John Hayden Bio
John Hayden is an American professional ice hockey center for the Seattle Kraken of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born on February 14, 1995, in Chicago, Illinois, and has played for various teams since his career began in 2017. Before turning professional, he played for the Chicago Blackhawks after being drafted in 2013. Hayden has also contributed to youth hockey and majored in political science at Yale University, balancing academics with his sporting career.
Early Life and Background
John Hayden was born in Chicago, Illinois, but moved to Denver, Colorado, before settling in Greenwich, Connecticut, with his family when he was eight years old. As a youth, he played in the 2007 and 2008 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournaments with the New Hampshire Nike Bauer minor ice hockey team and later with the Detroit Honeybaked team. He attended Brunswick School, where he developed his skills before committing to play hockey at Yale University.
Path to Hockey
Hayden was drafted by his hometown team, the Chicago Blackhawks, in the third round, 74th overall, in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, after playing two seasons within the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in the United States Hockey League (USHL). Upon completing his collegiate career, where he captained the Bulldogs as a senior in the 2016–17 season, Hayden embarked on his professional career by agreeing to a two-year, entry-level contract on March 15, 2017. He made his NHL debut against the Ottawa Senators on March 16, 2017, and scored his first NHL goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs just two days later.
John Hayden Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
In his first full season with the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2018–19 season, John Hayden played in a fourth-line role, contributing with three goals and five points in 54 games. On June 22, 2019, at the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Hayden was traded by the Blackhawks to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for John Quenneville. In the 2019–20 season, he played in 43 games for the New Jersey Devils, recording three goals and an assist.
Breakthrough (2019–2022)
After not being tendered a qualifying offer by the Devils, Hayden became a free agent on October 8, 2020. He was signed by the Arizona Coyotes the following day, agreeing to a one-year, $750,000 contract. During the pandemic-shortened 2020–21 season, Hayden made 29 appearances, posting two goals and five points. On July 29, 2021, he signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Buffalo Sabres.
Notable Works and Milestones
On July 14, 2022, Hayden signed as a free agent to a one-year, two-way contract with the Seattle Kraken. His career has been marked by his contributions to various teams and his involvement in youth hockey initiatives.
John Hayden Award Nominations
Throughout his career, John Hayden has not received any major award nominations.
John Hayden Awards Won
John Hayden has not won any major awards during his professional hockey career.
John Hayden Family
John Hayden is the son of Diana and Mark Hayden. He has a brother named Will, who attended Wake Forest University, and a sister named Catherine, who plays for the University of North Carolina field hockey team.
Personal Life
While attending Yale University, John Hayden majored in political science, balancing his coursework with his hockey commitments. He graduated in 2017 and also worked as an intern for the Pelican Breeze apparel company. In addition to his academic pursuits, Hayden has been involved in promoting youth hockey initiatives.
