Nick Swaney Bio
Nick Swaney is an American professional ice hockey forward who currently plays for Graz99ers of the ICE Hockey League (ICEHL). He was selected 209th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. After developing through the United States Hockey League and a standout collegiate career with the University of Minnesota-Duluth, Swaney made his NHL debut in 2022. He is now continuing his professional journey in Europe.
Early Life and Background
Nick Swaney was born on September 9, 1997, in Lakeville, Minnesota, in the United States. He grew up in a region of the country with a strong hockey tradition, which helped shape his early interest in the sport. Standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing approximately 179 pounds, Swaney developed his game in a competitive youth hockey environment in the Twin Cities area.
Swaney attended Lakeville South High School, where he played on the school hockey team and earned recognition for his offensive abilities. During his time at Lakeville South, he committed to play collegiate hockey at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, a program with a respected national reputation. That commitment marked an important step in his development as he prepared to advance to higher levels of competition.
Path to Hockey
Before joining the collegiate ranks, Swaney spent time in the United States Hockey League, the top junior hockey league in the United States, playing for the Waterloo Black Hawks. Over 120 career games in the USHL, he produced 115 points, demonstrating the scoring touch that would later define his style. His performance with the Black Hawks helped establish him as a legitimate NHL prospect heading into his draft year.
As a native of Lakeville, being selected by the Minnesota Wild in the seventh round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft was a notable milestone. Following the draft, Swaney joined the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs, where he continued to refine his game in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. His time at Minnesota-Duluth laid the foundation for his transition to professional hockey.
Nick Swaney Career
Early Career (2017–2021)
Swaney played four seasons of collegiate hockey with the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs. During his senior season in 2020–21, he served as an alternate captain and led the Bulldogs in scoring with 28 points in as many games. That production cemented his status as a ready-made professional prospect.
On April 11, 2021, the Minnesota Wild signed Swaney to a one-year, entry-level contract, and he was immediately loaned to the American Hockey League affiliate, the Iowa Wild, on an Amateur Tryout contract. He finished his first professional season in the AHL, gaining valuable experience at the pro level.
AHL Development with Iowa Wild (2021–2023)
In his first full professional season, Swaney attended Minnesota’s 2021 training camp before being assigned to the Iowa Wild for the 2021–22 campaign. He enjoyed a strong rookie year, recording 16 goals and 38 points through 62 games, finishing fifth in team scoring. That performance positioned him as a rising forward in the Wild organization.
As a restricted free agent, Swaney was re-signed by the Minnesota Wild to a one-year, two-way contract on July 17, 2022. During the 2022–23 season, he continued his development with the Iowa Wild, registering 18 goals and 30 points through 48 games despite missing time due to injury. His consistent scoring touch at the AHL level kept him firmly in the Wild’s plans.
NHL Debut and Minnesota Wild (2022–2024)
Swaney was recalled by the Minnesota Wild on April 13, 2022, and made his NHL debut in the Wild’s final regular season game, a 4–3 overtime loss to the Nashville Predators. While his NHL opportunities remained limited, the debut marked the realization of a long-held dream for the Lakeville native. He was re-signed by the Wild as a restricted free agent to another one-year, two-way contract on June 30, 2023, signaling the organization’s continued belief in his potential.
Across his time within the Minnesota Wild system, Swaney worked to balance his responsibilities at the AHL level with occasional NHL opportunities. His combination of offensive instincts and two-way responsibility made him a reliable depth forward within the organization.
Chicago Wolves and Move to Europe (2024–2025)
After four seasons with the Wild organization, Swaney left as a free agent and signed a one-year AHL contract with the Chicago Wolves on August 2, 2024. The move gave him a fresh opportunity to continue his development within a new organization in the American Hockey League. Following his fifth professional season in North America, Swaney opted to pursue a career abroad.
On May 6, 2025, Swaney signed a one-year contract with Austrian-based club Graz99ers of the ICE Hockey League. The agreement reflected his desire to expand his career internationally and test himself in one of Europe’s established professional leagues.
Driving Style and Strengths
Swaney is recognized as a skilled offensive forward with a scoring touch, having consistently produced points at every level of his career. His background as a right-shooting right winger has allowed him to play effectively in scoring-zone situations. He combines offensive instincts with the kind of work ethic and versatility that organizations value in a depth forward.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Swaney’s career came in 2020–21, when he led the University of Minnesota-Duluth in scoring during his senior season. Being selected 209th overall by his hometown Minnesota Wild in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft and later making his NHL debut in 2022 against the Nashville Predators stand as additional career milestones.
Nick Swaney Career Wins
While Nick Swaney has not captured a major professional championship, his career has been marked by consistent offensive contributions at every level. His production in the USHL, at Minnesota-Duluth, and in the AHL has established him as a reliable scoring forward. His move to Graz99ers represents the next chapter in an ongoing professional journey.
Junior, Collegiate and Professional Highlights
Swaney recorded 115 points across 120 games in the USHL with the Waterloo Black Hawks, a strong foundation that helped lead to his 2017 NHL draft selection. At the University of Minnesota-Duluth, he peaked with 28 points in as many games during his senior year, leading the Bulldogs in scoring. In the AHL, he tallied 16 goals and 38 points in his rookie season with the Iowa Wild, followed by 18 goals and 30 points the following year.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his statistical production, Swaney has earned recognition as a dedicated teammate and consistent contributor in every dressing room he has joined. His steady progression from the USHL to college, the AHL, the NHL, and now European professional hockey reflects a player committed to long-term growth.
Nick Swaney Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Nick Swaney was raised in Lakeville, Minnesota, and developed his hockey roots in a community with deep ties to the sport. Specific details about his parents and family members are not publicly documented in verified sources.
Personal Life
Swaney is known as a focused and disciplined professional who has steadily worked his way through the ranks of competitive hockey. Information about his marital status, spouse, or children has not been publicly confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
Nick Swaney’s 2025 campaign began with the conclusion of his time in the AHL and the announcement of a new chapter in Europe. On May 6, 2025, he signed a one-year contract with Graz99ers of the ICE Hockey League, signaling his commitment to building a career abroad. The move came after his stint with the Chicago Wolves, where he continued to demonstrate his offensive capabilities.
Adjusting to the European style of play will be a key storyline for Swaney during the 2025–26 season. The ICE Hockey League offers a different pace and tactical approach compared to North American hockey, providing Swaney with an opportunity to broaden his game. His scoring touch, developed across the USHL, NCAA, and AHL, will be central to his role with Graz99ers.
Looking ahead, Swaney’s 2025 season will serve as a measure of how well his skill set translates to international competition. A productive year in Austria could open additional doors across European leagues. For now, he remains focused on contributing to Graz99ers and continuing to grow as a professional hockey player.