Cole Guttman Bio
Cole Guttman is an American professional ice hockey center who currently plays for the Ontario Reign of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on April 6, 1999, in Northridge, California, Guttman has built his career through perseverance and steady development at every level of the sport. Known for his scoring touch and leadership qualities, he continues to pursue a full-time role in the NHL after captaining his college team to a national championship.
Early Life and Background
Cole Guttman was born on April 6, 1999, in Northridge, California, and grew up in the Los Angeles area. He is the son of Brent Guttman and Julie Guttman, and he has a younger brother named Jeremy, who later attended the University of Michigan. Guttman’s family has Hungarian roots, and after surviving the Holocaust, the Guttmans eventually made their way to North America through a displaced persons camp. He is Jewish, and his cultural background has remained an important part of his identity.
Growing up in Southern California, Guttman was introduced to hockey through local youth programs and played for several California-based minor teams before reaching the highest tier of United States junior hockey. His early exposure to the sport in a non-traditional hockey market helped shape his work ethic and adaptability. Standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing around 181 pounds, Guttman developed into a reliable two-way center known for his hockey sense.
Path to Hockey
Guttman’s path to professional hockey accelerated when he joined the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the United States Hockey League (USHL). In his first full season with the team, he scored 54 points in 53 games, a performance that drew the attention of National Hockey League scouts. He was subsequently selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the sixth round, 180th overall, of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Before his draft year, Guttman was named captain of the Fighting Saints, demonstrating the leadership traits that would later define his career.
Although he was initially committed to St. Cloud University, Guttman ultimately enrolled at the University of Denver in 2018. He spent four seasons with the Denver Pioneers men’s ice hockey program, serving as team captain in his junior year and again in his senior season. In his final year with the Pioneers, he led the program to the 2022 NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Championship, capping one of the most successful college careers of any NHL prospect from Southern California.
Cole Guttman Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
After Tampa Bay did not sign him before his draft rights expired on August 15, 2022, Guttman became an unrestricted free agent. On August 18, 2022, he signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks worth $950,000 annually, the maximum allowable salary for a rookie deal. The Blackhawks, who were rebuilding their forward prospect pool at the time, viewed Guttman as a potential long-term contributor.
Guttman began his professional career with Chicago’s AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs. He produced 30 points in 39 games before earning his first NHL call-up on February 15, 2023, following a series of injuries within the Blackhawks lineup. He made his NHL debut that evening against the Toronto Maple Leafs, and just five days later, on February 20, he scored his first NHL goal in his third career game, also against Toronto. His rookie season ended early when he underwent season-ending shoulder surgery on March 14, after recording four goals and six points in 14 games.
Chicago Blackhawks Era (2023–2025)
Guttman spent the next three seasons within the Chicago Blackhawks organization, splitting time between the NHL roster and the Rockford IceHogs in the AHL. He continued to develop his two-way game and offensive instincts, working to refine his consistency at the professional level. Although he did not become a full-time NHL regular during his time in Chicago, he remained a respected depth forward and a dependable scorer in the AHL.
His time with the Blackhawks organization allowed Guttman to adjust to the pace and physical demands of professional hockey. By the end of his contract, he had established himself as a player capable of contributing offensively while maintaining responsible defensive play. As a free agent following the 2024–25 season, Guttman became available to the league and attracted interest from multiple clubs.
Los Angeles Kings Era (2025–Present)
On July 2, 2025, Cole Guttman signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Los Angeles Kings, the organization that also operates the Ontario Reign. The move brought him back to his home state of California, where he had first learned the game as a youth player. Under the terms of his contract, which runs through the 2026–27 season, Guttman earns $950,000 annually at the NHL level.
Through the early portion of the 2025–26 campaign, Guttman has continued to play for the Ontario Reign while remaining available for call-ups to the Kings. His familiarity with the Kings’ systems and the California hockey community has positioned him well for future opportunities in Los Angeles.
Playing Style and Strengths
Guttman is recognized as a smart, two-way center with strong hockey sense and a scoring touch. His ability to read plays and contribute in all three zones makes him a reliable middle-of-the-ice presence. Coaches have praised his leadership and his willingness to take on responsibility in key situations, qualities that trace back to his time captaining both Dubuque and the University of Denver.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the highlights of Cole Guttman’s career are his 2022 NCAA championship with the University of Denver, his first NHL goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs on February 20, 2023, and his transition to the Los Angeles Kings organization in 2025. Being drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2017 also marked a significant early milestone in his development as a professional player.
Cole Guttman Career Wins
Cole Guttman’s career has been defined more by steady progression and team success than by individual award totals. His most celebrated accomplishment is the 2022 NCAA championship won as captain of the University of Denver Pioneers. He has also posted productive scoring seasons in both the USHL and the AHL.
Junior and College Highlights
With the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the USHL, Guttman recorded 54 points in 53 games during his first full season, establishing himself as a top NHL draft prospect. At the University of Denver, he served as team captain and led the Pioneers to the 2022 NCAA national championship in his senior season, cementing his legacy as one of the program’s notable leaders.
Professional Performances
In his first AHL season with the Rockford IceHogs, Guttman tallied 30 points in 39 games, demonstrating that his scoring ability translated to the professional level. During his brief NHL stint with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2022–23, he recorded four goals and six points in 14 games before his season was cut short by injury.
Cole Guttman Family
Family Background and Heritage
Cole Guttman was born to Brent Guttman and Julie Guttman in Northridge, California. The Guttman family has Hungarian roots, and after surviving the Holocaust, his ancestors eventually relocated to North America through a displaced persons camp. Cole also has a younger brother, Jeremy, who attended the University of Michigan.
Personal Life
Outside of hockey, Cole Guttman is a fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers and lists Post Malone as his favorite musical artist. He is Jewish, and his cultural heritage continues to play an important role in his personal identity. Guttman remains connected to his hometown of Los Angeles, where his hockey journey first began.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025–26 season marks Cole Guttman’s first year under contract with the Los Angeles Kings organization after signing as a free agent in July 2025. Assigned primarily to the Ontario Reign of the AHL, he has continued to refine his game while remaining positioned for potential NHL call-ups with the parent club. His two-way contract allows the Kings flexibility to move him between levels as needed.
Guttman’s early-season production with the Reign has reflected his offensive instincts, and his veteran presence from NCAA and AHL experience has been a valuable asset for the development-focused roster. With the Kings in pursuit of a deeper playoff run, Guttman offers organizational depth at the center position. His familiarity with the Southern California hockey community also provides a unique advantage as the season progresses.