Nicholas Dowd Bio
Nicholas Dowd is an American professional ice hockey forward for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the 7th round (198th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. A native of Huntsville, Alabama, Dowd is the third NHL player (after Jared Ross and Aud Tuten) who is from the state of Alabama.
Early Life and Background
Nicholas Dowd was born on May 27, 1990, in Huntsville, Alabama. He grew up in a family that fostered his interest in sports, particularly ice hockey. Dowd played junior hockey during his formative years, which laid the foundation for his future career in professional hockey. His early exposure to the sport came through local teams, where he honed his skills and developed a passion for the game.
Path to Hockey
Dowd moved to Wenatchee, Washington, to play for the Wenatchee Wild in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). Following his time in Wenatchee, he played for the Indiana Ice in Indianapolis, Indiana, before joining the St. Cloud State Huskies in the NCAA Men’s Division I National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). During his senior year, Dowd’s outstanding performance earned him a selection to the inaugural 2013–14 All-NCHC First Team and made him a finalist for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award.
Nicholas Dowd Career
Early Career (2014–2016)
On April 1, 2014, the Los Angeles Kings signed Nicholas Dowd to an entry-level contract, assigning him to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs. During the 2015–16 season, he made his NHL debut on March 22, 2016, playing five games before returning to the Ontario Reign. Dowd recorded his first career NHL goal on October 20, 2016, against the Dallas Stars.
Breakthrough (2017–Present)
In the 2017–18 season, Dowd was traded to the Vancouver Canucks on December 7, 2017, in exchange for Jordan Subban. He remained with the Canucks for the remainder of the season, scoring three goals in 40 games. After becoming a free agent, Dowd signed a one-year, $650,000 contract with the Washington Capitals on July 1, 2018. He later signed a three-year contract extension with the Capitals on April 11, 2019, and continued to play a significant role on the team. On November 14, 2021, Dowd signed a three-year, $3.9 million contract extension with the Capitals, followed by a two-year, $6 million contract extension on April 16, 2025.
Notable Works and Milestones
Nicholas Dowd’s signature work includes his contributions to the Washington Capitals, where he has played a vital role in their lineup. His career has been marked by steady growth and consistent performance, making him a reliable player in the NHL.
Nicholas Dowd Family
Nicholas Dowd is married to Paige Dowd, whom he met while studying at St. Cloud State University. They tied the knot on August 11, 2017. Dowd was born to British-born parents, Alan and Liz Dowd, who have supported his career throughout his journey in professional hockey.
Personal Life
Nicholas Dowd maintains a relatively private personal life. He is known for his dedication to the sport and his commitment to his team. As a professional athlete, he balances his career with family life, enjoying the support of his wife, Paige.
