Luke Kunin Bio
Luke Kunin (born December 4, 1997) is an American professional ice hockey player who plays center for the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected 15th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft and previously played for the Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks, and Columbus Blue Jackets. Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing around 197 pounds, Kunin is recognized for his two-way play, leadership, and resilience in overcoming injuries throughout his career.
Beyond the rink, Kunin is also known for his charitable work with type 1 diabetes research, including founding the Luke Kunin T1D fund. He has represented the United States at multiple international tournaments, earning gold medals at the junior level. His journey from a young hockey player in Missouri to an established NHL center reflects years of dedication, perseverance, and a strong family support system.
Early Life and Background
Luke Kunin was born on December 4, 1997, in Chesterfield, Missouri, to Mark and Sheri Kunin. He grew up in a sports-oriented household alongside his older brother Nick, whose own hockey career was cut short by a series of concussions. Kunin began playing minor ice hockey for a youth affiliate of the St. Louis Blues, where he was coached by former professional players such as Keith Tkachuk, Jeff Brown, Al MacInnis, and Jamie Rivers.
During his childhood, Kunin played alongside the sons of several NHL players, including Matthew Tkachuk, with whom he competed in the 2010 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. He attended the Whitfield School in Missouri for one year before joining the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In his second year with the NTDP, he recorded 27 goals and 42 points in 61 games, showcasing his offensive potential.
When he was in sixth grade, Kunin was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Managing the condition on and off the ice became a daily challenge, and he drew inspiration from fellow diabetic and professional hockey player B. J. Crombeen. To accelerate his hockey development, Kunin completed high school in just three years, enabling him to begin his college career at age 17.
Path to Hockey
Kunin’s path to professional hockey accelerated when he committed to play college ice hockey for the Wisconsin Badgers on May 24, 2013. As the youngest skater on the team, he impressed head coach Mike Eaves with his maturity, skating ability, and shooting skills. In his freshman season, Kunin led the Badgers with 18 goals and 33 points, earning a spot on the 2016 All-Big Ten Freshmen Team despite the team’s struggles.
Following that season, the Minnesota Wild selected Kunin in the first round, 15th overall, of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. He chose to return to Wisconsin for one more year to further develop his game. In 2016–17, Kunin was named captain of the Badgers, becoming the first sophomore to hold the title in over 40 years. Under head coach Tony Granato, he refined his two-way play and leadership, finishing the year with 22 goals and 38 points. He was also named to the 2017 Big Ten All-Tournament Team and earned Division I Second Team All-American honors for the West Region.
Luke Kunin Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
On March 23, 2017, Kunin signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild. He joined the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League (AHL) on an amateur tryout, producing five goals and three assists in 12 games. Kunin made his NHL debut during the 2017–18 season after a series of injuries opened a roster spot, becoming the first player in franchise history to score a debut NHL goal short-handed.
Unfortunately, his season ended prematurely in March 2018 when he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in his right knee during a game against the Detroit Red Wings. After surgery and months of rehabilitation, Kunin returned for the 2018–19 season, splitting time between Minnesota and Iowa. In 49 NHL games, he recorded six goals and 17 points, while contributing nine goals and 16 points in 25 AHL regular-season games. He later helped Iowa during their Calder Cup playoff run.
Minnesota Wild Breakthrough (2019–2020)
Kunin’s most productive stretch with Minnesota came during the 2019–20 season. He formed a stable checking line alongside Jordan Greenway and Joel Eriksson Ek, a trio affectionately dubbed the “GEEK Squad.” While Greenway and Eriksson Ek provided physical play, Kunin contributed offensively, finishing the regular season with 15 goals and 16 assists in 63 games.
The Wild clinched a playoff spot before the COVID-19 pandemic suspended the season. Initially hesitant due to his diabetes diagnosis, Kunin joined the team in Edmonton for the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs qualifying series against the Vancouver Canucks. He scored two goals in the series, but the Wild were eliminated in four games.
Nashville Predators Era (2020–2022)
On October 7, 2020, the Wild traded Kunin to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Nick Bonino and draft picks. After signing a two-year, $4.6 million contract extension, Kunin joined the team mid-season. He battled injuries early on but finished strong, scoring six goals in his last nine regular-season games, including two in a key victory over the Carolina Hurricanes that clinched a 2021 playoff berth.
