Joseph Blandisi Bio
Joseph Blandisi is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward who currently plays for SKA Saint Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Selected in the sixth round, 162nd overall, by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Blandisi has built a professional career spanning multiple North American teams and leagues. He made his NHL debut with the New Jersey Devils in December 2015 and has since played for the Anaheim Ducks, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Toronto Marlies before joining SKA Saint Petersburg in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Joseph Blandisi was born on July 18, 1994, in Markham, Ontario, Canada. Growing up in the Greater Toronto Area, he developed his passion for hockey at a young age. Standing at 6 feet tall with a solid frame, Blandisi possessed the physical attributes and determination that would later define his professional career.
Before entering major junior hockey, Blandisi played for the Vaughan Vipers in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), where he honed his skills and attracted attention from Ontario Hockey League (OHL) scouts. His performance with the Vipers demonstrated the scoring ability and hockey sense that would make him a highly regarded prospect.
Path to Professional Hockey
Blandisi was selected by the Owen Sound Attack with the 61st overall pick in the 2011 OHL Priority Selection draft. In his rookie season with the Attack, he showed promise despite being undersized compared to many of his peers. He was selected by the Colorado Avalanche in the sixth round, 162nd overall, of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, marking his first step toward professional hockey.
During his sophomore season in 2012-13, Blandisi was traded to the Ottawa 67’s on January 7, 2013, in exchange for Cody Ceci. He continued to develop his offensive game, recording 51 points in 63 games. His tenure in Ottawa lasted exactly one year before he was dealt to the Barrie Colts on January 8, 2014, as part of the team’s rebuilding efforts. Despite injuries limiting him to 47 games, Blandisi maintained a point-per-game scoring rate.
Following his time with the Colts, Blandisi attended the Buffalo Sabres training camp by invitation in September 2014. Although he was returned to the Colts without a contract, he was later named team captain on November 19, 2014. His overage season proved to be a breakthrough, as he led the club in scoring and was signed to a three-year entry-level contract with the New Jersey Devils on January 14, 2015. He finished the season leading the entire OHL in goal scoring with 52 markers in 68 games and placed fourth in overall scoring with 112 points. His exceptional performance earned him the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy as the OHL’s overage player of the year. He also finished second in voting for the Red Tilson Trophy, the award for the OHL’s most outstanding player, narrowly behind Connor McDavid.
Joseph Blandisi Career
New Jersey Devils (2015-2017)
After attending his first New Jersey Devils training camp, Blandisi was assigned to begin his professional career with their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Albany Devils, on September 27, 2015. He made a quick transition to the professional level, maintaining a scoring presence on Albany’s top line with 16 points in 18 games before receiving his first recall to the NHL on December 10, 2015.
Blandisi made his NHL debut on December 11, 2015, centering a line between Kyle Palmieri and Jiří Tlustý in a 3-2 overtime victory against the Detroit Red Wings. He recorded his first NHL point, an assist, on a Lee Stempniak goal on January 12, 2016. On January 21, 2016, in a game against the Ottawa Senators, Blandisi scored his first NHL goal against Craig Anderson, adding two assists for a three-point first period that helped the Devils build a 5-0 lead.
Anaheim Ducks and Pittsburgh Penguins (2017-2020)
Blandisi began the 2017-18 season with New Jersey’s new AHL affiliate, the Binghamton Devils, collecting 14 points in 19 games before being traded. On November 30, 2017, the Devils sent Blandisi to the Anaheim Ducks along with Adam Henrique and a third-round draft pick in 2018, in exchange for Sami Vatanen and a conditional draft pick. During the 2018-19 season, he played for the San Diego Gulls of the AHL before receiving a call-up to the Ducks, where he appeared in three games without scoring. He later registered 23 points in 27 games with the Gulls before being traded again.
On January 16, 2019, the Ducks traded Blandisi to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Derek Grant. In the 2019-20 season, he played 21 games with the Penguins, recording 5 points including 2 goals and 3 assists. On February 20, 2020, he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens along with Jake Lucchini in exchange for Riley Barber and Phil Varone. At the end of the season, Blandisi underwent knee surgery, which marked a challenging period in his career.
