Jamieson Oleksiak Bio
Jamieson Oleksiak (born December 21, 1992) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who serves as a defenceman for the Seattle Kraken of the National Hockey League (NHL). Nicknamed the “Big Rig,” Oleksiak was selected 14th overall in the first round of the 2011 NHL entry draft by the Dallas Stars, the highest draft choice in Northeastern University’s history. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches, he became the tallest player in Dallas Stars franchise history and has built a reputation as a physical, stay-at-home defenseman capable of contributing offensively when called upon. Over his NHL career spanning more than a decade, Oleksiak has played for three franchises while developing into a reliable presence on the blue line.
Early Life and Background
Oleksiak was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on December 21, 1992. He grew up in the Toronto area and attended Crestwood Preparatory College, where he attended school alongside future NHL players Dougie and Freddie Hamilton. His upbringing in hockey-mad Toronto provided early exposure to competitive minor hockey at a high level. Oleksiak is of Polish and Czech descent, a heritage that reflects his family’s diverse roots.
From an early age, Oleksiak’s exceptional height set him apart from his peers, a physical advantage that would later become one of his defining characteristics as a professional athlete. His dedication to hockey development led him to pursue opportunities beyond the Canadian junior system, ultimately setting the stage for his collegiate and professional career.
Path to Professional Hockey
Before turning professional, Oleksiak spent one season at Northeastern University playing for the Huskies in NCAA Division I hockey. In his freshman season, he recorded 13 points on 4 goals and 9 assists while posting a team-best plus-13 plus/minus rating, demonstrating his two-way capabilities as a defenseman. His performance at Northeastern was impressive enough to make him the highest draft choice in the university’s history when he was selected in the first round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
Following his one season at Northeastern, Oleksiak returned to the Canadian Hockey League for additional development. On July 25, 2011, he signed with the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and shortly after, on October 6, 2011, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars, officially beginning his path toward professional hockey. During the 2011-12 OHL season, he was traded from the Saginaw Spirit to the Niagara IceDogs, where he continued his development before turning pro.
Jamieson Oleksiak Career
Dallas Stars and Texas Stars (2012-2018)
Following the 2011-12 season, Oleksiak turned professional and was assigned to the Dallas Stars’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Texas Stars, to begin the 2012-13 season. He tallied his first professional point on October 14, 2012, in a win over the Charlotte Checkers, and scored his first professional goal, a game-winner, on October 24. Through his first 13 games, Oleksiak tied for the team lead in scoring among defensemen with one goal and four assists, and he continued to produce steadily as the season progressed.
His outstanding AHL play earned him a call-up to the NHL on January 15, 2013, and he made his NHL debut on February 1, 2013, in a 4-3 win over the Phoenix Coyotes. At 6-foot-7, Oleksiak became the tallest player in Dallas Stars history. He recorded his first NHL assist on February 13 against the Calgary Flames. Oleksiak played 16 games for the Stars during the 2012-13 season, accumulating two assists. He finished his first AHL season with six goals and 27 assists for 33 points through 59 games, earning a spot at the 2012 AHL All-Star Game and being named AHL Rookie of the Month for January.
Pittsburgh Penguins (2018-2019)
Prior to the trade deadline during the 2017-18 season, Oleksiak was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. He immediately established his role with the Penguins as a right-shooting defenseman on their third defensive pairing. Through his first 33 games with Pittsburgh, he averaged 17:18 minutes of ice time while playing alongside Justin Schultz, accumulating three goals and six assists. Oleksiak finished the 2017-18 season with career highs in games played (68) and points (17). Despite playing just over half a season with Pittsburgh, he ranked fourth on the team with 138 hits and tied for 10th in the league in that category.
He helped the Penguins clinch a playoff berth and made his postseason debut against the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs, playing in all 12 games and tallying one goal during their series against the Washington Capitals. On July 12, 2018, Oleksiak agreed to a three-year, $6.4 million contract extension with the Penguins as a restricted free agent. During the 2018-19 season, he fought Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson on December 19, 2018, suffering a concussion that sidelined him indefinitely before he was cleared to play on December 29.
Return to Dallas Stars (2019-2021)
On January 28, 2019, Oleksiak was traded back to the Dallas Stars by the Penguins for the same fourth-round draft pick that originally brought him to Pittsburgh. Upon returning to Dallas, he served as the team’s seventh defenseman, going pointless through 18 games while often serving as a healthy scratch. As the Stars clinched a playoff berth, Oleksiak returned to the lineup and tallied an assist on Tyler Seguin’s goal to help the Stars clinch the top wildcard spot in the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs. He played in the first round against the Nashville Predators, recording six hits in his postseason debut, but suffered a lower-body injury in the series against the St. Louis Blues that ended his playoff run.
