Austin Strand Bio
Austin Strand is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League (AHL). Born on February 17, 1997, in Calgary, Alberta, he has built his career as a steady, right-shooting blueliner since 2018. Over the course of his professional journey, Strand has represented several organizations, including time in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks. Listed at 6 feet 3 inches and 216 pounds, he brings size and a defensive mindset to every lineup he joins.
Strand went undrafted through the NHL system but carved out a professional path through perseverance and steady development. His journey has taken him across multiple AHL affiliates, an ECHL stint, and brief NHL appearances, all of which shaped him into a reliable depth defenceman. Today, he continues his career with the Utica Comets, where he contributes on the back end and serves as a steady presence in the defensive zone.
Early Life and Background
Austin Strand was born on February 17, 1997, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, to his parents Leanne and Wade. He grew up in a family environment that supported athletic development, alongside his older brother Coleton and sister Krysten. The Calgary roots of his upbringing gave him early access to a strong community hockey scene, where he began building the foundation for his future in the sport.
As a young player, Strand developed his game through the Calgary minor hockey system, where he played with future NHLer Austin Wagner on the Calgary Bantam AA Blazers during the 2010–11 season. Following that year, both players were promoted to the Bantam AAA Northstar Sabres and later advanced to the Midget AAA Calgary Northstars. These formative experiences allowed Strand to sharpen his skills against top-tier competition and prepared him for the next step in his hockey career.
Path to Professional Hockey
After his time with the Calgary Northstars, Strand was selected in the third round, 48th overall, by the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League (WHL). He was briefly reassigned to the AAA team for one final season before making his WHL debut in 2014. Strand credited his off-season training, both physically and mentally, as the reason for his successful transition into the Rebels lineup. He recorded his first WHL goal on October 14, 2014, in a 6–5 overtime loss to the Victoria Royals.
Strand’s development impressed the Rebels coaching staff, particularly associate coach Jeff Truitt, who noted that he absorbed information and elevated his game to another level. By March 2015, he had tallied four goals and 13 points through 54 games, drawing attention from NHL scouts and earning a 66th mid-term ranking by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau. Although his final ranking slipped to 101, he went undrafted in his first year of eligibility but continued progressing as a key defenceman for the Rebels. He helped the team reach the 2016 Memorial Cup and later, after being traded to the Seattle Thunderbirds in December 2016, contributed to their Ed Chynoweth Cup victory and another Memorial Cup appearance in 2017.
Austin Strand Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
On November 28, 2017, Strand signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Los Angeles Kings, beginning his professional career. He finished his final major junior season with 25 goals and 39 assists for 64 points through 69 games before being assigned to the Kings’ AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign. Although he did not skate in any games during the remainder of the 2017–18 season, he transitioned fully to the Reign the following year.
During the 2018–19 season, Strand was loaned to the ECHL’s Manchester Monarchs before the season began, where he recorded two points in six games. He was recalled to the Reign on November 2 and made his AHL debut on November 25, tallying an assist in a 7–6 overtime win over the Tucson Roadrunners. He alternated between the Reign and Monarchs throughout the first half of his rookie year before becoming a mainstay on the Reign’s blueline in the second half.
NHL Breakthrough (2020–2022)
Near the start of the 2020–21 season, Strand was re-signed by the Kings to a one-year contract. Once the NHL resumed play, he was named to the Kings’ taxi squad as part of their opening night roster. On February 5, 2021, Strand made his NHL debut in the Kings’ 5–2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, marking a major milestone in his professional journey.
A few games into his NHL stint, Strand was fined $3,168.10 for spearing Arizona Coyotes forward Conor Garland during a game. Although his time with the Kings at the NHL level was brief, the experience gave him valuable exposure to the highest level of professional hockey. He spent the remainder of his contract within the Kings organization before reaching free agency.
Anaheim Ducks and Buffalo Sabres (2022–2023)
Following his fourth season within the Kings organization, Strand signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Anaheim Ducks on July 14, 2022. He made five scoreless appearances with the Ducks over the opening months of the 2022–23 season while playing mostly with their AHL affiliate, the San Diego Gulls. His role remained focused on defensive responsibilities and steady blueline play.
On March 3, 2023, the Ducks traded Strand to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Chase Priskie. He played out the remainder of the season with the Sabres’ AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans, contributing one assist through nine regular season games. This stretch allowed him to continue his development in a new organizational system.
Chicago Wolves and Rockford IceHogs (2023–2024)
As a free agent, Strand opted to sign a one-year contract with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves on July 18, 2023, joining one of the league’s independent clubs. He began the 2023–24 season on the Wolves’ blueline, registering four points through 10 games. His veteran presence helped stabilize the team’s defensive core during the early portion of the campaign.
On December 11, 2023, Strand was traded by the Wolves to the Rockford IceHogs, the AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, in exchange for Zach Jordan. The move provided him with a fresh opportunity within a different organizational structure and allowed him to continue producing offensively from the back end.
Rockford IceHogs and Utica Comets Era (2024–Present)
On July 17, 2024, Strand was re-signed by the IceHogs to a one-year contract extension for the 2024–25 season. He made 21 appearances with the IceHogs, registering four points from the blueline, before being traded to the Utica Comets, the AHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils, on January 6, 2025. The trade marked another transition in his journeyman career.
Since joining the Comets, Strand has continued to provide steady defensive play and veteran leadership. His ability to adapt to new systems and contribute reliably has been a defining characteristic of his professional journey. He remains an active and dependable presence on the Utica blueline.
Playing Style and Strengths
Strand is recognized for his size, defensive awareness, and shutdown capabilities on the back end. His right-handed shot allows coaches to deploy him in versatile pairing configurations, and his experience across multiple organizations has made him adaptable to different systems. He brings a physical presence in his own zone and continues to refine his offensive contributions when opportunities arise.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining milestones of Strand’s career came on February 5, 2021, when he made his NHL debut with the Los Angeles Kings against the Vegas Golden Knights. His major junior journey also featured back-to-back Memorial Cup appearances with the Red Deer Rebels in 2016 and the Seattle Thunderbirds in 2017, highlighting his leadership and consistency at a high competitive level.
Austin Strand Family
Family Background and Hockey Roots
Austin Strand was raised in Calgary, Alberta, by his parents Leanne and Wade, who provided a supportive environment for his athletic development. He grew up alongside his older brother Coleton and sister Krysten, and his family’s encouragement played an important role in his hockey journey from a young age. The Calgary hockey community served as a strong foundation for his early growth as a player.
Personal Life
Strand’s personal life remains largely private, with limited public details available beyond his family background. He continues to focus on his professional hockey career, moving between organizations as opportunities arise. His journey reflects a dedicated approach to the sport and a commitment to continuous development.
2025 Season Performance
Strand began the 2024–25 season with the Rockford IceHogs after re-signing with the team in July 2024. He registered four points through 21 appearances with the IceHogs, contributing on the blueline and providing defensive stability. His role within the team reflected his value as a reliable veteran presence.
On January 6, 2025, Strand was traded to the Utica Comets, the AHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils. The move opened a new chapter in his season, offering him the chance to compete within a different organizational system. Since joining the Comets, he has continued to deliver steady defensive performances.
As the 2025 season progresses, Strand’s outlook remains focused on contributing to the Comets’ success and maintaining his role as a dependable blueliner. His adaptability and experience position him well for continued opportunities in professional hockey.