Alex Laferriere Bio
Alex Laferriere is an American professional ice hockey player who serves as a right winger for the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on October 28, 2001, in Chatham, New Jersey, Laferriere has built his career through perseverance and dedication to the sport. Despite being overlooked for top youth teams early in his career due to his size, he developed into a highly skilled forward who now competes at the highest level of professional hockey. He was selected 83rd overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft and signed his first professional contract with the organization in April 2023.
Early Life and Background
Alex Laferriere was born on October 28, 2001, in Chatham, New Jersey, to Rob Laferriere, who played college ice hockey for the Princeton Tigers and Boston College Eagles. His family background in hockey provided early exposure to the sport, though Alex initially resisted getting on the ice. At a young age, his mother offered him skating lessons, which he declined until his sister promised him Skittles if he tried. That sweet temptation sparked his interest in ice hockey and set him on the path he continues to follow today.
Laferriere grew up playing youth hockey for the New Jersey Colonials and North Jersey Avalanche. Despite his passion for the game, he faced significant challenges due to his stature. By his freshman year of high school, he measured only 5 feet 2 inches tall, which caused college scouts and elite youth programs to overlook him for roster spots. However, around age 16, Laferriere experienced a significant growth spurt that would change the trajectory of his career.
Path to Hockey
After attending Chatham High School in his hometown, Laferriere spent time at the University of Nebraska High School before completing his secondary education at Kent School in Connecticut. During the 2018-19 season at Kent School, he established himself as one of the top performers in the New England area. He averaged close to two points per game and finished the season as the second-leading scorer in New England, posting 19 goals and 34 assists in 27 games. His exceptional play attracted attention from college programs across the country.
Laferriere initially committed to play for the Army Black Knights before later switching his commitment to the Harvard Crimson. While developing his college career, he also joined the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the end of the 2018-19 season, appearing in 12 games. The following season, he led the Buccaneers in scoring with 45 points across 42 games, tying for the team lead in goals with 19 and adding 26 assists. His performance earned him team MVP honors and an invitation to the BioSteel All-American Game. He continued with Des Moines in 2020-21, totaling 50 points on 26 goals and 24 assists in 49 games.
Alex Laferriere Career
Harvard Crimson (2021–2023)
Laferriere began playing college hockey with Harvard University in the 2021-22 season. He made an immediate impact, recording 31 points including 14 goals and 17 assists in 35 games. His outstanding rookie campaign earned him ECAC Hockey Rookie of the Year honors, a spot on the ECAC Hockey All-Rookie team, and third-team All-ECAC Hockey recognition. He continued his development in 2022-23, appearing in 34 games and producing 21 goals and 21 assists. His strong performance helped Harvard reach the NCAA tournament, and he was named second-team All-ECAC Hockey.
Ontario Reign and NHL Debut (2023)
Following the conclusion of his college career, Laferriere turned professional and joined the Ontario Reign of the American Hockey League (AHL), which serves as the primary developmental affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings. He appeared in four games with the Reign to close out the 2022-23 season, scoring one goal in his professional debut. His performance impressed the organization, and on April 9, 2023, he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Los Angeles Kings.
Laferriere began the 2023-24 season with the AHL but received a recall on October 9, 2023. He made his NHL debut in the Kings’ season-opening game on October 11 against the Colorado Avalanche, recording four shots on goal in a 5-2 loss. Less than two weeks later, on October 21, Laferriere scored his first NHL goal in a 4-2 loss to the Boston Bruins. This milestone marked his arrival as an NHL player and validated the Kings’ investment in selecting him in the third round of the 2020 draft.
Los Angeles Kings (2023–Present)
Laferriere established himself as a regular contributor with the Los Angeles Kings following his debut. His combination of skating ability, hockey sense, and goal-scoring touch made him a valuable piece of the Kings’ forward group. On August 2, 2025, Laferriere signed a three-year, $12.3 million contract extension with the Kings, rewarding him for his early professional success and securing his place with the organization through the 2025-26 season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Laferriere plays the right wing position and shoots right-handed. His skating ability and hockey sense allow him to create offensive opportunities and find open space in the offensive zone. Despite early concerns about his size during his youth career, he developed into a confident professional player who can compete effectively at the NHL level. His right-shot technique and positioning make him a threat on the power play and at even strength.
Notable Events and Milestones
Several key moments define Laferriere’s professional career thus far. His NHL debut against the Colorado Avalanche in October 2023 represented his arrival at the sport’s highest level. Scoring his first NHL goal just days later against the Boston Bruins provided a memorable milestone. The signing of his three-year contract extension in August 2025 marked the organization s continued commitment to his development as a core player for the Kings moving forward.
Alex Laferriere Career Statistics
Laferriere has appeared in NHL regular season games with the Los Angeles Kings since making his debut in October 2023. Prior to turning professional, he built impressive statistics across junior and college hockey, including leading the Des Moines Buccaneers in scoring during the 2019-20 USHL season and earning ECAC Hockey Rookie of the Year honors with Harvard in 2021-22.
NHL Highlights
Laferriere made his NHL debut with the Los Angeles Kings on October 11, 2023, against the Colorado Avalanche. He scored his first NHL goal on October 21, 2023, in a game against the Boston Bruins. His 2023-24 season marked his rookie NHL campaign, during which he transitioned from college hockey to professional play.
International Play
Prior to his professional career, Laferriere represented the United States at the 2019 World Junior A Challenge, appearing in six games for Team USA. This international experience provided valuable exposure to high-pressure tournament play and further development opportunities.
College and Junior Highlights
In college hockey with Harvard, Laferriere earned ECAC Hockey Rookie of the Year honors in 2021-22 and was named to both the All-Rookie team and third-team All-ECAC Hockey. He improved his production in his sophomore season, earning second-team All-ECAC Hockey recognition and helping the team reach the NCAA tournament. In the USHL with Des Moines, he led the team in scoring during the 2019-20 season with 45 points and was named team MVP.
Alex Laferriere Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Alex Laferriere comes from a family with deep roots in ice hockey. His father, Rob Laferriere, played college hockey at two prestigious programs, suiting up for both the Princeton Tigers and the Boston College Eagles. This family connection provided Alex with early exposure to the sport and likely contributed to his development as a player. The guidance and support from his hockey-savvy father helped Alex navigate the challenges he faced early in his career, including being passed over for youth teams due to his size.
Personal Life
Off the ice, Laferriere grew up in Chatham, New Jersey, where he attended Chatham High School. His journey into hockey began unconventionally when, as a young child, he refused his mother s offer of skating lessons until his sister tempted him with Skittles. That simple childhood moment ultimately sparked a lifelong passion for the sport. He continues to engage with fans through his Instagram account, sharing glimpses of his professional career with followers.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 NHL season saw Laferriere continue his development with the Los Angeles Kings as a young forward in the lineup. Building on his rookie season experience, he worked to establish more consistency in his offensive output and defensive play. His performance throughout the season demonstrated the skills that convinced the Kings to invest a third-round draft pick in his potential several years earlier.
Following his strong play during the 2024-25 campaign, Laferriere and the Kings agreed to a three-year contract extension worth $12.3 million, signed on August 2, 2025. The deal represented a significant commitment from the organization and provided Laferriere with financial security as he enters the prime years of his career. The extension keeps him under team control through the 2025-26 season and beyond.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, Laferriere enters his third professional season with the Kings with heightened expectations. The contract extension signals the organization views him as a core piece of their forward group moving forward. With another year of NHL experience under his belt and a new long-term deal in place, Laferriere has the opportunity to take on a larger role with the team and continue his progression as a professional player.