Kevin Gravel Bio
Kevin Gravel (born March 6, 1992) is an American professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently playing for the Milwaukee Admirals in the American Hockey League while under contract to the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League. He was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the fifth round, 148th overall, of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Gravel has built a reputation as a reliable two-way defender across multiple NHL organizations, combining his 6-foot-4 frame with smart positioning and steady play in his own zone.
Early Life and Background
Kevin Gravel was born on March 6, 1992, in Kingsford, Michigan. He grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where he developed his passion for hockey at a young age. Gravel’s father attended St. Cloud State University, a connection that would later play a significant role in shaping his collegiate career path.
Path to Professional Hockey
Gravel began his junior hockey career in the North American Hockey League with the Marquette Rangers. He committed to play for St. Cloud State University, following in his father’s footsteps as a Huskies player. He then advanced to Tier I junior hockey with the Sioux City Musketeers in the United States Hockey League for the 2009-10 season, where he earned selection to that season’s USHL All-Star Game and the World Junior A Challenge.
Gravel went on to play four seasons for the St. Cloud State University Huskies from 2010 to 2014. He was named to the All-WCHA Academic Team for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. He helped the Huskies qualify for the 2013 Frozen Four and win an NCAA regional title game in 2014, establishing himself as a legitimate NHL prospect ready for the professional ranks.
Kevin Gravel Career
Early Career (2014-2016)
After his senior year at St. Cloud State, Gravel signed an amateur try-out contract with the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL to continue his 2013-14 season. On August 4, 2014, he agreed to a one-year AHL contract with the Monarchs, staying within the Los Angeles Kings organization. In his first full professional season in 2014-15, Gravel established himself on the blueline with the Monarchs, contributing to the club’s first Calder Cup Championship in their final AHL season.
On July 2, 2015, the Los Angeles Kings signed Gravel to a two-year entry-level contract. To begin the 2015-16 season, Gravel was reassigned to the new AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign. After 42 games with the Reign, Gravel received his first NHL recall to the Kings on February 11, 2016.
Los Angeles Kings Breakthrough (2016-2018)
Gravel recorded his first NHL goal on February 23, 2017, in a game against the Boston Bruins, a milestone moment in his professional career. During the summer before the 2017-18 season, Gravel was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. He lost approximately 40 pounds, was hospitalized, and missed more than a month of training camp. Despite this significant health challenge, Gravel recovered and continued his professional career with determination.
Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Calgary Flames (2018-2022)
On July 1, 2018, Gravel signed as a free agent to a one-year, two-way contract with the Edmonton Oilers. After attending the Oilers training camp, Gravel began the 2018-19 season with AHL affiliate the Bakersfield Condors. Contributing with one assist in five games, Gravel was soon recalled by the Oilers and remained with the club for the duration of the year, recording three assists in 36 games.
As a free agent from the Oilers, Gravel agreed to a one-year, $700,000 contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 24, 2019. He made three appearances with the Maple Leafs during an injury-plagued 2019-20 season, featuring more prominently with AHL affiliate the Toronto Marlies, collecting three points in 23 regular season games.
Unsigned heading into the pandemic-delayed 2020-21 season, Gravel returned to former AHL club the Bakersfield Condors after agreeing to a one-year contract on January 26, 2021. After a successful stint with the Condors, Gravel was signed as a free agent returning to the NHL by securing a one-year contract with the Calgary Flames on July 28, 2021.
Nashville Predators Era (2022-Present)
Following the conclusion of his contract with the Flames, Gravel signed as a free agent to a two-year, two-way contract with the Nashville Predators on July 13, 2022. This move brought him into the Predators organization, where he continues to play for the Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL while being under contract to the NHL club.
Defensive Style and Strengths
At 6 feet 4 inches tall and 212 pounds, Gravel brings significant size to the blue line. His left-shot style and reach allow him to effectively cover passing lanes and win board battles. Gravel has developed into a reliable positional defender capable of eating minutes and blocking shots. His experience at St. Cloud State and multiple professional seasons have helped him become a steady presence capable of contributing at both ends of the ice.
Notable Events and Milestones
Gravel’s career highlights include the 2015 Calder Cup Championship with the Manchester Monarchs, his first NHL goal against the Boston Bruins on February 23, 2017, and his perseverance through a Crohn’s disease diagnosis in 2017. His recovery from that health challenge demonstrates his resilience and dedication to the sport.
Kevin Gravel Career Wins
Throughout his professional career spanning multiple organizations, Kevin Gravel has accumulated significant achievements at both the AHL and NHL levels. His experience covers nearly a decade of professional hockey across various leagues and teams.
American Hockey League Highlights
Gravel won the Calder Cup Championship with the Manchester Monarchs in 2015, the first in the franchise’s history. He has been a consistent contributor for multiple AHL teams, including the Ontario Reign, Bakersfield Condors, Toronto Marlies, and Milwaukee Admirals. His steady defensive play has helped these teams remain competitive in their respective seasons.
National Hockey League Highlights
Throughout his NHL career with Los Angeles, Edmonton, Toronto, and Calgary, Gravel has appeared in over 100 NHL games. His first NHL goal against the Boston Bruins remains one of his most memorable career moments. He has been a reliable depth defender capable of stepping into lineups when needed and contributing solid minutes.
Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Kevin Gravel’s father attended St. Cloud State University, where Kevin would later follow in his footsteps as a player for the Huskies. This family connection to the program shaped Gravel’s collegiate career path and provided him with a strong foundation in the sport.
Personal Life
Gravel faced a significant health challenge during the summer before the 2017-18 NHL season when he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. He lost approximately 40 pounds, was hospitalized, and missed more than a month of training camp. Gravel recovered from this illness and continued his professional hockey career, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination through adversity.
2025 Season Performance
Kevin Gravel continues his professional hockey career with the Milwaukee Admirals in the American Hockey League during the 2024-25 season. Under contract to the Nashville Predators organization, Gravel serves as a steady veteran presence on the Admirals blue line. His experience from multiple NHL and AHL organizations provides leadership and stability to a young defensive core. The 2024-25 season represents Gravel’s second season with the Predators organization, where he continues to demonstrate the reliability and two-way play that has characterized his professional career across nearly a decade in professional hockey.