Bokondji “Boko” Imama is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League (AHL), while also under contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on August 3, 1996, in Montreal, Quebec, Imama began his junior career with the Baie-Comeau Drakkar before becoming a valued physical presence in professional hockey. Drafted 180th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Imama has developed into a tough, reliable winger who has competed for multiple NHL organizations throughout his career.
Bokondji Imama Bio
Imama has built his professional career on grit, physicality, and resilience. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 222 pounds, he brings an imposing presence to the ice as a left shot left winger. Throughout his journey from junior hockey to the NHL, Imama has faced significant challenges, including being the target of racist taunts, and has responded with character and determination. He has played for four NHL franchises and continues to compete at the highest levels of hockey while mentoring younger players in the Penguins organization.
Early Life and Background
Bokondji Imama was born on August 3, 1996, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, to parents who immigrated to Canada from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His mother is Kumbia Imama, and his father is Bokondji Imama. He grew up with four sisters, providing a family environment that emphasized resilience and support. Growing up in Montreal, Imama developed his passion for hockey in Quebec’s rich hockey culture, where he honed the skills that would eventually carry him to professional ranks.
Imama’s upbringing in a Congolese-Canadian household in Montreal shaped his identity and perspective. He navigated the challenges of being a visible minority in hockey while developing his game at local rinks in Quebec. His family’s immigrant background instilled in him a strong work ethic and determination that would later define his professional career.
Path to Professional Hockey
Imama’s journey to professional hockey began in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). The Baie-Comeau Drakkar selected Imama in the fourth round of the 2012 QMJHL entry draft, marking his first step into major junior hockey. He joined the Drakkar for the 2012-13 season and quickly established himself as a physical player willing to protect his teammates.
After parts of three seasons with the Drakkar, Imama was traded to the Saint John Sea Dogs in 2014-15. His time with the Sea Dogs proved transformative. In December 2015, Imama demonstrated his loyalty and toughness when he came off the bench to defend 15-year-old teammate Joe Veleno during a brawl against the Halifax Mooseheads, resulting in a 15-game suspension. That incident showcased the character and protective nature that would define his professional career.
The 2016-17 season became Imama’s breakout campaign in junior hockey. He led the Sea Dogs with 41 goals in 66 games, finishing seventh in the QMJHL in scoring. His dominant performance continued into the playoffs, where he added 15 points in 18 games as Saint John won the President’s Cup. Imama contributed one goal and two assists in four games at the 2017 Memorial Cup, where the Sea Dogs advanced to the semi-finals before being eliminated by the Erie Otters.
Bokondji Imama Career
Professional Debut and Los Angeles Kings Era (2017-2021)
The Tampa Bay Lightning selected Imama in the sixth round, 180th overall, of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. After his standout junior season, the Lightning traded him to the Los Angeles Kings on May 31, 2017, in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick. Imama signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Kings the following day, officially beginning his professional career.
Imama spent the majority of his first four professional seasons with the Ontario Reign, the Kings’ AHL affiliate, with a brief stint with the ECHL’s Manchester Monarchs in 2018-19. During the 2019-20 season, Imama faced a difficult moment when Bakersfield Condors defenseman Brandon Manning directed racist taunts at him during a game. Manning received a five-game suspension for the incident. On February 7, 2020, Imama confronted Manning in their first meeting since the incident, fighting him early in the first period. Imama added a goal and an assist to complete a Gordie Howe hat trick in a 10-3 Reign victory, earning third-star honors and a powerful statement of resilience.
Arizona Coyotes Breakthrough (2021-2023)
On July 24, 2021, the Kings traded Imama and defenseman Cole Hults to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for Tyler Steenbergen and Brayden Burke. During his first season with the Coyotes’ AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners, Imama again faced racism when San Jose Barracuda forward Krystof Hrabik made a racist gesture toward him during a game on January 12, 2022. Hrabik received a 30-game suspension from the AHL later that month.
Imama’s perseverance paid off when the Coyotes recalled him from Tucson on April 22, 2022, and he made his NHL debut that night against the Washington Capitals. The following evening, Imama scored his first NHL goal, tallying against St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington in a 5-4 overtime loss. He appeared in four games with Arizona during that call-up. Imama spent most of the 2022-23 season with Tucson, earning five more games with the Coyotes.
Ottawa Senators Tenure (2023-2024)
After three seasons with the Coyotes organization, Imama became an unrestricted free agent and signed with the Ottawa Senators on July 1, 2023. He attended Ottawa’s training camp but failed to secure a roster spot and was assigned to the AHL’s Belleville Senators. During the 2023-24 season, Imama registered ten points in 53 games with Belleville. He received a three-game AHL suspension on January 13, 2024, following an incident with the Toronto Marlies.
The Senators recalled Imama on April 6, 2024, and he made his Ottawa debut that night in a 4-3 loss to the New Jersey Devils, fighting Kurtis MacDermid in the first period. He appeared in six games with Ottawa, going scoreless before the season concluded.
