Matthew Kiersted Bio
Matthew Kiersted is an American professional ice hockey defenseman who currently plays for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on April 14, 1998, in Elk River, Minnesota, Kiersted has built his professional career after an impressive amateur career in Minnesota and the United States Hockey League (USHL). He entered the NHL as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Florida Panthers in 2021, where he spent five seasons before returning to his home state with the Minnesota Wild in July 2025.
Early Life and Background
Matthew Kiersted was born on April 14, 1998, in Elk River, Minnesota, to parents Bob Kiersted and Candace Hartwig. He grew up as the middle child between brothers Mitch and Drew. Kiersted’s introduction to hockey came through family connections, as his father was friends with former NHL player Mark Parrish, who encouraged the Kiersted family to allow their children to pursue the sport.
Kiersted attended Elk River High School in his hometown, where he developed as a hockey player before graduating in 2016. His time at Elk River High School laid the foundation for his future in the sport, showcasing the talent that would eventually carry him to the collegiate and professional levels.
Path to Professional Hockey
During his high school years, Kiersted demonstrated enough promise to attract attention from major collegiate programs. He committed to play collegiate ice hockey for the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks, one of the premier programs in college hockey. To further develop his skills and prepare for the collegiate level, Kiersted left Elk River High School during his junior year to play for the Chicago Steel in the United States Hockey League (USHL), a top-tier junior league known for developing future professional players.
His time with the Chicago Steel proved instrumental in his development, providing him with increased competition and exposure to the next level of hockey. The USHL experience prepared him well for the physical and tactical demands of college hockey while sharpening his abilities as a defenseman.
Matthew Kiersted Career
Professional Career Beginnings (2021)
After completing his collegiate career with the North Dakota Fighting Hawks, Kiersted entered the professional ranks as an undrafted free agent. On April 1, 2021, he signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Florida Panthers. He made his NHL debut just two days later, on April 3, 2021, in a 5-2 Panthers victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. This rapid transition from college to professional hockey demonstrated the readiness he brought from his development years.
Florida Panthers Era (2021-2025)
Kiersted spent the following seasons developing within the Florida Panthers organization, splitting time between the NHL club and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers. Throughout his tenure with the Panthers, he established himself as a reliable two-way defenseman capable of contributing at both levels of professional hockey.
On June 28, 2024, Kiersted signed a one-year contract to remain with the Panthers organization, continuing his development and maintaining his path toward consistent NHL playing time.
Minnesota Wild Era (2025-Present)
Following five seasons within the Florida Panthers organization, Kiersted reached free agency and made a significant career move. On July 2, 2025, he signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Minnesota Wild, his homestate organization. This move returned him to Minnesota, where his professional journey began, and gave him the opportunity to compete for a regular role on an NHL blue line near his roots.
Playing Style and Strengths
Standing at 6 feet 0 inches (183 centimeters) and weighing 181 pounds (82 kilograms), Kiersted brings solid size to the defenseman position. He shoots left-handed and has developed a reputation as a steady, responsible defender. His game emphasizes positioning, puck management, and reliable defensive zone coverage, making him a dependable option for coaches seeking consistency on their blue line.
Notable Career Moments
Kiersted’s NHL debut against the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 3, 2021, marked his arrival at hockey’s highest level. The Panthers’ 5-2 victory provided a positive introduction to professional hockey’s biggest stage. His subsequent re-signing with Florida in 2024 demonstrated the organization’s continued confidence in his abilities, while his 2025 signing with Minnesota represented a homecoming and new opportunity in his career trajectory.
Matthew Kiersted Career Statistics
Kiersted appeared in regular-season NHL games during his tenure with the Florida Panthers across multiple seasons. His professional record includes appearances at both the NHL and AHL levels while developing within the Panthers system.
NHL Highlights
At the NHL level, Kiersted’s most significant milestone remains his debut on April 3, 2021, when he stepped onto the ice for the Florida Panthers in their win over Columbus. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated the ability to compete at hockey’s highest level while continuing to refine his game.
AHL and Development League Performance
Kiersted also logged significant ice time in the American Hockey League with the Charlotte Checkers and Iowa Wild, using those opportunities to develop his professional game and work toward more consistent NHL involvement.
Matthew Kiersted Family
Family Background
Matthew Kiersted grew up in Elk River, Minnesota, as the middle child in the Kiersted family, with brothers Mitch and Drew. His father, Bob Kiersted, played a formative role in his hockey development through his friendship with former NHL player Mark Parrish. It was Parrish who encouraged the Kiersted family to allow their children to pursue organized hockey, setting Matthew on the path that would eventually lead him to professional athletics.
Personal Life
Kiersted was raised by his parents Bob Kiersted and Candace Hartwig in Elk River, Minnesota. His connections to the hockey community in Minnesota run deep, stemming from his upbringing in the state and his family’s involvement in the sport’s local development. His 2025 signing with the Minnesota Wild represented a return to his home state, aligning his professional career with the community where he first developed his passion for hockey.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a new chapter in Matthew Kiersted’s professional career as he joins the Minnesota Wild following his five-season stint with the Florida Panthers. His signing with the Wild on July 2, 2025, brought him back to his home state of Minnesota, providing an opportunity to compete for a regular spot on the NHL roster near his roots.
Kiersted brings a wealth of professional experience to the Wild’s defensive corps, having developed his game across both NHL and AHL levels during his time in the Panthers organization. His left-shot defenseman style and two-way game offer the Wild organizational depth on the blue line.
As he settles into his new team during the 2025 season, Kiersted aims to secure consistent NHL playing time and contribute to the Wild’s defensive unit. His transition to a hometown club provides fresh motivation as he works toward establishing himself as a regular contributor at hockey’s highest level.