Victor Östman Bio
Victor Östman is a Swedish professional ice hockey goaltender who currently plays for the Coachella Valley Firebirds in the American Hockey League while under contract to the Seattle Kraken of the National Hockey League. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, Östman has developed into a promising netminder after transitioning from Swedish junior hockey to the collegiate ranks in the United States and ultimately earning a spot in the NHL. His journey from Danderyd, Sweden, to professional hockey in North America represents a pathway pursued by many European goaltenders seeking to reach the world’s top hockey league.
Early Life and Background
Victor Östman was born on August 3, 2000, in Danderyd, Sweden, a municipality located in the Stockholm County. He was raised by his parents Lars and Helene, whose support played a significant role in his development as a young athlete. Growing up in Sweden, Östman was immersed in a hockey culture that has produced numerous world-class goaltenders and players throughout the country’s history.
Östman began his organized hockey career within the Swedish development system, playing for HV71’s SuperElit junior program, which is widely recognized as one of Sweden’s premier development leagues for young talent. During his time with HV71, he also received exposure to the Swedish Hockey League, Sweden’s top professional circuit, appearing in some games with the senior team. This early experience against older, more experienced competition helped shape his understanding of the game at a high level.
Path to Professional Hockey
After three seasons developing with HV71’s junior and professional programs in Sweden, Östman made the significant decision to pursue his hockey career in North America. In 2019, he joined the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League, one of the top junior leagues in the United States. Östman noted that the USHL represented a step up in competition, describing it as “a few levels better” than the SuperElit league he had played in Sweden.
During his sole season with the Chicago Steel in 2019-20, Östman demonstrated strong fundamentals between the pipes. He posted a 2.34 goals against average and a .913 save percentage, statistics that highlighted his ability to make timely saves and control rebounds effectively. These performances caught the attention of collegiate programs seeking talented goaltenders for their hockey teams.
Following his impressive stint in the USHL, Östman committed to play for the University of Maine’s hockey team, the Black Bears, which competes in the Hockey East conference. This transition represented the next critical step in his development, as NCAA hockey provides a balance of academic obligations and high-level competitive play that serves as a common stepping stone toward professional careers.
Victor Östman Career
College Career with Maine Black Bears (2021-2024)
Victor Östman joined the Maine Black Bears beginning with the 2021-22 season, immediately integrating himself into the program’s goaltending rotation. As a freshman, he appeared in 10 games, compiling a 3-6-1 record while managing a 3.77 goals against average and a .902 save percentage. These statistics reflected the typical adjustment period that most goaltenders experience when moving from junior hockey to the faster, more physical NCAA environment.
Over the next three seasons with the Black Bears, Östman refined his technique and game awareness, benefiting from the structured development environment provided by Maine’s coaching staff. The Hockey East conference is renowned for producing NHL talent, and his four years of competition against some of the top collegiate players in North America prepared him for the professional ranks. Beyond his on-ice contributions, Östman also excelled academically, attending the Maine Business School during his collegiate career.
Professional Breakthrough with Seattle Kraken (2024-Present)
On April 3, 2024, Victor Östman signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Seattle Kraken, marking his official entry into professional hockey. The signing came shortly after the conclusion of his senior season with the Maine Black Bears. Prior to joining Seattle’s American Hockey League affiliate, Östman received academic recognition when he was named the Outstanding Graduating International Student by the Maine Business School, an honor that reflected his dedication both on the ice and in the classroom.
Östman initially reported to the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Seattle’s AHL affiliate, to begin his professional career. Playing in the AHL provided him with valuable experience in a professional environment while continuing his development under the Kraken organization’s guidance. On April 8, 2025, Östman achieved a major career milestone when he made his NHL debut with the Seattle Kraken. He entered the game in relief of starting goaltender Joey Daccord against the Utah Hockey Club, stepping onto the ice for his first NHL appearance.
Goaltending Style and Strengths
Victor Östman brings solid size to the goaltending position at 6 feet 4 inches, which allows him to cover a significant portion of the net naturally. His 205-pound frame provides the bulk needed to handle the physical demands of professional hockey. Östman is known for his composed demeanor in the crease, showing the ability to track the puck effectively through traffic and maintain positioning through screen plays. His technical foundation developed during his years in the Swedish system has translated well to the faster North American game.
Notable Milestones
The most significant moment in Victor Östman’s career to date came on April 8, 2025, when he made his NHL debut with the Seattle Kraken. This achievement represented the culmination of his journey from Swedish junior hockey through the USHL, four years of NCAA competition, and ultimately reaching the world’s premier hockey league. The debut came against the Utah Hockey Club, a relatively new franchise in the league, making the occasion particularly memorable for Östman as he entered the NHL alongside a team still building its own history.
Victor Östman Career Statistics
Victor Östman has compiled statistics across multiple leagues throughout his developing career. His performance metrics demonstrate consistent improvement as he advanced through each level of competition, with his most recent NHL appearance marking the beginning of his professional statistics chapter.
College and Junior Highlights
During his freshman season with the Maine Black Bears, Östman appeared in 10 games with a record of 3 wins, 6 losses, and 1 overtime defeat. He recorded a 3.77 goals against average and a .902 save percentage during that initial campaign. In the USHL with the Chicago Steel, he posted stronger numbers with a 2.34 goals against average and a .913 save percentage across a full season of competition. These improved statistics reflected his adaptation to the North American style of play and increased confidence in his abilities.
Professional Career
Östman’s professional statistics began accumulating with the Coachella Valley Firebirds in the AHL during the 2024-25 season. His NHL debut on April 8, 2025, added his first NHL appearance to his professional record. As he continues to develop within the Seattle Kraken organization, Östman is expected to accumulate more substantial statistics as he gains experience at the professional level.
Victor Östman Family
Family Background
Victor Östman was born in Danderyd, Sweden, to Lars and Helene Östman. His family provided support and encouragement throughout his development as a hockey player, a common factor among Swedish athletes who pursue professional careers in the sport. The Östman family background does not include notable hockey lineage, making Victor’s progression through the Swedish development system and eventual NHL career a testament to his individual dedication and development.
Personal Life
Beyond hockey, Victor Östman pursued higher education at the University of Maine, where he attended the Maine Business School and earned his degree. His academic achievement was recognized with the Outstanding Graduating International Student award, highlighting his ability to balance the demanding schedule of NCAA athletics with scholarly pursuits. This accomplishment demonstrates the time management skills and discipline that have contributed to his success as a developing professional athlete. Östman currently resides in North America while playing professionally, though he maintains connections to his Swedish roots.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 season marked a transformative year for Victor Östman as he transitioned from collegiate to professional hockey. Beginning the season with the Coachella Valley Firebirds in the AHL, Östman gained valuable experience in a professional environment that demands consistency and mental toughness from its participants. The Firebirds organization, known for developing Kraken prospects, provided an ideal setting for his continued growth.
Östman’s season reached a historic peak on April 8, 2025, when he received his first NHL call-up and made his debut with the Seattle Kraken. Coming into the game in relief duty against the Utah Hockey Club represented the realization of his lifelong dream of playing in the National Hockey League. The Kraken coaching staff’s confidence in inserting him into an NHL game demonstrated their belief in his abilities and preparation.
Looking forward, Östman enters the 2025-26 season positioned within the Seattle Kraken organization with a valid contract running through 2026. His immediate trajectory involves continued development with the goal of earning more substantial NHL playing time. The partnership between Östman and the Kraken’s goaltending development staff will be crucial in determining how quickly he can establish himself as a reliable NHL option at the goaltending position. His combination of size, composure, and technical skill suggests he has the foundation necessary to pursue a long professional career in hockey.