Artem Shlaine Bio
Artem Shlaine is a Russian professional ice hockey centre who plays for the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League (AHL). Born in Moscow, Russia, on 7 March 2002, he developed his game through elite prep school and top-tier collegiate hockey before turning professional in 2025. Shlaine was selected by the New Jersey Devils in the fifth round, 130th overall, of the 2020 NHL Draft, and has earned a reputation as a skilled two-way forward with elite face-off ability.
Early Life and Background
Artem Shlaine was born on 7 March 2002, in Moscow, Russia. He is the son of Dmitri and Ekaterina Shlaine, and he has a brother named Daniel. Growing up in Moscow, Shlaine was introduced to ice hockey at a young age and worked his way through the Russian developmental ranks before seeking greater opportunities in North America.
To advance his hockey education, Shlaine moved to the United States and attended Shattuck-Saint Mary’s in Faribault, Minnesota, one of the country’s most respected preparatory hockey programs. The school has a long history of producing NHL-caliber players, and Shlaine used his time there to refine his skills, build physical strength, and gain exposure to NHL scouts. His performance at Shattuck-Saint Mary’s helped establish him as a legitimate prospect heading into his draft year.
Path to Hockey
Shlaine’s path toward elite hockey accelerated when he committed to play college ice hockey in the United States. On 13 May 2020, he announced his commitment to the University of Connecticut, after previously having committed to Boston University. The decision allowed him to develop within the Hockey East conference while adjusting to the North American style of play on a daily basis.
During his freshman season at Connecticut in 2020–21, Shlaine posted one goal and eight assists in 23 games, but his most striking contribution came in the face-off circle. He led the Huskies and the entire Hockey East conference with a face-off win percentage of 60.2 percent, winning 162 draws. As a sophomore in 2021–22, he increased his offensive output to seven goals and ten assists in 36 games while again leading UConn in face-off win percentage at 57.6 percent.
Artem Shlaine Career
Early Career (2020–2022)
Shlaine’s earliest notable stretch came at the University of Connecticut, where he spent his first two collegiate seasons from 2020 to 2022. He made an immediate impression as a reliable centre, demonstrating poise beyond his years and a knack for winning key draws. His ability to handle the puck in tight spaces and distribute it cleanly made him a trusted two-way option for the Huskies.
Beyond his offensive production, Shlaine stood out for his discipline and his commitment to the defensive side of the game. Coaches at UConn praised his work ethic and his willingness to take on the toughest matchups, traits that helped him post consistently strong face-off numbers throughout his freshman and sophomore campaigns.
Northern Michigan Era (2022–2024)
On 17 June 2022, Shlaine transferred to Northern Michigan University to take on a larger role within the program. During the 2022–23 season, in his junior year, he delivered 11 goals and 21 assists in 38 games, emerging as one of the Wildcats’ most dynamic offensive contributors.
In his senior season of 2023–24, Shlaine recorded ten goals and 13 assists in 27 games, while leading the Wildcats with 315 face-off wins. He also paced the CCHA with a face-off win percentage of 58.8 percent. On 10 November 2023, against Lake Superior State, he notched his first career hat-trick, a milestone that underscored his growing scoring touch. His production and consistency at Northern Michigan positioned him as one of the top forwards in college hockey.
Arizona State Era (2024–2025)
On 10 April 2024, Shlaine transferred to Arizona State University, where he played as a graduate student during the 2024–25 season. He missed the first six games of the year due to injury but returned to post his most productive collegiate season, recording 17 goals and 21 assists in 31 games.
Following the season, Shlaine was named to the All-NCHC First Team and to the AHCA West Second Team All-American. He became only the second player in Arizona State program history to earn All-American honors. He was also named a finalist for both the NCHC Player of the Year and the NCHC Forward of the Year awards, capping his college career with national recognition.
Texas Stars Era (2025–Present)
On 31 March 2025, Shlaine signed an Amateur Tryout agreement with the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League, formally launching his professional career. The move to the Stars, an AHL affiliate, marked the next step in his development after a decorated collegiate journey.
Since joining Texas, Shlaine has continued to evolve as a two-way centre, leaning on the same face-off reliability and playmaking ability that defined his college years. His transition to the professional ranks offers him an opportunity to refine his game against older, more experienced competition while positioning himself for a potential future NHL opportunity.
Driving Style and Strengths
Shlaine is widely regarded as a complete two-way centre whose game is anchored by elite face-off ability. Across three different collegiate programs, he consistently ranked at or near the top of his conference in face-off win percentage, a rare level of sustained excellence. He combines that specialty with smooth puck distribution, responsible defensive play, and an emerging scoring touch that developed steadily through his college career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the highlights of Shlaine’s career are his first career hat-trick on 10 November 2023, against Lake Superior State, and his selection to the All-NCHC First Team and the AHCA West Second Team All-American in 2025. He also became only the second player in Arizona State program history to earn All-American honors, a marker of his impact on the Sun Devils in a single season.
Artem Shlaine Career Wins
Artem Shlaine’s career achievements to this point are rooted in individual collegiate recognition rather than championship trophies. His All-NCHC First Team selection, his AHCA West Second Team All-American honor, and his finalist status for the NCHC Player of the Year and NCHC Forward of the Year awards stand as the most prominent milestones of his career so far.
Collegiate Highlights
Shlaine’s most decorated collegiate season came in 2024–25 at Arizona State, when he posted 17 goals and 21 assists in 31 games and earned All-American recognition. He followed earlier standout campaigns at Northern Michigan, including his first career hat-trick in November 2023, and at Connecticut, where he led Hockey East in face-off win percentage as a freshman. Each season brought increased offensive responsibility, and each program benefited from his presence at centre.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond his conference and national honors, Shlaine’s consistent face-off dominance across three conferences, Hockey East, the CCHA, and the NCHC, stands out as one of the defining statistical achievements of his career. Winning draws at rates above 57 percent in every season illustrates a rare specialty that should translate well to the professional level.
Artem Shlaine Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Artem Shlaine was born to Dmitri and Ekaterina Shlaine and grew up alongside his brother, Daniel, in Moscow, Russia. The family’s support played an important role in his early decision to pursue hockey at a high level, including his move to North America to attend Shattuck-Saint Mary’s and play collegiate hockey.
Personal Life
Shlaine maintains a low public profile regarding his personal life, and details about a spouse or children are not publicly documented in available sources. His focus remains on his professional hockey career with the Texas Stars and on his continued development within the AHL.
2025 Season Performance
Shlaine’s 2025 campaign was defined by a strong finish to his collegiate career and a quick transition to the professional ranks. At Arizona State, he delivered 17 goals and 21 assists in 31 games, earned All-NCHC First Team and AHCA West Second Team All-American honors, and was named a finalist for both the NCHC Player of the Year and NCHC Forward of the Year.
On 31 March 2025, shortly after his Arizona State season concluded, Shlaine signed an Amateur Tryout agreement with the Texas Stars of the AHL. The opportunity allowed him to begin his professional career on a stable footing, surrounded by veterans and a structured development environment.
Heading into the remainder of 2025 and beyond, Shlaine’s outlook is shaped by his elite face-off ability, his proven offensive growth across three collegiate programs, and his national-level recognition as an All-American. With the Texas Stars providing a clear pathway, he has positioned himself as a prospect to watch within the New Jersey Devils’ organizational depth chart.
