Andrew Jacob Helleson (born March 26, 2001) is an American ice hockey defenseman who currently plays for the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Farmington, Minnesota native was selected 47th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft before his rights were traded to Anaheim in March 2022. He made his NHL debut with the Ducks on April 9, 2023, and recorded his first career NHL goal against the Vancouver Canucks three days later. During his collegiate career at Boston College, Helleson earned recognition as the Hockey East Best Defensive Defenseman in 2021 while also being named First Team All-Hockey East and Second Team AHCA All-American. Internationally, he represented the United States at the 2021 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, winning a gold medal, and at the 2019 IIHF World U18 Championships, capturing bronze.
Drew Helleson Bio
Andrew Jacob Helleson has emerged as a promising two-way defenseman in professional hockey. His journey from Minnesota youth hockey to the NHL showcases his steady development and dedication to the sport. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 205 pounds, he brings size and physicality to the blue line. The right-shot defenseman was a key part of the Boston College Eagles program before turning professional in 2022. Since joining the Anaheim Ducks organization, Helleson has split time between the AHL and NHL, continuing to refine his game at the highest level. His recent two-year contract extension signed in July 2025 demonstrates the organization’s confidence in his long-term potential.
Early Life and Background
Drew Helleson was born on March 26, 2001, in Farmington, Minnesota, a city located in the southern part of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area. Growing up in Minnesota, a state renowned for its rich hockey culture and producing numerous NHL players, Helleson developed his passion and skills for the sport at a young age. The state’s strong youth hockey infrastructure and cold climate provided ideal conditions for his development as a defenseman.
Helleson played junior hockey before earning a scholarship to Boston College, one of the premier college hockey programs in the United States. His performance during his high school and junior career attracted attention from NHL scouts, ultimately leading to his selection in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. His trajectory from Minnesota to the collegiate ranks at Boston College positioned him well for his eventual professional career.
Path to Professional Hockey
Helleson joined the Boston College Eagles for the 2020-21 season, making an immediate impact as a freshman on the Eagles defensive corps. In 22 games during that season, he recorded four goals and 11 assists, demonstrating his ability to contribute offensively while maintaining strong defensive play. His two-way performance earned him multiple prestigious accolades at the conclusion of the season.
Following his freshman campaign, Helleson was honored as the Hockey East Best Defensive Defenseman, recognized on the First Team All-Hockey East, and named a Second Team AHCA All-American. These honors established him as one of the top defensive defensemen in college hockey. He continued his development during his sophomore season in 2021-22, posting career-best numbers of 21 assists and 25 points in 32 games, further cementing his reputation as a reliable two-way defender capable of logging significant minutes.
Drew Helleson Career
College Career and Draft (2020-2022)
Drew Helleson’s collegiate career at Boston College spanned two seasons from 2020 to 2022. During his time with the Eagles, he established himself as a dependable two-way defenseman with strong positioning and playmaking abilities. His 2020-21 season proved particularly successful, as he compiled 15 points in 22 games while demonstrating the defensive instincts that would define his professional game.
Prior to his college career, Helleson was selected 47th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. His development path through Boston College allowed him to mature as both a player and person before beginning his professional journey. The Avalanche maintained his rights throughout his college career, anticipating his eventual transition to professional hockey.
Anaheim Ducks Breakthrough (2022-2024)
A significant turning point in Helleson’s career occurred on March 14, 2022, when the Colorado Avalanche traded his rights along with a 2023 second-round draft pick to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenseman Josh Manson. The following day, on March 15, 2022, Helleson ended his collegiate career by signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Ducks. He was immediately assigned to the San Diego Gulls, Anaheim’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, for the remainder of the 2021-22 season.
After spending the majority of the 2022-23 season with the San Diego Gulls, Helleson received his first NHL recall on April 9, 2023. He made his NHL debut that same night against his former drafting team, the Colorado Avalanche. Just three days later, on April 12, 2023, Helleson scored his first NHL goal against Thatcher Demko of the Vancouver Canucks in a 3-2 loss. This milestone marked his official arrival in the NHL and provided a memorable moment early in his professional career.
San Diego Gulls Era (2022-Present)
Since turning professional, Helleson has served as a key contributor for the San Diego Gulls, Anaheim’s AHL affiliate. To begin the 2023-24 season, he was assigned to the Gulls where he appeared in 59 games, scoring 4 goals and recording 18 points. His steady offensive production and defensive reliability made him a consistent presence on the Gulls blue line throughout the season.