Toronto Marlies (2021-2025)
As an unsigned free agent entering the 2021-22 season, Blandisi signed a professional tryout contract with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL on December 14, 2021. The Marlies serve as the primary affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He impressed the organization enough to earn a permanent spot, signing a one-year contract extension on July 10, 2023, for the 2023-24 season, his third year with the club. Blandisi played four seasons with the Marlies, developing into a reliable two-way forward and veteran presence in the locker room.
SKA Saint Petersburg (2025-Present)
Leaving North America as a free agent, Blandisi signed a two-year contract with SKA Saint Petersburg of the KHL on August 12, 2025. This move marked a new chapter in his career, as he joined one of Russia’s premier hockey franchises. The transition to European hockey represents both a new opportunity and a fresh challenge for the Canadian forward, who brings extensive North American professional experience to the KHL.
Playing Style and Strengths
Blandisi is known as a versatile forward with solid size and a strong frame that allows him to compete effectively along the boards and in front of the net. His hockey sense and playmaking ability have been consistent throughout his career, enabling him to contribute offensively while maintaining responsible defensive play. His experience as a team captain in junior hockey demonstrated his leadership qualities and ability to elevate those around him.
Notable Achievements
Among his most notable accomplishments, Blandisi won the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy as the OHL’s overage player of the year in 2015, recognizing his outstanding final junior season. He also led the entire Ontario Hockey League in goal scoring that same year with 52 goals. His NHL career includes memorable moments such as scoring his first career goal against Craig Anderson of the Ottawa Senators and contributing to playoff pushes with multiple organizations.
Joseph Blandisi Career Statistics
Blandisi has accumulated professional experience across the NHL, AHL, and KHL throughout his career. His journey through North American hockey included stints with five NHL organizations and multiple AHL affiliates, providing him with a well-rounded perspective on professional hockey at various levels.
Junior Career Highlights
In his overage season with the Barrie Colts in 2014-15, Blandisi achieved his most prolific junior scoring season, leading the team with 52 goals and finishing fourth in OHL scoring with 112 points. His 52 goals led the entire league, and his performance placed him second in voting for the Red Tilson Trophy behind Connor McDavid. The Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy recognized him as the best overage player in the Ontario Hockey League.
Professional Career Summary
Blandisi made his NHL debut with the New Jersey Devils on December 11, 2015, against the Detroit Red Wings. Throughout his NHL career, he appeared in games with the Devils, Anaheim Ducks, and Pittsburgh Penguins. His AHL career included productive seasons with the Albany Devils, Binghamton Devils, San Diego Gulls, and Toronto Marlies. After four seasons with the Marlies, he joined SKA Saint Petersburg of the KHL in August 2025, expanding his professional horizons to European hockey.
Joseph Blandisi Family
Public information regarding Joseph Blandisi’s family background, including his parents or family lineage in hockey, is not extensively documented in available sources. He was born and raised in Markham, Ontario, Canada, and has maintained his professional career primarily in North America before his recent move to Russia.
Personal Life
Following the 2019-20 NHL season, Blandisi underwent knee surgery, which required rehabilitation and affected his career trajectory. His decision to join SKA Saint Petersburg in 2025 marked a significant life change as he relocated from North America to continue his professional hockey career in Russia. Beyond his athletic pursuits, specific details about his personal life, relationships, or off-ice interests are not widely available in public sources.
2025 Season Performance
Joseph Blandisi began the 2025 season with SKA Saint Petersburg of the KHL following his signing in August 2025. This marked his first season in European hockey after spending his entire professional career in North America. The transition to the KHL presents both opportunities and challenges as he adapts to larger ice surfaces, different tactical systems, and a new cultural environment. SKA Saint Petersburg is one of the premier franchises in Russian hockey, offering Blandisi the chance to compete at a high level while contributing his North American professional experience to the team.