Nathan Bastian Bio
Nathan Bastian is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger for the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League (NHL). Selected by the New Jersey Devils in the second round, 41st overall, in the 2016 NHL entry draft, Bastian has built a reputation as a physical presence on the wing with a scoring touch. His career path has taken him through three NHL organizations, including a brief expansion draft selection by the Seattle Kraken before returning to the Devils and ultimately signing with the Stars in 2025 as a free agent.
Early Life and Background
Nathan Bastian was born on December 6, 1997, in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) and weighing 217 pounds (98 kg), he developed his hockey skills in the Ontario minor hockey system before advancing to the junior ranks. His size and right-handed shot made him an intriguing prospect as he progressed through amateur hockey.
Path to Professional Hockey
Bastian began his junior career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), selected by the Mississauga Steelheads in the seventh round, 127th overall, in the 2013 OHL priority selection. He initially played at the midget level with the Brantford 99ers of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, recording 27 points (11 goals and 16 assists) through 29 games. He then joined the Steelheads later that season, contributing two goals and one assist in 21 games.
During his first full OHL season in 2014-15, Bastian was the only Steelhead to appear in all 68 games, tallying 17 goals and 29 assists. His work ethic earned him the honor of Mississauga’s Hardest Working Player. He continued to develop into a top-line player, finishing his junior career with 19 goals and 40 assists in 64 games during the 2015-16 season. His performance earned him a selection to Team Orr for the 2016 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, where he helped Team Orr secure victory over Team Cherry.
Nathan Bastian Career
Junior Career (2013-2017)
Bastian’s time with the Mississauga Steelheads established him as a reliable two-way forward. On March 30, 2017, during the OHL playoffs, he recorded a hat-trick in a 6-4 victory over the Ottawa 67’s. He finished the playoffs with seven goals and seven assists in 20 games, helping the Steelheads advance to the Final, where they lost to the Erie Otters in five games. After the season, the NHL Central Scouting Bureau ranked him 35th overall among North American skaters in their Final Rankings before the 2016 NHL entry draft.
New Jersey Devils Era (2017-2021)
After being drafted by the New Jersey Devils in June 2016, Bastian signed his first professional contract on October 20, 2016, a three-year, entry-level deal. He was assigned to the Binghamton Devils, New Jersey’s American Hockey League affiliate, to begin the 2017-18 season. In his AHL debut on October 7, 2017, he scored his first professional goal on a penalty shot against Christopher Gibson, helping the Devils to a 2-1 win over the Bridgeport Islanders. He finished his rookie professional season with 10 goals and eight assists through 68 games.
Bastian received his first recall to the NHL on January 19, 2019, and made his NHL debut that night, getting into his first NHL fight against Josh Manson while recording 9:32 of ice time in a 3-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks. On February 25, 2019, he scored his first NHL goal in a 2-1 victory against the Montreal Canadiens. He appeared in seven NHL games that season, scoring three goals, while managing 18 goals in 58 AHL games.
Before the 2020-21 season, Bastian earned a spot on New Jersey’s opening roster for the first time in his career. He led the team in hits with 136 that season while recording three goals and seven assists in 41 games. On June 15, 2021, he was re-signed to a two-year, $1,650,000 contract by the Devils.
Seattle Kraken and Return to New Jersey (2021-2023)
On July 21, 2021, Bastian was selected from the Devils at the 2021 NHL expansion draft by the Seattle Kraken. He was named to Seattle’s opening roster for their inaugural 2021-22 season and scored his first goal with the team in a 5-4 loss to the Arizona Coyotes on November 6. After playing only 12 games with the Kraken and recording an assist, he was placed on waivers on November 24. He was claimed off waivers by his former team, the New Jersey Devils, the following day.
During the 2022-23 season, Bastian suffered an injury to his shoulder on November 26, 2022, against the Washington Capitals. He was placed on injured reserve retroactive to that date and missed significant time. On May 3, 2023, in the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs, Bastian scored his first career NHL playoff goal in a 5-1 loss against the Carolina Hurricanes. He finished the playoffs with one goal and one assist through 12 games.
Dallas Stars Era (2025-Present)
On July 1, 2023, Bastian signed a two-year, $2,700,000 contract to remain with the Devils. During the 2023-24 season, he suffered a lower-body injury on February 22 against the New York Rangers and was placed on injured reserve the following day, missing the final 26 games of the season. He ended the campaign with five goals and seven assists in 54 games. The following season saw him battle through injuries once again, including a jaw injury sustained in a fight with Ryan Lomberg on November 1, 2024, against the Calgary Flames. He was placed on long-term injured reserve retroactive to that date and returned on December 10 after missing 16 games.
On August 9, 2025, as a free agent, Bastian signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Dallas Stars, joining his third NHL organization.
Playing Style and Strengths
Nathan Bastian plays the right wing position and shoots right-handed. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, he uses his size to create physical mismatches along the boards and in front of the net. He has established himself as an effective checking-line player who can contribute offensively while excelling in defensive situations. His physical style of play has made him a consistent team leader in hits throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Bastian’s career has been marked by several memorable moments, including his NHL debut fight against Josh Manson in 2019 and his first NHL goal against the Montreal Canadiens that same year. His first career playoff goal came in May 2023 with the Devils against the Carolina Hurricanes. His selection by the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft and subsequent return to New Jersey after just 12 games added an eventful chapter to his career trajectory.
Nathan Bastian Career Statistics
Throughout his NHL career, Bastian has appeared in over 200 games across three franchises, accumulating goals and assists while establishing himself as a reliable two-way forward. His professional journey began in the AHL with the Binghamton Devils before advancing to full-time NHL duty with New Jersey.
Junior Career Highlights
In four seasons with the Mississauga Steelheads, Bastian developed from a seventh-round draft pick into an NHL-caliber player. His most productive junior season came in 2015-16 when he recorded 19 goals and 40 assists in 64 games. He was named to the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game and finished his OHL career with a strong playoff performance, including a hat-trick against the Ottawa 67’s.
NHL Career Summary
Bastian has appeared in multiple seasons with the New Jersey Devils, serving as a consistent presence on the right wing. His best statistical seasons came during his first stint with New Jersey before the expansion draft. He has been relied upon for his physical play and defensive responsibility, often matching up against opponents’ top lines.
Family
No verified public information is available regarding Nathan Bastian’s family background, parents, or siblings.
2025 Season Performance
Following his August 2025 signing with the Dallas Stars, Nathan Bastian joined his third NHL franchise as he enters the 2025-26 season. The one-year contract represents a new chapter in his career as he looks to establish himself with the Stars organization. Bastian brings experience from over 200 NHL games and a physical brand of hockey that should complement Dallas’s roster. After battling injuries in recent seasons, his health will be a key factor in his ability to contribute regularly for his new team.