Keaton Middleton Bio
Keaton Middleton is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born on February 10, 1998, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Middleton began his major junior career with the Saginaw Spirit in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and was drafted 101st overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. He started his professional career in 2018 and has since made appearances in the NHL and AHL.
Early Life and Background
Keaton Middleton was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He developed an interest in hockey at a young age, playing minor midget hockey with the Huron Perth Lakers of the ALLIANCE U16 league and the Stratford Cullitons of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL). His early exposure to the sport laid the foundation for his future career in professional hockey. Middleton’s talent was recognized early on, leading to his selection 50th overall in the 2014 OHL Priority Draft by the Saginaw Spirit.
Path to Hockey
After agreeing to terms with the Saginaw Spirit on April 26, 2014, Middleton began his major junior career in the 2014–15 season. He posted 9 points through 61 regular-season games during his rookie year. In his second season, he developed into a physical presence on the blueline, which helped him gain recognition. In the 2017–18 season, Middleton served as team captain and established career bests of 20 assists and 24 points, contributing significantly to Saginaw’s return to the playoffs. His performance caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fourth round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
Keaton Middleton Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
Keaton Middleton began his professional career in 2018 after attending the San Jose Sharks Development camp. He signed a one-year AHL contract with the San Jose Barracuda, the Sharks’ affiliate, on September 19, 2018. Middleton made his professional debut against the Ontario Reign on October 5, 2018, and scored his first goal in a 6–1 victory over the Texas Stars on October 27, 2018. He played 61 regular-season games in his rookie AHL season, recording 6 goals and 7 assists for 13 points. In the 2019–20 season, he matched his previous season’s totals with 13 points in 41 games before the season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Breakthrough (2021–Present)
After leaving the Barracuda as a free agent, Keaton Middleton signed a one-year AHL contract with the Colorado Eagles on July 8, 2020. During the pandemic-delayed 2020–21 season, he made 14 appearances with the Eagles and was signed to his first NHL contract with the Colorado Avalanche on March 30, 2021. Middleton made his NHL debut on April 9, 2021, in a third-pairing role during a victory over the Anaheim Ducks. He played 3 games with the Avalanche before returning to the Eagles for the remainder of the season. In the 2021–22 season, he competed in 49 games for the Eagles, recording 2 goals and 11 points, and made 9 Calder Cup Playoff appearances. He was re-signed to a one-year, two-way contract with the Avalanche on July 21, 2022. In the 2022–23 season, Middleton had a breakout year offensively and was re-signed to a two-year, two-way contract extension with the Avalanche on February 25, 2023.
Notable Works and Milestones
Keaton Middleton’s signature work includes his contributions to the Colorado Eagles and his debut in the NHL. He has established himself as a reliable defenceman, showcasing his physical play and offensive capabilities.
Keaton Middleton Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Keaton Middleton has not received any major award nominations.
Keaton Middleton Awards Won
Keaton Middleton has not won any major awards during his professional hockey career.
Keaton Middleton Family
Keaton Middleton is the younger brother of Jacob Middleton, who currently plays defence for the Minnesota Wild in the NHL.
Personal Life
Details about Keaton Middleton’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available. He maintains a focus on his professional career while supporting his brother in the NHL.
