Vince Dunn Bio
Vince Dunn is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Seattle Kraken in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born in Peterborough, Ontario, Dunn began his hockey journey with local minor teams before advancing through junior hockey ranks and eventually being drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2015. He was part of the Blues team that won the Stanley Cup in 2019.
Early Life and Background
Vince Dunn was born on October 29, 1996, in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. His mother, Tracy, is a nurse, and his father is of Italian descent; his parents divorced when he was three years old. Dunn was adopted by his stepfather, John, a police officer, and took his last name. He grew up in Lindsay, Ontario, and developed a passion for hockey early on, cheering for the Toronto Maple Leafs and admiring players like Carl Gunnarsson and Alexander Steen. The family honored his grandfather’s influence on his development by establishing a memorial fund in his name.
Dunn started playing minor hockey with the Central Ontario Wolves but was unhappy there due to team restrictions. To continue his development, he and his mother moved to allow him to play for the Peterborough Petes, his hometown club. His early success earned him invitations to select tournaments, including the 2012 Lekov Cup in the Czech Republic, showcasing his growing talent on the international stage.
Path to Hockey
Dunn was drafted 109th overall by the Niagara IceDogs in the 2012 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection Draft but chose to play Junior B hockey with the Thorold Blackhawks to further develop his skills. During that season, he scored 28 points in 48 games. He later joined the IceDogs for the 2013–14 season, making an immediate impact by leading all first-year defencemen in scoring with 33 points in 63 games and earning the team’s Rookie of the Year Award.
Over the next two seasons with Niagara, Dunn continued to improve, earning the IceDogs Top Defenceman of the Year Award twice. His performance caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection by the St. Louis Blues in the second round, 56th overall, in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Blues later that year.
Vince Dunn Career
Early Career (2016–2017)
Dunn began his professional career with the Chicago Wolves, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the St. Louis Blues, during the 2016–17 season. At just 20 years old, he was the youngest player on the roster and led the Wolves’ defence in scoring with 45 points in 72 games. He recorded his first professional goal on October 15, 2016, demonstrating his offensive capabilities from the blue line.
St. Louis Blues Breakthrough (2017–2021)
Making the Blues’ opening night roster for the 2017–18 NHL season, Dunn debuted against the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Pittsburgh Penguins. He scored his first NHL goal shortly after, showcasing his potential at the highest level. Throughout the season, he played primarily on the third defensive pairing and contributed on the second power play unit. Notably, he became the first Blues rookie since Rik Wilson to record four points in a single game.
In the 2018–19 season, Dunn set a career-high with 27 points and was part of a historic trio of Blues defencemen each scoring 10 goals. He played a key role in the Blues’ playoff run, despite suffering a broken jaw from a puck to the face during the Western Conference finals. Dunn returned to the lineup for the Stanley Cup Finals and helped the Blues secure their first-ever Stanley Cup in franchise history.
Following the championship, Dunn underwent multiple surgeries but returned for the 2019–20 season, continuing to contribute defensively and offensively. He remained with the Blues through the 2020–21 season, signing a one-year contract extension in December 2020.
Seattle Kraken Era (2021–Present)
In July 2021, Dunn was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the NHL expansion draft, marking a new chapter in his career. He signed a two-year contract with the Kraken and quickly became a key player on their defensive corps, often paired with captain Mark Giordano and later Adam Larsson. Dunn scored the first goal in the history of Climate Pledge Arena, underscoring his role in the franchise’s early milestones.
The 2022–23 season was a breakout year for Dunn, as he set career highs with 14 goals and 64 points. His strong partnership with Larsson helped the Kraken make their first playoff appearance, where they upset the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Colorado Avalanche, before falling to the Dallas Stars in the second round. In July 2023, Dunn secured a four-year contract extension worth $29.4 million, affirming his importance to the team’s future.
Playing Style and Strengths
Vince Dunn is known as a puck-moving defenceman who excels in one-on-one battles using his stick skills to keep opponents on the outside. Despite not being the largest player on the ice, he compensates with agility, smart positioning, and strong offensive instincts. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a valuable asset on the power play and in transition.
Notable Events and Milestones
Dunn’s career highlights include winning the Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019 and scoring the first goal at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena. Overcoming a serious facial injury during the 2019 playoffs demonstrated his resilience and commitment. His breakout season in 2022–23 further established him as a top-tier NHL defenceman.
Vince Dunn Career Wins
Throughout his NHL career, Vince Dunn has accumulated numerous wins and significant playoff experience. His contributions have been integral to team successes, including the Blues’ Stanley Cup victory and the Kraken’s first playoff appearance.
St. Louis Blues Highlights
Dunn played five seasons with the St. Louis Blues, where he developed from a promising rookie into a reliable NHL defenceman. He was part of the historic 2019 Stanley Cup-winning team and consistently improved his offensive output each season. His playoff performances, especially overcoming injury during the 2019 run, are notable career highlights.
Seattle Kraken Highlights
Since joining the Seattle Kraken in 2021, Dunn has become a cornerstone of their defense. His career-best offensive numbers in the 2022–23 season helped the Kraken reach the playoffs for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the young franchise.
Vince Dunn Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Vince Dunn was raised by his mother Tracy and stepfather John in Ontario. His stepbrother Nolan Dunn also played hockey before retiring. The family has been supportive of his career, with a memorial fund established in honor of his grandfather, who played a key role in his development as a player.
Personal Life
Details about Vince Dunn’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available. He maintains an active presence on social media platforms, sharing insights into his professional career and interests.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Vince Dunn is expected to continue as a leading defenceman for the Seattle Kraken. With a long-term contract secured, he will play a vital role in the team’s defensive strategies and offensive contributions. His established partnership with Adam Larsson and experience gained from previous playoff runs position him well for sustained success. The Kraken aim to build on their recent playoff achievements, with Dunn central to their ambitions.