of the junior season.
Edmonton Oil Kings Championship (2021-22)
During the 2021-22 WHL season with the Oil Kings, Neighbours recorded 17 goals and 28 assists in 30 regular-season games. He elevated his play during the playoffs, contributing three goals and 14 assists in 19 postseason games. His strong performance helped the Oil Kings defeat the Seattle Thunderbirds in six games to win the Ed Chynoweth Cup, the WHL championship trophy.
St. Louis Blues Era (2022-Present)
Following his championship run with Edmonton, Neighbours has continued to develop within the St. Louis Blues organization. He earned an alternate captaincy role with the team, reflecting the leadership qualities that characterized his junior career. Neighbours has established himself as a reliable two-way forward capable of contributing in all situations. His blend of offensive skill and physical play has made him a valuable piece of the Blues’ long-term plans as they build their roster around emerging young talent.
Playing Style and Strengths
Neighbours is known as a versatile winger who plays a responsible two-way game. He is comfortable playing in front of the net and in high-traffic areas, using his frame effectively to win board battles and create scoring chances. His hockey IQ and maturity allow him to make quick decisions with the puck, while his physical style of play brings energy to every shift. Neighbours has shown the ability to adapt to different roles within the lineup, whether deployed as a scoring line winger or in a more defensive checking role.
Notable Events and Milestones
Beyond his NHL achievements, Neighbours has represented Canada internationally at multiple levels. He was named captain of Canada White at the 2018 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, where he was one of 66 players selected to represent Canada. The following year, he was named to the Canada men’s national junior ice hockey team for the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, helping the team win a silver medal. His trajectory from minor hockey in Alberta through junior success to NHL regular represents a steady climb through the Canadian hockey development system.
Jake Neighbours Career Statistics
Neighbours has built his NHL career with the St. Louis Blues since making his debut in 2021. His progression from a rookie forward to an alternate captain demonstrates his development within the organization. Across his time in the WHL with the Edmonton Oil Kings, he accumulated over 100 points in regular-season play while also contributing to their championship run.
NHL Highlights
Neighbours scored his first career NHL goal on October 21, 2021, against the Los Angeles Kings in just his fourth NHL game. The goal proved to be the game-winner in a 7-3 Blues victory. He followed his first goal with continued development through his first full seasons in the league. As an alternate captain for the Blues, he has taken on increased responsibility and leadership as one of the team’s younger core players.
Junior Hockey and International Play
In the WHL, Neighbours was a consistent point-producer for the Edmonton Oil Kings, recording 70 points in 64 games during his sophomore season before the pandemic shortened the campaign. His playoff performance in 2022 was instrumental in the Oil Kings’ championship run, as he contributed 17 points in 19 postseason games. His international experience includes winning a silver medal at the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and captaining Canada White at the 2018 World U-17 Hockey Challenge.
Jake Neighbours Personal Life
Family Background
Jake Neighbours was born and raised in Airdrie, Alberta, Canada. He grew up in a large family with half and step-siblings significantly older than him. This family dynamic shaped his early maturity, as he learned to behave in a more composed manner so his older brothers would include him in their activities. Neighbours has credited this upbringing with helping him develop the level-headed approach that has characterized his hockey career.
Education and Development
During his time with the Edmonton Oil Kings, Neighbours maintained his studies while playing junior hockey. He attended Salisbury Composite High School in Alberta and earned recognition for his academic efforts, being named to the WHL Academic Spotlight for December. He also received his team’s Scholastic Award, demonstrating his ability to balance hockey commitments with educational pursuits during his teenage years.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2024-25 NHL season, Jake Neighbours continues to be a key contributor for the St. Louis Blues as they look to build around their young core of players. As an alternate captain in his mid-20s, he represents a bridge between the team’s veteran leadership and its emerging talent. The Blues have relied on his two-way play and consistency to provide stability in their forward rotation.
Neighbours’ development trajectory shows a player who has steadily improved each season since his debut. His physical style and net-front presence have become increasingly important elements of his game, making him a versatile option for head coach Drew Bannister in various situations. The Blues organization has shown confidence in his long-term potential by entrusting him with a leadership role at a relatively young age.
The outlook for Neighbours remains positive as he enters his prime development years. With several seasons of NHL experience now behind him, he has the opportunity to take on an expanded role both offensively and as a leader in the locker room. The stability of remaining with the same franchise throughout his career has allowed him to grow organically within the system, building chemistry with teammates and adapting to the demands of professional hockey at the highest level.