Jaden Schwartz Bio
Jaden Schwartz is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who serves as left winger and alternate captain for the Seattle Kraken of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on June 25, 1992, in Melfort, Saskatchewan, Schwartz was selected 14th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2010 NHL entry draft. He has built a reputation as a consistent scoring threat and playoff performer throughout his NHL career. Schwartz won the Stanley Cup with the Blues in 2019, leading the team in playoff goals during their championship run. In 2021, he signed with the Seattle Kraken as a foundational player for the expansion franchise.
Early Life and Background
Jaden Schwartz grew up in Wilcox, Saskatchewan, with his parents Rick and Carol Schwartz. His family had deep roots in hockey, with both Jaden and his older brother Rylan pursuing careers in the sport. Jaden began playing organized hockey in his hometown, developing his skills on the prairies of Saskatchewan before advancing through junior leagues.
His older sister, Mandi Schwartz, also played hockey at Yale University. She was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in December 2008. Despite the family working to find a donor and raising awareness about bone marrow and stem cell transplants, Mandi passed away in April 2011 following her third relapse of cancer. The number 17 jersey that Schwartz wears commemorates his sister, who wore the same number playing hockey at Yale.
Path to Professional Hockey
Schwartz began his junior hockey career in 2008 with the Notre Dame Hounds of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL). During the 2008-09 season, he recorded 34 goals and 42 assists in 46 games, finishing fifth in the SJHL scoring rankings. He was named the SJHL Rookie of the Year at the conclusion of that season.
Following his success in Saskatchewan, Schwartz transferred to the Tri-City Storm of the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the 2009-10 season. He dominated the USHL, capturing the league scoring title with 33 goals and 50 assists through 60 games. His exceptional junior performance elevated his draft stock significantly.
Jaden Schwartz Career
Junior and College Career (2008-2012)
While developing his junior career, Schwartz committed to play collegiate hockey at Colorado College of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA). He helped lead Colorado College to an NCAA Tournament appearance during his freshman season, recording two goals and two assists in the first round against reigning NCAA champion Boston College. He finished his freshman year with 17 goals and 30 assists for 47 points through 30 games, leading all freshmen nationally with 1.57 points per game.
During his sophomore season at Colorado College, Schwartz recorded 15 goals and 26 assists for 41 points in 30 games despite missing six games for the World Junior Tournament. He led the Tigers in points and assists for the season, with four of his goals being game-winners. His collegiate performance established him as one of the top prospect defensemen in North America.
St. Louis Blues Era (2012-2021)
On March 10, 2012, Schwartz decided to forgo his final two years of NCAA eligibility and signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the St. Louis Blues. He made his NHL debut on March 17, 2012, against the Tampa Bay Lightning. In that game, Schwartz scored his first NHL goal, a game-winner on the power play from his first NHL shot at the 19:24 mark of the first period.
Due to the 2012-13 NHL lockout, Schwartz spent time with the Blues’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen. In 33 games with the Rivermen, he recorded 9 goals and 19 points. Upon returning to the NHL, Schwartz established himself as a reliable scoring forward for the Blues.
During the 2013-14 season, Schwartz had an excellent campaign, collecting 25 goals and 56 points in 80 games, placing him fifth on the team in point production. On September 27, 2014, he agreed to a two-year, $4.7 million contract extension. Beginning in the 2014-15 season, Schwartz switched to number 17 as a tribute to his late sister Mandi.
The 2015-16 season was interrupted when Schwartz suffered an ankle injury during practice on October 23. He missed 49 games and returned to play only 33 games, collecting 22 points. He later signed a five-year, $26.75 million contract extension on July 15, 2016. The following season was also challenging, as Schwartz suffered an elbow injury during training camp and struggled early in the season before recovering his form.
The 2018-19 season became the defining moment of his Blues career. During the playoffs against the Winnipeg Jets in the first round, Schwartz delivered a spectacular performance. He scored the game-winner in game five and then recorded a natural hat trick in game six, helping the Blues win the series 4-2. Schwartz led the Blues in playoff goals with 12 and collected 8 assists throughout the postseason, contributing significantly to St. Louis winning its first Stanley Cup in franchise history (52 years). He recorded two hat-tricks during the playoff run.
