Ozzy Wiesblatt Bio
Ozzy Wiesblatt is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who serves as a right winger for the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on March 9, 2002, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, he was selected in the first round, 31st overall, by the San Jose Sharks in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. After developing through the Western Hockey League (WHL) and spending time in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Milwaukee Admirals, he made his NHL debut with the Predators in January 2025. Wiesblatt comes from a distinguished hockey family, with two of his brothers also pursuing professional careers in the sport.
Early Life and Background
Wiesblatt was born to Kimberly White and Art Wiesblatt in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. His family resided in Kelowna, British Columbia, before relocating back to Calgary in 2013. Both of his parents were born deaf, which shaped the family’s communication through American Sign Language. All three of Wiesblatt’s brothers pursued hockey careers: Ocean played professionally in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL), Oasiz joined Ozzy with the Milwaukee Admirals, and Orca competed in the FPHL and Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) before signing with the ECHL’s Allen Americans. Their family also includes a younger sister named Oceania. Wiesblatt is Jewish.
Wiesblatt began playing organized hockey with the Calgary Bisons U15 AAA team in the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League. During the 2016-17 season, he recorded an impressive 38 goals and 35 assists in just 32 games, demonstrating the offensive instincts that would define his junior career. He also represented Team Alberta at the 2017 WHL Cup, gaining valuable international competition experience that helped prepare him for the next level.
Path to Professional Hockey
Wiesblatt made his WHL debut during the 2017-18 season, marking the beginning of his major junior career. He recorded his first career WHL goal during that campaign. Although initially drafted by a WHL team, he remained in the Alberta Midget Hockey League with the Calgary Bisons U18 team before officially joining the Prince Albert Raiders for the 2018-19 season. That year, he recorded 39 points and played a key role in helping the Raiders capture the Ed Chynoweth Cup, the championship trophy awarded to the WHL playoff winner. As a result of his outstanding rookie performance, he shared the team’s Rookie of the Year award with Kaiden Guhle.
Wiesblatt entered his first year of NHL draft eligibility ranked 19th overall among North American skaters according to the NHL Central Scouting Bureau’s midterm rankings. The 2019-20 season was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he still managed to place second on his team in scoring with 70 points in 64 games. His consistent production and two-way play caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection by the San Jose Sharks with the 31st overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
Ozzy Wiesblatt Career
San Jose Sharks Organization (2020-2024)
Following his selection by the Sharks, Wiesblatt signed his entry-level contract on October 16, 2020. He continued developing within the Sharks’ system, refining his skills and adapting to the professional game. The transition from junior hockey to professional competition required adjustments to the faster pace and increased physicality of the AHL.
Milwaukee Admirals (2024-2025)
On March 18, 2024, the Sharks reassigned Wiesblatt from the San Jose Barracuda to the Milwaukee Admirals, their AHL affiliate. This assignment proved beneficial for his development, as he recorded 6 points in 16 regular season games. His strong playoff performance with the Admirals was particularly notable, as he contributed 9 points in 15 postseason contests, demonstrating his ability to elevate his game in high-pressure situations.
Nashville Predators Era (2024-Present)
On June 23, 2024, the Sharks traded Wiesblatt to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Egor Afanasyev. This move represented a new chapter in his career as he joined an organization with playoff aspirations. On January 3, 2025, Wiesblatt made his NHL debut with the Nashville Predators, marking the culmination of years of development from minor hockey through the WHL and AHL. His debut represented a significant milestone for both him and his family, particularly his brothers who have supported his journey throughout his career.
Playing Style and Strengths
Wiesblatt plays the right wing position and shoots right-handed. Throughout his development, he has been recognized for his strong hockey sense and two-way play. NHL scouts have noted his ability to contribute offensively while maintaining responsible defensive play. His experience winning a championship with Prince Albert and performing well in AHL playoffs suggests he possesses the mental fortitude needed for professional competition.
Notable Milestones
Wiesblatt’s career highlights include winning the Ed Chynoweth Cup with the Prince Albert Raiders in 2018-19, earning WHL Rookie of the Year honors, and being selected 31st overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. His NHL debut with Nashville in January 2025 stands as his most significant professional achievement to date, representing the realization of a goal he has pursued since childhood.
Ozzy Wiesblatt Career Achievements
Wiesblatt has accumulated notable achievements across junior and professional levels, with his WHL championship representing the centerpiece of his career highlights. His consistent offensive production and playoff success have established him as a promising professional player.
Western Hockey League Highlights
The Ed Chynoweth Cup championship with the Prince Albert Raiders in 2018-19 stands as Wiesblatt’s most significant career achievement. He contributed 39 points during the regular season and played a pivotal role in the team’s playoff run that culminated in the championship. His Rookie of the Year award shared with Kaiden Guhle underscored his immediate impact at the major junior level. His 70-point season in 2019-20, despite the pandemic-shortened schedule, demonstrated his ability to produce at a high level against older competition.
Professional Achievements
In his first full professional season, Wiesblatt’s AHL playoff performance with Milwaukee caught attention around the league. His 9 points in 15 playoff games showed his capability to elevate his game when stakes are highest. The successful transition to NHL competition in January 2025 represents the next significant milestone in his professional career.
Ozzy Wiesblatt Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
The Wiesblatt family embodies a remarkable hockey legacy. Both of Ozzy’s parents, Art Wiesblatt and Kimberly White, were born deaf and raised their children in a household that communicated primarily through American Sign Language. This unique family dynamic created a strong bond among the siblings. All three of Ozzy’s brothers pursued hockey careers, with Ocean playing in the FPHL, Oasiz joining Ozzy with the Milwaukee Admirals, and Orca competing in various lower-tier professional leagues. The family’s Jewish heritage has also been a part of their identity.
Personal Life
Wiesblatt maintains strong family connections despite the demands of a professional hockey career. His brother Oasiz’s presence with the same AHL team created a unique situation where the siblings competed together at the professional level. The family’s shared history and communication through ASL remain central to their relationships. The tragic passing of brother Orca in a car accident in 2025 added significant sorrow to the family during Wiesblatt’s early professional career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a pivotal chapter in Wiesblatt’s career as he competes for a permanent spot with the Nashville Predators. His January debut represented the realization of a lifelong dream, but the real work of establishing himself as an NHL regular has just begun. The Predators organization has shown patience with his development, providing opportunities to acclimate to the league’s speed and physical demands. Working alongside experienced players and coaches, he continues refining his two-way game while seeking to carve out a consistent role in the lineup. The presence of his brother Oasiz in the same organization has provided familiar support during this transition. As the season progresses, Wiesblatt aims to build upon his early NHL experience and demonstrate the skills that made him a first-round draft selection.