Jake Lucchini

Jacob Leo Lucchini Bio

Jacob Leo Lucchini is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL). Originally undrafted by NHL teams, Lucchini has appeared in the league with both the Ottawa Senators and the Minnesota Wild and has built a reputation as a consistent, two-way forward capable of producing at multiple levels of professional hockey. His steady progression from junior hockey through NCAA Division I competition to the professional ranks reflects a methodical and disciplined approach to the game.

Born and raised in the small hockey community of Trail, British Columbia, Lucchini developed his game in one of Canada’s most passionate hockey regions. Trail has produced numerous NHL players over the decades, and Lucchini grew up immersed in the local hockey culture that emphasizes hard work, physical play, and offensive creativity. His early development in the British Columbia Hockey League positioned him well for the jump to NCAA Division I hockey, where he spent four seasons at Michigan Tech, earning leadership roles and academic recognition alongside his on-ice contributions. From there, he transitioned to professional hockey as an undrafted free agent who carved out a legitimate career path through the American Hockey League and brief NHL opportunities.

Early Life and Background

Jacob Leo Lucchini was born on May 9, 1995, in Trail, British Columbia, Canada. Growing up in a tight-knit hockey community in the Kootenay region of southeastern British Columbia, he was surrounded by the sport from an early age. The Lucchini name already carried hockey significance in the area, as his grandfather Leo Lucchini was a member of the Edmonton Mercurys that won the 1950 IIHF World Championship. This multi-generational connection to the sport helped shape Lucchinis early development and competitive mindset as he began his own hockey journey.

Lucchinis younger brother Jeremy also played junior hockey for the Trail Smoke Eaters of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), and the two brothers played one season together in Trail. Jeremy has since gone on to play professionally in Europe, continuing the familys hockey tradition at the international level. The Lucchini brothers shared the junior ice during an important developmental period for both, gaining valuable experience competing in one of Canadas respected junior A leagues.

Lucchinis parents, Sandy and John Lucchini, supported his hockey ambitions throughout his youth and junior career, providing the foundation that allowed him to pursue opportunities at higher levels of competition. Standing six feet tall and weighing 82 kilograms, he brought solid size to the ice along with a left-handed shot and the physical style of play commonly associated with players from the Kootenay region. This blend of physicality and skill would become hallmarks of his game at every level he competed.

Path to Professional Hockey

Lucchinis path to professional hockey began with the Trail Smoke Eaters of the British Columbia Hockey League, where he established himself as a productive offensive forward. Over 168 games with Trail, he recorded 48 goals and 69 assists for 117 total points, demonstrating the scoring touch and consistency that would define his career. The BCHL experience provided him with the physical and competitive preparation needed for the next step, which came when he accepted an opportunity to play NCAA Division I college hockey for the Michigan Tech Huskies of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.

At Michigan Tech, Lucchini immediately made an impact as a rookie during the 2015-16 season, recording seven goals and 17 points in 37 games and earning selection to the WCHA All-Rookie Team. His sophomore season in 2016-17 saw him appear in 45 games, scoring 11 goals and 22 points, as he continued to add offensive production to his defensive reliability. The 2017-18 season marked a significant step forward, as he was named an alternate captain and led the team in scoring with 16 goals and 39 points in 44 games while also earning a spot on the WCHA All-Academic Team. He completed his collegiate career as co-captain of the Huskies in his senior year, finishing with 11 goals and 26 points in 38 games and helping Michigan Tech win two championships during his tenure. His four years at Michigan Tech demonstrated steady development and the kind of leadership qualities that NHL organizations value, even from undrafted players.

While still at Michigan Tech, Lucchini attended both the Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins prospect training camps, gaining exposure to NHL-level coaching and competition. Despite these opportunities, he went undrafted in the NHL draft, but his performance at Michigan Tech earned him an entry-level contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins after completing his senior season. This contract launched his professional career, sending him to the Penguins American Hockey League affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, for the remainder of the 2018-19 season.

Jacob Leo Lucchini Career

Early Career (2019-2021)

Lucchini began his professional career with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the American Hockey League for the conclusion of the 2018-19 season, appearing in 15 games and scoring six goals and seven points. The transition from NCAA Division I to professional hockey can be challenging for undrafted players, but Lucchini adapted quickly, showing an offensive touch that translated to the faster pace of the AHL. He carried that momentum into the 2019-20 season, appearing in 53 games with Wilkes-Barre and recording seven goals and 15 points.