Pittsburgh Penguins Era (2024-Present)
After one season with the Senators, Imama signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins on July 1, 2024, agreeing to a one-year, two-way contract. He went unclaimed on waivers and began the 2024-25 season with Pittsburgh’s AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The Penguins recalled Imama on January 25, 2025, after Bryan Rust suffered an injury, and he made his Pittsburgh debut the following night against the Seattle Kraken.
On February 28, 2025, Imama delivered a controversial hit on Philadelphia Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway that forced Hathaway from the game, though no serious injury occurred. Flyers coach John Tortorella expressed frustration with the officials’ decision to assess only a two-minute minor penalty. Imama explained he had spotted Hathaway charging at teammate Noel Acciari and was attempting to prevent the hit. Imama scored his first goal with the Penguins on March 22 against the Columbus Blue Jackets, having fought Mathieu Olivier earlier in the match. He underwent biceps surgery in March, ending his season with 16 games played for Pittsburgh and one goal.
On June 13, 2025, Imama signed a one-year contract extension with the Penguins. He began the 2025-26 season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton after clearing waivers. Pittsburgh recalled him on December 1, and Imama made his season debut that night against the Philadelphia Flyers. He appeared in one more game before being returned to the AHL on December 7, 2025.
Driving Style and Strengths
Imama has built his professional reputation as a physical, protective presence on the ice. Known for his willingness to fight and defend teammates, he brings an edge that coaches value in a bottom-six forward. His size and strength make him effective in board battles and along the walls. Imama’s toughness was demonstrated throughout his career, particularly in how he responded to incidents of discrimination with composure and strength.
Notable Events and Milestones
Imama’s career has been marked by significant milestones and challenging circumstances. His NHL debut with Arizona on April 22, 2022, followed by his first NHL goal the next day against Jordan Binnington represented the culmination of years of development. The racist incidents he faced from Brandon Manning and Krystof Hrabik drew league attention and demonstrated Imama’s character in responding with dignity. His Gordie Howe hat trick against the Reign in 2020 and his first Penguins goal in March 2025 stand as memorable achievements in his professional journey.
Bokondji Imama Career Wins
Imama’s career has been defined more by perseverance and milestone achievements than by statistical totals. His journey from junior hockey to consistent NHL contributor represents his most significant accomplishment.
Junior Career Highlights
In four seasons of QMJHL action spanning the Baie-Comeau Drakkar and Saint John Sea Dogs, Imama developed into a productive forward. His 41-goal season with Saint John in 2016-17 led the team and ranked seventh in the league. Most notably, Imama was a key contributor to the Sea Dogs’ 2017 President’s Cup championship run, scoring 16 points in 18 playoff games. He appeared in four Memorial Cup games that year, adding three points.
Professional Milestones
Imama’s professional career reached its peak with his NHL appearances and first goal. He scored his lone NHL goal of the 2024-25 season on March 22, 2025, against the Columbus Blue Jackets while playing for Pittsburgh. His first career NHL goal came with Arizona on April 23, 2022, against Jordan Binnington. Across his NHL career with Arizona, Ottawa, and Pittsburgh, Imama has appeared in approximately 26 games at the highest level.
Bokondji Imama Family
Family Background
Imama was born in Montreal to parents who immigrated to Canada from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His mother is Kumbia Imama, and his father is Bokondji Imama. He grew up with four sisters in a supportive family environment that valued hard work and determination. His family’s Congolese heritage has been an important part of his identity throughout his hockey career, and he has become a role model for young hockey players from diverse backgrounds.
Personal Life
Imama’s journey through professional hockey has required resilience and adaptability. Moving between NHL and AHL teams, clearing waivers, and fighting for roster spots have become routine aspects of his career. He has maintained a strong character throughout these challenges, responding to adversity with professionalism both on and off the ice. Imama’s experiences facing racism in hockey have made him an advocate for inclusion in the sport.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 season represented a significant chapter in Imama’s career as he joined the Pittsburgh Penguins organization. After beginning the year in the AHL with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Imama received his recall in late January following Bryan Rust’s injury. His Penguins debut came against Seattle on January 26, where he replaced Blake Lizotte in the lineup.
Imama’s season included memorable moments, most notably his first goal with Pittsburgh on March 22 against Columbus. That game featured a fight with Mathieu Olivier before his milestone goal. However, the season ended prematurely when Imama underwent biceps surgery in March, limiting him to 16 games with Pittsburgh and 24 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Following the season, Imama signed a one-year extension with the Penguins on June 13, 2025. He began the 2025-26 season with the AHL Penguins after clearing waivers, receiving another NHL recall on December 1. He made his season debut that night against Philadelphia and appeared in one additional game before being returned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on December 7. Imama continues to compete for NHL opportunities within the Penguins organization while contributing as an experienced voice in the AHL.