In the 2021 playoffs, Kunin delivered a memorable performance in Game 4 against Carolina, scoring both the opening goal and the double-overtime winner to keep Nashville alive. Despite his efforts, the Predators were eliminated in Game 6. The following season, he played all 82 regular-season games, recording 13 goals and 22 points. On December 4, 2021, Kunin recorded a Gordie Howe hat trick—the first for Nashville in three years—in a win over the Montreal Canadiens. The Predators were swept by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the 2022 playoffs.
San Jose Sharks Era (2022–2025)
On July 8, 2022, Kunin was traded to the San Jose Sharks, signing a two-year, $5.5 million contract ten days later. His 2022–23 season was cut short after he suffered a season-ending ACL injury in December 2022, limiting him to five goals and 13 points in 31 games. He returned healthy for the 2023–24 season, appearing in 77 games and recording 11 goals and 18 points while leading Sharks forwards with 165 hits. He was named an alternate captain and the Sharks’ nominee for the 2024 King Clancy Memorial Trophy for his charitable work with Breakthrough T1D.
On June 30, 2024, Kunin re-signed with San Jose on a one-year, $2.75 million contract. He was named an alternate captain for road games during the 2024–25 season before being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 7, 2025, for a fourth-round draft pick. He went scoreless during his brief stint in Columbus as the Blue Jackets narrowly missed the playoffs.
Florida Panthers Era (2025–Present)
On August 22, 2025, Kunin signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. Joining a deep, contending roster, he is expected to add two-way depth and veteran leadership to the Panthers’ bottom-six forward group. As of the 2025–26 season, Kunin continues to bring experience, work ethic, and physicality to a championship-caliber team.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kunin is widely regarded as a reliable two-way center who excels in a checking-line role. His strengths include responsible defensive play, penalty killing, and physical forechecking, complemented by a hard, accurate shot. He has shown chemistry with linemates who bring size and defensive reliability, such as Jordan Greenway and Joel Eriksson Ek, and is valued for his hockey IQ and willingness to play tough minutes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Kunin’s career highlights are becoming the first player in Minnesota Wild history to score a debut NHL goal short-handed, captaining the United States to a gold medal at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship, and recording a Gordie Howe hat trick for Nashville in 2021. He also scored both the first and game-winning goals in double overtime during a 2021 playoff game against Carolina.
Luke Kunin Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Luke Kunin has been a dependable contributor on contending teams. While not primarily a top-line scorer, he has consistently delivered timely goals, physical play, and leadership in high-pressure situations, including a memorable double-overtime winner in the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs.
NHL Highlights
Kunin’s most notable individual NHL highlight came on October 27, 2017, when he scored his debut NHL goal short-handed against the Detroit Red Wings, becoming the first player in Wild history to achieve that feat. In 2021, he scored a double-overtime game-winner for Nashville against Carolina during the playoffs. He also recorded a Gordie Howe hat trick on December 4, 2021, his 24th birthday, in a 4–3 overtime victory over Montreal.
International and Other Performances
Internationally, Kunin captained the United States to three consecutive gold medals at the junior level, including the 2014 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, the 2015 IIHF World U18 Championship, and the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship. He has also represented the United States at the senior IIHF World Championship in 2019 and 2024.
Luke Kunin Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Luke Kunin was raised in Chesterfield, Missouri, by his parents, Mark and Sheri Kunin, and grew up alongside his older brother, Nick, whose hockey career was cut short by concussions. His family’s support has been central to his development, particularly in managing his type 1 diabetes diagnosis and navigating the demands of professional hockey.
Personal Life
Kunin is married to Sophia Shaver, a former Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) player whom he met while both were playing college hockey at the University of Wisconsin. The couple married in 2023, with several former teammates and friends in attendance, including Abby Roque, Brady and Matthew Tkachuk, and Marcus Foligno. During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, they adopted a French Bulldog named Rocco. Kunin is of Jewish heritage.
2025 Season Performance
Kunin began the 2025 season with the San Jose Sharks, serving as an alternate captain on road games and continuing his role as a veteran presence. He was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 7, 2025, as the team made a push for the playoffs, but went scoreless during his brief stint there. The Blue Jackets ultimately finished as the final team to miss the postseason.
Following the season, Kunin became an unrestricted free agent and signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers on August 22, 2025. He joins a deep, contending roster expected to compete for another championship, bringing two-way reliability, penalty killing, and postseason experience to the Panthers’ lineup.
Looking ahead, Kunin’s 2025–26 season with Florida offers an opportunity to contribute to a championship-caliber team while continuing to build on his reputation as a dependable, hard-working professional. His combination of physicality, hockey sense, and veteran leadership makes him a valuable addition to the Panthers’ bottom-six forward group.
