Mark Friedman Bio
Mark Isaac Friedman is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for Rögle BK of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). He was selected 86th overall in the 3rd round of the 2014 NHL entry draft by the Philadelphia Flyers and has also played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Vancouver Canucks. Prior to turning professional, Friedman played for the Bowling Green Falcons for three seasons where he was named to the WCHA All-Rookie Team and First Team All-WCHA.
Early Life and Background
Mark Friedman was born on December 25, 1995, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to parents Jeff and Joanne Friedman. Ice hockey ran in Friedman’s family; his father and uncle played minor ice hockey, coached by Friedman’s grandfather. He began ice skating around the age of three and started playing hockey soon afterward. Known for his competitive nature, Friedman often found himself in trouble at school, reflecting his feisty personality. He described himself as “a pretty feisty guy growing up,” partly due to being physically smaller than many of his teammates. Friedman spent his adolescence in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) with the Don Mills Flyers, the same team his father and uncle had played for. During the 2009–10 season, Friedman and the Flyers captured the Kraft Cup as the GTHL’s regular-season champions, scoring 20 goals and 64 points in 85 games while accumulating 125 penalty minutes. While still with Don Mills, he joined the North York Rangers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) for two games during the 2010-11 season. The following season, he joined the Rangers full-time, leading the team’s defencemen in scoring with nine goals and 27 points in 48 regular-season games.
Path to Hockey
Mark Friedman played for the Waterloo Blackhawks of the United States Hockey League (USHL) from 2012 to 2014, where he was named to the USHL Second All-Star Team in 2014. He was selected in the 3rd round of the 2014 NHL entry draft by the Philadelphia Flyers, becoming the 86th overall pick. Prior to turning professional, Friedman played for the Bowling Green Falcons on a full hockey scholarship for three seasons. He was named to the WCHA All-Rookie Team and was co-Rookie of the Year at the conclusion of his freshman year. His sophomore season saw him named to the First Team All-WCHA.
Mark Friedman Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
Mark Friedman signed an entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers on March 21, 2017, and was reassigned to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. He made his NHL debut on April 6, 2019, against the Carolina Hurricanes, becoming the second Jewish player in Flyers history. In July 2020, Friedman and the Flyers agreed to a two-year, one-way contract extension, with an average annual value of $725,000. He made four appearances during the pandemic-delayed 2020–21 season before being placed on waivers on February 23, 2021. The following day, Friedman was claimed by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Breakthrough (2021–2023)
After being claimed by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Friedman scored his first NHL goal against his former team, the Philadelphia Flyers, in a 4–3 loss. He expressed a preference for Pittsburgh over Philadelphia, describing Philadelphia as noisy and dirty. On October 17, 2023, Friedman was traded to the Vancouver Canucks alongside Ty Glover in exchange for Karel Plášek and Jack Rathbone. He spent most of the 2024–25 season with the Canucks’ AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks, before being traded to the Nashville Predators on February 7, 2025.
Notable Works and Milestones
Mark Friedman’s signature work includes his time with the Bowling Green Falcons, where he earned multiple accolades, and his journey through the NHL, showcasing his growth and adaptability as a player.
Mark Friedman Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Mark Friedman has received recognition for his performances, particularly during his collegiate career, where he was named to the WCHA All-Rookie Team and First Team All-WCHA.
Mark Friedman Awards Won
Mark Friedman has not yet won any major awards in his professional career, but his achievements in junior and collegiate hockey have set a strong foundation for his ongoing career.
Mark Friedman Family
Mark Friedman is the son of Jeff and Joanne Friedman. His paternal grandfather, Mark Friedman, was a golfer for the University of Miami, and he is named after him.
Personal Life
Mark Friedman is Jewish, reflecting his family’s cultural background. He has maintained a low profile regarding his personal life outside of hockey.