On February 20, 2020, Lucchinis career took an unexpected turn when he was traded by the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Montreal Canadiens along with Joseph Blandisi in exchange for Phil Varone and Riley Barber. He was immediately reassigned to Montreals AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket, where he appeared in eight games and scored four goals and five points before the AHL suspended the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He re-signed with the Canadiens on a one-year two-way contract for the 2020 offseason and spent the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season with Laval, appearing in 28 games and recording three goals and six points. Ahead of the 2021-22 season, he was traded from Laval to the Belleville Senators, the AHL affiliate of the Ottawa Senators, for future considerations.

Ottawa Senators Breakthrough (2022-2023)

The trade to Belleville proved to be the turning point in Lucchinis career. During the 2021-22 season with the Belleville Senators, he enjoyed what was widely considered a breakout campaign, scoring 20 goals and recording 51 points in 72 games. His offensive production caught the attention of the Ottawa Senators organization, and Bellevilles qualification for the 2022 Calder Cup playoffs allowed him to showcase his game on a bigger stage, where he recorded one assist in two playoff games. As an unrestricted free agent, he signed a one-year two-way NHL contract with the Ottawa Senators on July 13, 2022.

After attending Ottawa training camp, he was placed on waivers and, after going unclaimed, was assigned to Belleville for the start of the 2022-23 season. His persistence was rewarded when he was called up to Ottawa and made his NHL debut on December 14, 2022, against the Montreal Canadiens. Less than three weeks later, on January 1, 2023, he scored the first NHL goal of his career against the Buffalo Sabres, a milestone moment for any undrafted player who has worked through the AHL system. He appeared in 11 games with the Senators, recording one goal, before being returned to Belleville, where he finished the season with 19 goals and 53 points in 61 games.

Minnesota Wild (2023-2024)

When his contract with the Ottawa Senators expired, Lucchini signed a one-year two-way contract with the Minnesota Wild for the 2023-24 season on July 1, 2023. He attended the Wilds training camp but was assigned to Minnesotas AHL affiliate, the Iowa Wild, to begin the season. The 2023-24 campaign was a season of perseverance and resilience, as he was recalled to Minnesota on December 23 and made his debut that night against the Boston Bruins. After going scoreless in four games, he was returned to Iowa before being recalled again on January 20, 2024, to replace the injured Connor Dewar. A second brief stint followed before he was recalled once more on February 5, and on February 7 he scored his first goal for the Minnesota Wild in a 2-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks.

Lucchini finished the 2023-24 season with 40 appearances for the Minnesota Wild, notching two goals and five points at the NHL level, while also registering 11 goals and 23 points in 30 games with the Iowa Wild. His ability to contribute at both the AHL and NHL levels during a turbulent season of recalls and assignments demonstrated the professionalism and adaptability that have characterized his career. When his contract with the Wild concluded, he entered free agency as an experienced forward with a solid track record at both levels of professional hockey.

Nashville Predators and Milwaukee Admirals Era (2024-Present)

On July 1, 2024, Lucchini signed a two-year two-way contract with the Nashville Predators. He was assigned to Nashvilles AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, to start the 2024-25 season, where he returned to a familiar developmental environment with increased offensive responsibility. On March 1, 2025, he was recalled by the Nashville Predators and made his debut for the team that night against the New York Islanders. He appeared in three games with Nashville going scoreless before being returned to Milwaukee on March 7. Back with the Admirals for the remainder of the regular season, he scored 21 goals and recorded 45 points in 70 games, serving as one of Milwaukees primary offensive contributors. Milwaukee qualified for the 2025 Calder Cup playoffs and advanced to the Central Division finals, where they were eliminated by the Texas Stars, with Lucchini adding one goal and five points over ten playoff games. Following his return to Milwaukee after being cut from the Predators training camp ahead of the 2025-26 season, he was named one of the Admirals alternate captains for the year.

Playing Style and Strengths

Lucchinis game is built on a foundation of consistent effort and offensive reliability, with a left-handed shot and a six-foot frame that allows him to compete effectively in all areas of the ice. His ability to produce points in the American Hockey League across multiple organizations speaks to his skill as a forward who can drive offense at the professional level while maintaining the defensive awareness needed for two-way play. His experience across the Pittsburgh, Montreal, Ottawa, Minnesota, and Nashville organizations has given him exposure to diverse coaching philosophies and systems, making him a versatile player capable of fitting into different team structures.