Helleson began the 2024-25 season with the San Diego Gulls before being recalled by the Ducks on November 13, 2024, along with Jansen Harkins. He made his season debut on November 15, marking a significant milestone by recording his first multi-point game in the NHL. He assisted on goals by Cutter Gauthier and Ross Johnston in a 6-4 victory over the Detroit Red Wings, demonstrating his ability to contribute offensively at the NHL level.
Playing Style and Strengths
Drew Helleson is a modern two-way defenseman who combines size with sound positional play. At 6 feet 3 inches and 205 pounds, he uses his frame effectively to protect the puck and engage opponents along the boards. His recognition as the Hockey East Best Defensive Defenseman during his college career highlights his strong defensive positioning and ability to limit scoring chances against. Helleson has demonstrated consistent improvement in his transition game, making quick outlet passes to start the rush and joining the offensive attack when appropriate. His right-shot shot and hockey IQ allow him to read developing plays and make smart decisions under pressure.
Notable Events and Milestones
Helleson’s career has been marked by several significant accomplishments at both the collegiate and international levels. His dominant 2020-21 season at Boston College resulted in multiple conference and national honors, establishing him as one of the top college defensemen. His rapid transition to professional hockey was highlighted by scoring his first NHL goal in just his second career game against a quality opponent in Thatcher Demko. Internationally, he has represented the United States at two major tournaments, winning gold at the 2021 World Junior Championships and bronze at the 2019 World U18 Championships.
Drew Helleson International Career
Drew Helleson has represented the United States with distinction at multiple international tournaments. At the 2019 IIHF World U18 Championships, he served as a member of Team USA’s defensive corps, recording three assists in seven games and helping the United States capture the bronze medal. The experience gained at this tournament proved invaluable for his development as an international competitor.
At the 2021 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, Helleson elevated his game to help the United States win the gold medal. In seven games during the tournament, he contributed two goals and two assists while playing important minutes in all situations. His strong performance helped anchor the American defense during their championship run. Following this tournament, Helleson received another prestigious international call-up when he was named to Team USA’s roster for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
Drew Helleson Career Statistics
Throughout his professional career, Helleson has split time between the AHL and NHL, consistently demonstrating his ability to contribute at both levels. His college career at Boston College produced strong numbers, including a career-high 25 points during his sophomore season in 2021-22.
College Statistics Highlights
During his two seasons at Boston College, Helleson established himself as one of the most reliable two-way defensemen in college hockey. In 54 total games across the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, he recorded 40 points including 10 goals and 30 assists. His 2020-21 campaign saw him post 15 points in 22 games while earning recognition as the top defensive defenseman in Hockey East. The following season, he elevated his offensive output to 25 points in 32 games, showcasing his development as a complete player.
Professional Statistics Highlights
During his first full professional season with the San Diego Gulls in 2023-24, Helleson appeared in 59 games, contributing 4 goals and 14 assists for 18 points. His NHL experience includes his debut season in 2022-23 where he appeared in several games with the Ducks and scored his first career NHL goal. His multi-point performance on November 15, 2024, against the Detroit Red Wings marked a significant milestone in his professional development.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Drew Helleson returns to the Anaheim Ducks organization with renewed confidence following his two-year contract extension signed in July 2025. The deal, worth $2.2 million total, represents the organization’s commitment to his continued development and future role within the franchise. Helleson’s trajectory suggests he is well-positioned to earn a more permanent spot in the Ducks lineup as he continues to adjust to NHL speed and competition.
His early-season recall from the San Diego Gulls in November 2024 demonstrated that he can make an immediate impact when given the opportunity at the NHL level. The first multi-point game of his career provided a glimpse of his offensive potential, which complements his solid defensive foundation. As the Ducks continue their rebuilding process, Helleson represents an important piece of their defensive future with his combination of size, mobility, and hockey sense.
Looking ahead, Helleson’s development will focus on increasing his consistency at the NHL level and earning a regular spot in Anaheim’s defensive rotation. His contract extension provides him security to focus on his game without the distraction of contract negotiations, allowing him to concentrate on the improvements needed to become a steady NHL defenseman. With his strong foundation as a defensive player and his demonstrated ability to contribute offensively, Helleson has the tools to become a valuable two-way defender for the Anaheim Ducks in the seasons ahead.