A COVID-19-shortened 2019-20 season saw Schwartz collect 22 goals through 71 games. In November 2020, Schwartz’s father, Rick Schwartz, suffered a fatal heart attack at age 59. Despite this devastating loss, Schwartz continued playing that season. Following the conclusion of the 2020-21 season, his tenth with the Blues, Schwartz entered free agency for the first time in his career.
Seattle Kraken Era (2021-Present)
On July 28, 2021, Schwartz signed with the Seattle Kraken, joining the NHL’s newest franchise. He agreed to a five-year, $27.5 million contract as a foundational player for the expansion team. On December 29, against the Philadelphia Flyers, Schwartz suffered a hand injury that required surgery. He was activated from injured reserve on March 5, 2022, after missing more time than initially expected.
Schwartz made NHL playoff history on April 22, 2023, when he scored the first playoff goal in Seattle Kraken history against the Colorado Avalanche in game three of the Stanley Cup playoffs. This milestone came nearly 104 years after the franchise’s predecessor team’s last playoff goal. As alternate captain, Schwartz has continued to be a leader both on and off the ice for the developing Kraken organization.
International Career
Schwartz has represented Canada at multiple international tournaments. His first experience with Hockey Canada came at the 2008 World Junior A Challenge with Canada West, capturing a silver medal. He also played at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge in 2009, finishing fourth. Schwartz helped Canada capture a gold medal at the 2009 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, scoring a goal and an assist in the championship game.
At the 2011 World Junior Championships, Schwartz suffered a fractured ankle in his second game against the Czech Republic, ending his tournament prematurely. He was selected to represent Canada again at the 2012 World Junior Championships in Edmonton and Calgary and was named team captain. Despite recording a goal and five points over six games, Canada won the bronze medal over Finland. On April 12, 2018, Schwartz was named to Team Canada’s senior team for the first time to compete at the IIHF World Championship, but he was injured during the tournament and missed the rest of the competition.
Jaden Schwartz Career Statistics
Throughout his NHL career spanning from 2012 to the present, Schwartz has established himself as a consistent scoring threat with the ability to elevate his play during the postseason. He has played over 600 NHL games, accumulating over 350 career points. His best offensive seasons came with the St. Louis Blues, including a 63-point campaign during the 2014-15 season and leading the team in playoff scoring during their 2019 Stanley Cup championship run.
Jaden Schwartz Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
The Schwartz family has a distinguished hockey lineage. Jaden’s father, Rick Schwartz, was a significant figure in his life until his unexpected passing from a heart attack in November 2020 at age 59. His mother, Carol Schwartz, has supported the family’s hockey pursuits throughout Jaden’s career.
Jaden’s older brother, Rylan Schwartz, also pursued a professional hockey career. Rylan played at Colorado College alongside his brother Jaden, and as of 2025, he plays for the Glasgow Clan of the UK Elite Ice Hockey League. The brothers briefly overlapped at Colorado College, forming a notable sibling connection in college hockey.
Personal Life and Legacy
Jaden Schwartz’s personal life has been marked by both triumphs and tragedies. His sister Mandi’s battle with leukemia deeply affected the family and the hockey community. The family’s efforts to find a bone marrow donor raised significant awareness about stem cell transplants. Schwartz wears number 17 in honor of his sister, who wore the same number while playing for Yale.
Schwartz has maintained a private personal life while being recognized as a leader in every organization he has been part of. His designation as alternate captain with the Seattle Kraken reflects his reputation as a consummate professional and respected teammate. The adversity he has faced, including the loss of his sister and father, has shaped his approach to hockey and life.
2025 Season Performance
As of the 2025 season, Jaden Schwartz continues to serve as alternate captain for the Seattle Kraken. His veteran presence provides stability and leadership for a franchise still building its identity. Schwartz’s experience from winning a Stanley Cup with St. Louis remains valuable as the Kraken develop their own championship culture. His ability to contribute offensively while being responsible in his own zone makes him a respected figure in the Seattle locker room.
The Kraken organization has benefited from Schwartz’s professionalism and work ethic. His mentorship of younger players helps accelerate the development of Seattle’s core group. Despite the challenges of injuries in recent seasons, Schwartz has remained committed to performing at a high level and helping his team succeed in the competitive Pacific Division.