Notable Events and Milestones

Among the defining moments of Lucchinis career are his first NHL goal, scored against the Buffalo Sabres on January 1, 2023, during his time with the Ottawa Senators, and his career-best 40-game NHL season with the Minnesota Wild in 2023-24. His 51-point breakout season with the Belleville Senators in 2021-22 remains his highest-scoring professional season to date and established him as a legitimate NHL-caliber offensive producer. He has also skated in 28 career NHL games between the Senators and Wild, scoring two goals and recording five points, while establishing himself as one of the more consistent and productive forwards available at the AHL level.

Jacob Leo Lucchini Career Wins

Jacob Leo Lucchinis career statistics reflect a journeyman forward who has consistently produced offense across multiple leagues and organizations. His offensive totals span his junior career in the British Columbia Hockey League, four seasons of NCAA Division I hockey at Michigan Tech, and more than five seasons of professional hockey across the AHL and NHL. While he has yet to accumulate significant NHL totals, his production in the American Hockey League — particularly his 51-point season with the Belleville Senators and his 45-point season with the Milwaukee Admirals — establishes him as a reliable scoring forward at the highest level of minor league hockey.

American Hockey League Highlights

Lucchinis most productive AHL season came in 2021-22 with the Belleville Senators, where he scored 20 goals and recorded 51 points in 72 games. He carried that offensive approach to Milwaukee in 2024-25, scoring 21 goals and 45 points in 70 games and leading the Admirals deep into the Calder Cup playoffs. Across his AHL career, which has spanned stints with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Laval, Belleville, Iowa, and Milwaukee, he has consistently contributed offense at a rate that has earned him repeated recalls to the NHL level.

NCAA and Junior Career Highlights

During his four seasons at Michigan Tech, Lucchini was named to the WCHA All-Rookie Team as a freshman and served as an alternate captain and later co-captain for the Huskies. He helped lead Michigan Tech to two championship victories and was named to the WCHA All-Academic Team, demonstrating his ability to balance athletic and academic excellence. In the BCHL with the Trail Smoke Eaters, he posted 117 points in 168 games, establishing himself early as an offensive contributor at the junior level.

Career Statistics Summary

Jacob Leo Lucchini Family

Family Background and Hockey Lineage

Lucchinis family has a deep and well-documented connection to hockey that spans multiple generations. His father John Lucchini and mother Sandy Lucchini raised him in Trail, British Columbia, in a household where hockey was a central part of family life. His younger brother Jeremy Lucchini followed in his footsteps by playing junior hockey with the Trail Smoke Eaters in the BCHL, and the two brothers skated together for one season. Jeremy has since continued his hockey career as a professional player in Europe, representing the next generation of the Lucchini hockey family on the international stage.

The familys hockey legacy extends further back through Lucchinis paternal grandfather, Leo Lucchini, who was a member of the Edmonton Mercurys team that won the 1950 IIHF World Championship. That championship victory remains one of the most celebrated achievements in Canadian hockey history, and Leo Lucchinis role on that team established a multi-generational tradition of competitive hockey excellence within the family. This lineage of hockey achievement has clearly influenced Jacob Lucchinis approach to the sport and his commitment to developing his game at every level.

2025-26 Season Performance

Lucchini began the 2025-26 season back with the Milwaukee Admirals after being returned to the AHL following his brief NHL recall in March. Having been named one of the Admirals alternate captains for the season, he entered the new campaign as a recognized leader within the Nashville Predators organization, bringing NHL experience and a proven scoring track record to a Milwaukee team with Calder Cup aspirations. The 2025-26 season presents an opportunity for Lucchini to continue building on his 21-goal, 45-point performance from the previous year and remain in position for another NHL recall.

His performance with Milwaukee throughout the 2024-25 season, combined with his experience of 28 career NHL games across three organizations, positions him as one of the more experienced depth forwards available for recall by the Nashville Predators. The Predators organization has shown a willingness to rotate forwards between Milwaukee and Nashville as injuries and performance dictate, and Lucchinis ability to produce consistently at the AHL level makes him a reliable option for that role. His leadership presence as an alternate captain for the Admirals adds an additional dimension to his value, as younger players on the Milwaukee roster can look to him for guidance and example as they develop their own professional careers.