Drew Helleson Bio
Andrew Jacob Helleson is an American ice hockey player who plays as a defenseman for the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League. Born on March 26, 2001, in Farmington, Minnesota, Helleson was selected 47th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. After developing his game at Boston College and sharpening his skills with the San Diego Gulls of the American Hockey League, he has emerged as a steady, defensive-minded blueliner at the professional level.
Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 205 pounds, Helleson shoots right and is recognized for his responsible two-way play. His career to date has included a college career decorated with conference honors, a junior international resume featuring a gold medal, and a growing presence on the Anaheim blue line.
Early Life and Background
Helleson was born and raised in Farmington, Minnesota, a community in the southern part of the Twin Cities metropolitan area with a strong youth hockey tradition. Growing up in this environment, he developed a passion for the sport and played in local programs that helped shape his defensive fundamentals. The Minnesota hockey scene, known for producing skilled skaters and reliable defensemen, gave him a steady platform to grow.
Through his teenage years, Helleson drew attention as a dependable, defensively responsible prospect with the size and poise expected of a National Hockey League-caliber rearguard. His play in youth and development circles placed him on the radar of scouts from across the league heading into his draft year.
Path to Hockey
Helleson made the jump to the college ranks when he joined the Boston College Eagles, one of the most storied programs in American collegiate hockey. Playing in Hockey East, one of the premier conferences in the sport, he was tested against top competition on a nightly basis and gradually grew into a leadership role with the team.
Following a productive stretch with the Eagles, Helleson’s rights were traded by the Colorado Avalanche to the Anaheim Ducks in March 2022 as part of a deal that sent Josh Manson to Colorado. Shortly after, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with Anaheim and was assigned to the Ducks’ American Hockey League affiliate, the San Diego Gulls, marking his transition from the college game to professional hockey.
Drew Helleson Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
During the 2020–21 season, Helleson played a full year for Boston College, recording four goals and 11 assists in 22 games. He was a consistent presence on the Eagles’ back end and earned widespread recognition for his defensive reliability. At the conclusion of the season, he was named Hockey East Best Defensive Defenseman and was selected to the First Team All-Hockey East. He was also honored as a Second Team American Hockey Coaches Association All-American.
On the international stage, Helleson represented the United States at the 2021 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, where he recorded two goals and two assists in seven games and won a gold medal, capping a defining year in his development.
Boston College Continued (2021–2022)
In his junior 2021–22 campaign, Helleson posted career-best offensive numbers with the Eagles, registering 21 assists and 25 points across 32 games. His performance showed steady growth on both sides of the puck and reaffirmed his standing as a top young defenseman in college hockey.
He was also named to Team USA’s roster for the 2022 Winter Olympics, further highlighting his rising profile. However, his college tenure came to a close shortly after his rights were traded, allowing him to begin his professional career.
San Diego Gulls and NHL Arrival (2022–2023)
After being traded to the Anaheim organization in March 2022, Helleson signed his entry-level contract and reported to the San Diego Gulls. He returned to the AHL for the 2022–23 season, continuing to refine his game under the Ducks’ development umbrella. On April 9, 2023, he was recalled by Anaheim, and that same night he made his NHL debut against the Colorado Avalanche.
Just three days later, on April 12, Helleson scored his first NHL goal, beating Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko in a 3–2 loss. The moment marked the realization of a lifelong goal and set the stage for his continued growth at the top level.
Anaheim Ducks Establishment (2023–2025)
Helleson began the 2023–24 season back with the San Diego Gulls, where he appeared in 59 games and posted 4 goals and 18 points while continuing to handle top-pairing minutes at the AHL level. He returned to the Gulls to open the 2024–25 season before being recalled on November 13, 2024.
On November 15, 2024, Helleson made his NHL season debut and recorded his first multi-point game, earning assists on goals by Cutter Gauthier and Ross Johnston in a 6–4 win over the Detroit Red Wings. The performance signaled his growing comfort at the NHL level.
Driving Style and Strengths
Helleson is valued for his defensive reliability, his ability to break up plays in his own zone, and his willingness to engage physically along the boards. His 6-foot-3 frame and right-handed shot give the Ducks a steady, mobile option on the back end. Pairing sound positional play with growing offensive confidence, he continues to develop into a trusted two-way defenseman for Anaheim.
Notable Events and Milestones
His first NHL goal against the Vancouver Canucks on April 12, 2023, stands as one of the early highlights of his professional career. He also earned selection to the 2022 Winter Olympics roster and captured a gold medal at the 2021 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, underscoring his accomplishments on both the international and professional stages.
Drew Helleson Career Wins
Drew Helleson’s career to this point has not been defined by major professional championships but by steady progression and key individual milestones. He has recorded his first NHL goal, logged his first multi-point game, and earned a starting role within the Anaheim Ducks’ defensive pipeline. His college and junior accomplishments complement his growing list of professional achievements.
College and International Highlights
During his time with Boston College, Helleson was named Hockey East Best Defensive Defenseman and earned First Team All-Hockey East honors in 2021. He also helped the United States win a bronze medal at the 2019 IIHF World U18 Championships, where he posted three assists in seven games, and a gold medal at the 2021 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, where he contributed two goals and two assists in seven games.
Professional Highlights
At the professional level, Helleson has appeared in games for both the San Diego Gulls and the Anaheim Ducks. His NHL debut in April 2023, his first goal three days later, and his multi-point outing against Detroit in November 2024 represent the building blocks of his NHL career.
Drew Helleson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Drew Helleson’s immediate family have not been widely documented in publicly available sources. He grew up in Farmington, Minnesota, in a region with deep roots in American hockey development, and the support of his family helped him pursue the sport at a competitive level.
Personal Life
Off the ice, Helleson is focused on his professional career with the Anaheim Ducks organization. He is not publicly known to be married, and information about his personal relationships, spouse, or children is not available in verified sources.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 calendar year has been significant for Helleson’s standing with the Anaheim Ducks. He opened the 2024–25 season with the San Diego Gulls before being recalled in November 2024 and went on to make his NHL season debut with a multi-point performance against the Detroit Red Wings. That outing gave the Ducks a glimpse of his offensive potential and his growing confidence at the top level.
As a restricted free agent, Helleson and the Ducks avoided arbitration by agreeing to a two-year, $2.2 million contract extension on July 19, 2025. The deal, which runs through the 2026–27 season, signals the organization’s belief in his long-term role on the blue line and provides him with valuable security as he continues to push for a full-time NHL position.
Looking ahead, Helleson is expected to compete for a more permanent roster spot with the Ducks while splitting time between Anaheim and San Diego as needed. His combination of size, defensive awareness, and improving offensive game positions him as a candidate to grow into a steady contributor for the franchise in the seasons to come.