Nolan Foote Bio
Nolan Foote is an American-born Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays as a forward for the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League while under contract to the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League. Selected 27th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the 2019 NHL entry draft, Foote has developed into a promising two-way forward within professional hockey. He is the son of former NHL defenseman Adam Foote and the younger brother of NHL defenseman Cal Foote, continuing a distinguished family legacy in professional hockey.
Early Life and Background
Nolan Foote was born on November 29, 2000, in Englewood, Colorado, United States. Growing up in a hockey household, Foote was exposed to the sport at an early age through his father Adam Foote, who carved out a 19-year career as an NHL defenseman, winning two Stanley Cups with the Colorado Avalanche. The younger Foote honed his skills playing with the Colorado Thunderbirds at the T1EHL under-16 level before advancing in junior hockey.
Foote’s older brother Cal Foote also pursued a professional hockey career and was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2017 NHL entry draft. The Foote brothers would later both find themselves within the same NHL organization, adding another chapter to their family’s hockey story.
Path to Professional Hockey
Foote was selected by the Kelowna Rockets in the 2015 Western Hockey League Draft with the 43rd overall pick. The selection came while he was still competing with the Colorado Thunderbirds at the under-16 level. Foote subsequently joined the Rockets and played three seasons with the WHL team before entering the NHL draft.
During his WHL career with Kelowna, Foote established himself as a consistent offensive producer. He appeared in 168 career games with the Rockets, recording 68 goals, 70 assists, and 138 points. His performance in the Canadian major junior league demonstrated his ability to contribute at both ends of the ice and positioned him as a first-round prospect for the 2019 NHL draft.
Nolan Foote Career
Entry to Professional Hockey (2019–2021)
On June 21, 2019, Foote was selected 27th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the 2019 NHL entry draft. His selection marked the second consecutive year that the Lightning drafted a Foote brother, following Cal’s selection in 2017. Just four days later, on June 25, 2019, Foote signed his three-year, entry-level contract with Tampa Bay.
On February 16, 2020, Foote’s professional trajectory shifted when his contract rights, along with a first-round pick in the 2020 NHL entry draft, were traded to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for forward Blake Coleman. Foote began the 2020-21 season with the Binghamton Devils of the American Hockey League. He was subsequently called up to the New Jersey Devils taxi squad on April 17, 2021.
New Jersey Devils Breakthrough (2021–2025)
Foote made his NHL debut on April 18, 2021, against the New York Rangers. In that debut game, he recorded his first NHL point by assisting on a goal by Nico Hischier. The milestone marked the beginning of his professional NHL career and represented a significant step in his development from junior hockey to the world’s top professional league.
Entering the 2023-24 season, Foote sustained an upper-body injury during training camp and was placed on injured reserve. Although the initial expectation was that he would return in late November 2023, Foote did not return to game action until February 26, 2024. He was assigned to the Utica Comets of the AHL on a conditioning loan to help him regain his timing and form. After appearing in four NHL games following his conditioning assignment, Foote recorded one goal.
Foote signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Devils for the 2024-25 season on August 12, 2024. After five seasons within the Devils organization, Foote departed as a free agent upon not being tendered a qualifying offer. On July 1, 2025, he signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Florida Panthers for the 2025-26 season.
Florida Panthers Era (2025–Present)
Foote joined the Florida Panthers organization in July 2025, signing his current one-year contract. He reports to the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL while remaining under contract to the NHL club. This move represents a fresh opportunity for Foote to establish himself within a new organization and compete for regular NHL playing time with the Panthers.
Playing Style and Strengths
At 6 feet 3 inches and 190 pounds, Foote brings size and physical presence to his left-wing position. He shoots left and utilizes his frame effectively along the boards and in front of the net. His two-way game allows him to contribute in various situations, and his active puck pursuit makes him a factor in puck retrieval and transition play.
Career Milestones
Foote’s career highlights include his NHL debut with the Devils in April 2021, where he immediately contributed offensively. His WHL career produced 138 points over 168 games with the Kelowna Rockets. The conditioning loan to the Utica Comets during the 2023-24 season helped him return to NHL action and score his goal during that recall.
Nolan Foote Career Statistics
Foote has competed across both the Western Hockey League and the National Hockey League during his professional career. His junior statistics with the Kelowna Rockets provided the foundation for his professional development, while his NHL appearances have added to his overall professional experience.
Western Hockey League Highlights
During his three seasons with the Kelowna Rockets, Foote appeared in 168 WHL games. He recorded 68 goals and 70 assists for 138 points. His 138 points demonstrated his ability to produce offensively at a high level in Canadian major junior hockey before turning professional.
NHL and AHL Career
Since making his NHL debut in April 2021, Foote has appeared in limited NHL games with the New Jersey Devils organization. He scored his first career NHL goal during his recall from conditioning with the Utica Comets in 2024. The majority of his professional games have come in the AHL with Binghamton Devils and Utica Comets, where he has continued developing his two-way game while awaiting NHL opportunities.
Nolan Foote Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Nolan Foote comes from one of hockey’s notable families. His father, Adam Foote, enjoyed a distinguished 19-year NHL career as a defenseman, winning two Stanley Cups with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996 and 2001. Adam Foote also represented Canada internationally, serving as captain during the 2002 Winter Olympics where Canada won gold.
His older brother, Cal Foote, also became a professional defenseman. Cal was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second round of the 2017 NHL entry draft and has played for various NHL organizations. The Foote brothers have both reached the professional ranks, making them one of the notable hockey families in the sport.
2025 Season Performance
Following five seasons within the New Jersey Devils organization, Foote entered the 2025 offseason as a free agent. After not receiving a qualifying offer from the Devils, he signed with the Florida Panthers on July 1, 2025. The move to the Panthers organization provides Foote with a new environment and fresh opportunity to earn a regular NHL roster spot.
Under contract with the Panthers through 2026, Foote reports to their AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers. He will look to establish himself within the Panthers system and contribute to the Checkers’ success while pushing for NHL recall consideration. The 2025-26 season represents an important chapter as he works to advance his career with his new organization.