Alexander Iafallo is an American professional ice hockey player who serves as a forward for the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL). He previously spent six seasons with the Los Angeles Kings after signing as a free agent in 2017. A native of Eden, New York, Iafallo played college hockey at the University of Minnesota Duluth before beginning his professional career.
Alexander Iafallo Biography
Early Life and Background
Alexander Iafallo was born on December 21, 1993, in Eden, New York, to parents Tom and Barb Iafallo. His father, a restaurant owner and coach, built a roller rink in their backyard where young Alexander and his sister Julianna practiced. At age four, Iafallo began skating but was held back from joining the local mite travel team for a year per his parents’ request. His mother, Barb, worked as a nurse while his father continued to nurture Iafallo’s developing hockey skills.
Path to Professional Hockey
Growing up in Eden, New York, Iafallo played junior hockey for the Buffalo Regals 18U team while his sister competed with the Buffalo Bisons. He also competed with the Western Region men’s scholastic ice hockey team at the 2010 Empire State Games, helping the team win a gold medal. As the top scorer for the Regals during the 2010-11 Tier 1 AAA season, Iafallo helped guide the team toward a national championship. He left the Regals after that season to play junior hockey with the Fargo Force in the United States Hockey League (USHL) before beginning his collegiate career at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
Alexander Iafallo Career
College Career (2013-2017)
Iafallo played four seasons with the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. In his freshman season, he appeared in 33 games and earned a spot on the NCHC All-Rookie Team, signaling his potential as a impact player at the collegiate level. By his senior season in 2016-17, Iafallo emerged as the team’s leading scorer, registering 21 goals and 30 assists for 51 points. He earned First Team All-American honors and was named MVP of the NCHC All-Tournament Team. Over his four-year tenure with the Bulldogs, Iafallo recorded 121 points in 152 games.
Los Angeles Kings (2017-2023)
Following his collegiate career, Iafallo signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Kings on April 19, 2017, agreeing to a two-year, entry-level contract. He made his NHL debut on October 5, 2017, in a 2-0 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers and scored his first NHL goal on November 5, 2017, against the Nashville Predators in his 14th career game. He finished his rookie season with 9 goals and followed with 15 goals in his second season.
The 2019-20 season marked a breakthrough for Iafallo. On January 30, 2020, he recorded his first career hat trick in a 3-2 win over the Arizona Coyotes. He became the third player in NHL history to score within the opening 25 seconds of an overtime period multiple times in a single season. He finished the season with 17 goals and was on pace for his first 20-goal, 50-point campaign before the NHL season was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Iafallo signed a four-year, $16 million contract extension with the Kings on April 12, 2021. On May 7, 2021, he wore a letter on his jersey for the first time, serving as an Alternate Captain after Dustin Brown was ruled out for the season due to injury. He continued in that leadership role during the 2021-22 season when Drew Doughty suffered injuries. In the 2022-23 season, Iafallo missed 23 games due to a lower-body injury but still managed 14 goals and 36 points in 59 games. He scored his first playoff overtime goal on April 17, 2023, in Game 1 of the Kings’ first-round series against the Edmonton Oilers.
Winnipeg Jets (2023-Present)
On June 27, 2023, Iafallo was traded to the Winnipeg Jets as part of a multi-player deal that sent Pierre-Luc Dubois to Los Angeles. He joined the Jets with six seasons of NHL experience, bringing his consistent scoring touch and reliable two-way play to a new franchise. In his first season with Winnipeg, Iafallo continued to demonstrate his ability to contribute offensively while playing a responsible defensive game.
Notable Achievements
Iafallo’s career highlights include his NHL debut with the Kings on October 5, 2017, and his first professional goal scored against the Nashville Predators on November 5, 2017. His most productive season came in 2019-20 with 17 goals, including his first career hat trick. He became the third player in NHL history to score multiple overtime goals within the first 25 seconds of an overtime period in a single season. He also reached the 20-goal milestone for the first time in his career. Prior to his professional career, he won a gold medal at the 2010 Empire State Games and earned NCHC All-Rookie Team honors during his freshman year at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
Alexander Iafallo Family
Family Background
Iafallo grew up in Eden, New York, as the son of Tom Iafallo and Barb Iafallo. His father worked as a restaurant owner and served as a youth hockey coach, playing a significant role in developing his son’s passion for the sport from an early age. The family environment fostered a strong hockey culture, which extended to Iafallo’s sister, Julianna.
Personal Life
His sister, Julianna Iafallo, is also a former professional hockey player who competed for the Buffalo Beauts of the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL). Alexander Iafallo’s professional career spanned six seasons with the Los Angeles Kings before he joined the Winnipeg Jets in 2023. During his time with the Kings, he wore an Alternate Captain’s letter on multiple occasions, demonstrating leadership within the organization.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 NHL season marked Iafallo’s second full season with the Winnipeg Jets following the mid-2023 trade from Los Angeles. As a veteran presence in the Jets’ forward rotation, he provided the team with valuable experience and consistency on the ice. His familiarity with the Central Division intensified rivalries as the Jets competed for playoff positioning throughout the campaign.
The Jets relied on Iafallo’s ability to contribute in all situations, including power-play minutes and defensive zone starts. His track record of reaching the 20-goal plateau during his time with the Kings gave Winnipeg confidence in his offensive capabilities. The combination of his experience and steady two-way play made him a reliable asset for the Jets’ coaching staff as they navigated a competitive Western Conference.