Jake Middleton Bio
Jacob ‘Jake’ Middleton is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was originally drafted 210th overall (the last pick in the draft) by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2014 NHL entry draft. Since starting his career in 2016, he has developed a reputation as a solid defensive player, culminating in being named to the Canadian men’s national team for the 2023 IIHF World Championship where he earned a gold medal.
Early Life and Background
Jacob Middleton was born on January 2, 1996, in Wainwright, Alberta, Canada. The young defenseman grew up with a passion for hockey, eventually developing into a skilled player throughout his formative years. Middleton stands at 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) and shoots left, physical attributes that would serve him well in his professional career.
Middleton’s journey to professional hockey began in the Ontario Hockey League, where he was drafted by the Owen Sound Attack in 2012. His early development as a player took shape through junior hockey, where he learned the fundamentals of defensive positioning and play that would become trademarks of his professional game.
Path to Hockey
Middleton’s junior hockey career saw him play 14 games for the Owen Sound Attack before being traded to the Ottawa 67’s on January 7, 2013. The move to the 67’s proved beneficial for his development, as he spent the next three seasons with the team, demonstrating steady improvement in his defensive skills and hockey sense.
During his time with the 67’s, Middleton showed leadership qualities by being named captain of the team on January 8, 2016, in his fourth season. This honor recognized his maturity on the ice and his ability to contribute both defensively and as a team leader, setting the stage for his transition to professional hockey.
Jake Middleton Career
Early Career (2016-2017)
After concluding his junior career with the 67’s, Middleton signed an amateur try-out agreement with the Manchester Monarchs of the ECHL on April 8, 2016. He appeared in seven games for the Monarchs, gaining valuable experience at the professional level before making the jump to the American Hockey League.
For the 2016-17 season, Middleton joined the San Jose Barracuda, the AHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks. This marked the beginning of his professional career, where he continued to develop his defensive skills and adapt to the faster pace of professional hockey.
San Jose Sharks Breakthrough (2017-2022)
On September 7, 2017, Middleton signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks, formalizing his professional commitment to the organization. He spent the majority of the 2017-18 season with the Barracuda, continuing to refine his game at the AHL level.
Middleton’s opportunity to reach the NHL came during the 2018-19 season. After attending the Sharks’ training camp, he was initially reassigned to the Barracuda on September 23, 2018. However, his strong play earned him a recall to the NHL on January 5, 2019, where he made his debut against the Tampa Bay Lightning that same night.
During his time with the Sharks, Middleton recorded his first NHL point on April 4, 2019, in a 3-2 victory against the Edmonton Oilers. The following season, he faced adversity when placed on injured reserve on October 5, 2019, but remained committed to his development.
The 2021-22 season proved to be a breakthrough year for Middleton with the Sharks. On November 24, 2021, he scored his first NHL goal in a 6-3 win against the Ottawa Senators. He compiled career-best marks of 3 goals and 9 points through 45 games before being traded at the deadline.
Minnesota Wild Era (2022-Present)
On March 21, 2022, Middleton was traded by the Sharks to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for goaltender Kaapo Kähkönen. The move provided Middleton with a fresh start and the opportunity to contribute to a playoff-contending team.
As a pending free agent, Middleton opted to remain with the Wild by signing a three-year, $7.35 million extension on July 6, 2022. This contract reflected the organization’s confidence in his abilities and his value as a reliable defensive defenseman.
Playing Style and Strengths
Middleton has established himself as a solid defensive defenseman known for his physical play and positioning. His 6 ft 3 in frame allows him to effectively patrol his own end and win battles along the boards. Middleton excels in breaking up opposing plays and clearing the front of the net, making him a valuable defensive presence.
Notable Events and Milestones
Middleton’s most significant achievement came in 2023 when he was named to Canada’s men’s national ice hockey team for the IIHF World Championship. He recorded five assists in ten tournament games and helped Canada win a gold medal, representing a high point in his international career.
Jake Middleton Career Wins
Throughout his professional hockey career, Jake Middleton has established himself as a reliable defensive defenseman in both the NHL and at the international level. His career includes key milestones with multiple organizations and recognition for his defensive contributions.
San Jose Sharks Highlights
During his time with the Sharks organization, Middleton developed into an AHL player before making his NHL debut. His first NHL goal against the Ottawa Senators in November 2021 marked a significant personal milestone, demonstrating his offensive capabilities beyond defensive responsibilities.
Other Wins & Performances
Middleton’s performance at the 2023 IIHF World Championship stands as one of his career highlights. As a member of Team Canada, he contributed five assists over ten games while helping the team secure a gold medal, representing his country on the international stage.
| Series | Wins | Top Tens | Poles |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHL | 1 | 9 | 0 |
| 1 (Gold Medal) | 10 | 0 |
Jake Middleton Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Jake Middleton comes from a hockey-playing family. He formerly played alongside his brother, Keaton Middleton, for the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda between 2018 and 2020. Keaton currently plays within the rival Colorado Avalanche organization, marking a unique situation where the brothers compete against each other in the NHL.
Personal Life
Jake Middleton was married in 2022 to his wife Natalie, who is a nurse in Minneapolis. The couple welcomed their daughter Stevie in 2024, balancing his professional hockey career with family life. Middleton maintains a residence that allows him to commute to games while supporting his family’s needs.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Jake Middleton enters his fourth year with the Minnesota Wild under the terms of his three-year contract extension signed in 2022. The 2024-25 season will be a critical one for Middleton as he continues to solidify his role as a key defensive defenseman for the team.
The Wild will look to Middleton to provide consistent defensive play, penalty killing expertise, and occasional offensive contributions. His experience with the organization and knowledge of the team’s systems make him an important veteran presence in the lineup. As the Wild aim to contend for a Stanley Cup, Middleton’s reliable defensive play will be essential to their success.