During the 2019-20 season under a new head coach, Oleksiak saw increased playing time as a third-pairing defenseman. He tallied two assists in the season’s first four games and quickly became one of the Stars’ most active players in the offensive zone, helping dominate scoring chances alongside Miro Heiskanen in a top-four role after injuries depleted the lineup.
Seattle Kraken Era (2021-Present)
On July 21, 2021, Oleksiak was selected from the Dallas Stars by the Seattle Kraken during the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft. Following the draft, he was immediately signed to a five-year, $23 million contract. He changed his jersey number from #6 to #24, as veteran defenseman Adam Larsson wished to use the lower number. Oleksiak cleared COVID protocol in time to play in the Kraken’s first regular season game on October 13, 2021.
He finished the 2021-22 season with a career-high 16 assists and 17 points, ranking second on the team with 182 hits and third with 86 blocked shots. The following season, despite missing four games due to a lower-body injury, Oleksiak led all Seattle defensemen in goal scoring by late November. On December 10, 2022, he was suspended three games for a hit to Alexander Alexeyev during a game against the Washington Capitals. At the time of the suspension, he had accumulated four goals and three assists to rank third among Kraken defensemen.
Playing Style and Strengths
Oleksiak is known as a physical, stay-at-home defenseman whose greatest asset is his imposing size at 6-foot-7. His reach allows him to disrupt opponents effectively, block passing lanes, and win board battles. He brings a physical edge to the Kraken’s blue line, consistently ranking among team leaders in hits. While not primarily known for offensive production, he has shown the ability to contribute points when given increased ice time, as demonstrated by his career-high 17 points during the 2021-22 season.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Oleksiak has set milestones related to his exceptional height. He became the tallest player in Dallas Stars history upon his debut and continues to be among the tallest active players in the NHL. His Calder Cup victory with the Texas Stars in 2014 represents one of his most significant team achievements. His selection by the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft marked a new chapter, and his five-year, $23 million contract reflected his value as an established NHL defenseman. His fight with Tom Wilson during the 2018-19 season highlighted his willingness to protect teammates and engage physically despite the risks involved.
Jamieson Oleksiak Career Wins
Across his professional career, Oleksiak has accumulated wins and achievements spanning both the AHL and NHL levels, including a Calder Cup championship during his time in the Dallas Stars organization.
NHL Highlights
At the NHL level, Oleksiak has played over 400 career games across three franchises. His most productive season came with the Seattle Kraken during the 2021-22 campaign, when he recorded 17 points (1 goal, 16 assists). He helped the Dallas Stars reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs twice during his time there and contributed to the Pittsburgh Penguins’ playoff run in 2018, playing 12 postseason games. While he has not won a Stanley Cup at the NHL level, his consistent presence on NHL rosters for over a decade demonstrates his ability to contribute at the highest professional hockey level.
AHL and Junior Achievements
Oleksiak’s most significant championship victory came with the Texas Stars, when he helped the team win the 2014 Calder Cup. During his junior career, he was named to the 2012 AHL All-Star Game while playing for the Texas Stars, recognizing his strong rookie season in professional hockey. His collegiate career at Northeastern University produced a plus-13 plus/minus rating, the best on the team, and his OHL career included productive stints with both the Saginaw Spirit and Niagara IceDogs.
Jamieson Oleksiak Family
Family Background and Athletic Lineage
Oleksiak comes from an athletic family with notable achievements in sports beyond hockey. He is of Polish and Czech descent. His father’s U.S. citizenship provided Oleksiak the option to represent either Team USA or Team Canada internationally, a unique flexibility that influenced his career path with national teams.
Personal Life
Oleksiak’s youngest sister, Penny Oleksiak, is one of Canada’s most decorated Olympic athletes. Penny has won a combined total of seven medals across the 2016 Summer Olympics and 2020 Summer Olympics, making her Canada’s most successful Olympic competitor in terms of total medals. The siblings share a competitive drive and athletic excellence that has made their family notable in Canadian sports circles.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2024-25 season, Oleksiak continues to serve as a veteran presence on the Seattle Kraken blue line. His physical style of play and experience make him a valuable asset for a franchise still building its identity in the NHL. The Kraken are looking to build on previous seasons and push for a playoff position in a competitive Western Conference. Oleksiak’s role is expected to remain consistent as a third-pairing defenseman who brings physicality and experience to the lineup. His leadership in the locker room and ability to mentor younger defensemen will be important as the Kraken develop their core group. The team’s success will depend on contributions from veteran players like Oleksiak alongside their emerging stars.