Tanner Laczynski

Tanner Laczynski Bio

Tanner Laczynski is an American professional ice hockey center who currently plays for the Henderson Silver Knights of the American Hockey League (AHL), while under contract to the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Philadelphia Flyers selected Laczynski in the sixth round of the 2016 NHL entry draft, and he made his NHL debut with the Flyers on April 3, 2021. Laczynski has demonstrated resilience through injury challenges throughout his professional career and continues to develop as a valuable player in the Golden Knights organization.

Early Life and Background

Tanner Laczynski was born on June 1, 1997, in Minooka, Illinois, to parents Ken and Dawn Laczynski. He grew up in Shorewood, Illinois, where he began playing ice hockey at the age of three. Laczynski developed his early skills through local minor hockey programs, spending time with the Joliet Jaguars, Chicago Fury, and Chicago Mission organizations. His passion for the sport was evident from a young age, and his dedication to hockey would become the foundation of his future career.

During his formative years, Laczynski attended Ohio State University, where he played college hockey for the Buckeyes. His time at Ohio State helped shape him into a polished two-way center with strong offensive instincts and solid defensive play. The combination of his Midwestern roots and comprehensive hockey development prepared him for the challenges of professional play.

Path to Professional Hockey

Before joining Ohio State, Laczynski pursued junior hockey opportunities in the United States Hockey League (USHL). During his first year with the Chicago Steel in the 2013-14 season, Laczynski was cut from the team, a setback that would become a defining moment in his career. Rather than giving up, he returned to the Chicago Steel the following season with renewed determination and significantly improved his performance, recording 18 goals and 28 assists. This impressive bounce-back season demonstrated his resilience and work ethic.

His strong performance with the Chicago Steel earned him a scholarship to Ohio State University. At Ohio State, Laczynski became a reliable offensive contributor for the Buckeyes, recording 143 points comprising 48 goals and 95 assists across 138 career games. His consistent college production caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection by the Philadelphia Flyers in the sixth round of the 2016 NHL draft. After completing his college career, Laczynski signed an entry-level contract and began his professional journey.

Tanner Laczynski Career

Early Professional Career (2021)

Laczynski made his NHL debut with the Philadelphia Flyers against the New York Islanders on April 3, 2021. The milestone came after years of development through junior hockey and college, representing the culmination of his lifelong dream to play in the NHL. He appeared in five games with the Flyers during his inaugural professional season, gaining valuable experience at the highest level of hockey.

Unfortunately, his rookie campaign was cut short by injury. Laczynski suffered a torn acetabular labrum in his right hip during his time with the Flyers. He underwent surgery on April 26, 2021, with an expected recovery time of 16 weeks. The injury presented an early challenge in his professional career, but Laczynski remained committed to his rehabilitation and recovery.

Philadelphia Flyers Years (2021–2023)

After only two days into the Flyers’ 2021 training camp, it was announced that Laczynski required surgery on his opposite hip, likely to cause him to miss the entirety of the 2021-22 NHL season. Despite this significant setback, Laczynski showed tremendous perseverance throughout his recovery process. He ultimately appeared in 28 games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the Flyers’ AHL affiliate, during the 2021-22 season, recording seven goals and 17 points. He also appeared in one additional game with the Philadelphia Flyers that season.

Following his return to health, Laczynski continued developing his game with the Phantoms while earning recalls to the NHL roster. On July 26, 2022, the Flyers demonstrated their confidence in his potential by signing him to a two-year, $1.525 million contract extension. The deal represented a meaningful step in his professional career and acknowledged the resilience he displayed overcoming his injury challenges.

Vegas Golden Knights Era (2024–Present)

After becoming a free agent following the 2023-24 NHL season, Laczynski signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Vegas Golden Knights on July 1, 2024. The move to the Golden Knights provided him with an opportunity to join a competitive organization with strong leadership and resources. Upon joining the team, he was assigned to the Henderson Silver Knights, Vegas’s AHL affiliate, where he continued developing his game.

Laczynski debuted for the Vegas Golden Knights on December 19, playing seven and a half minutes in a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. The appearance marked a new chapter in his NHL career as he worked to establish himself within the Golden Knights system. On February 25, 2026, Laczynski recorded the first three-point game of his professional career, registering three assists in a 6-4 Golden Knights victory over the Los Angeles Kings. That performance represented a significant milestone and demonstrated his growing contribution to the team’s success.

Driving Style and Strengths

Laczynski plays the center position and shoots right-handed, giving him versatility in his offensive and defensive responsibilities. His game is characterized by strong hockey sense, reliable two-way play, and the ability to contribute offensively while maintaining responsible defensive coverage. His experience at Ohio State helped develop his playmaking abilities and positional awareness, making him a reliable option at the center position. His resilience in overcoming multiple hip surgeries has also showcased his mental toughness and dedication to the sport.

Notable Events and Milestones

Several significant moments have defined Laczynski’s professional career thus far. His NHL debut on April 3, 2021, represented the realization of his childhood dream after being drafted in 2016. The adversity he faced with two hip surgeries within months of each other tested his resolve, yet he returned to competitive play and continued progressing. The signing of his first multi-year NHL contract with the Flyers in July 2022 validated his perseverance, while his three-assist performance against the Kings in February 2026 showed his ability to contribute meaningfully at the NHL level. Each milestone has built upon the last as Laczynski continues carving out his professional hockey career.

Tanner Laczynski Career Statistics

Throughout his amateur and professional career, Laczynski has accumulated impressive statistics across multiple leagues. His college career at Ohio State University produced consistent offensive numbers, while his professional tenure has shown steady development at both the AHL and NHL levels.

College and Amateur Highlights

During his time with the Chicago Steel in the USHL, Laczynski recorded 18 goals and 28 assists following his initial setback. At Ohio State University, he established himself as a productive college player with 143 total points including 48 goals and 95 assists across 138 games. His college performance demonstrated his ability to be a playmaking forward capable of contributing in all situations, providing a strong foundation for his professional career.

Professional Career Statistics

In his professional career, Laczynski has split time between the NHL and AHL. During the 2021-22 season with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, he recorded seven goals and 17 points in 28 AHL games while appearing in one NHL game with the Philadelphia Flyers. His recent performance with the Golden Knights organization continues to build upon this foundation as he works toward more consistent NHL playing time.

Tanner Laczynski Family

Family Background

Tanner Laczynski was born to Ken and Dawn Laczynski in Minooka, Illinois. His family has supported his hockey ambitions from the beginning, with Laczynski taking his first strides on the ice at age three. The Midwestern values of hard work and perseverance instilled in him during his upbringing in Shorewood, Illinois, have clearly influenced his approach to overcoming challenges throughout his career.

Personal Life

Laczynski is married to his wife Madison, and together they have one child, born in 2022. The family aspect of his life provides him with a strong support system as he continues pursuing his professional hockey career. Balancing the demands of professional athletics with family life, Laczynski maintains a grounded approach to his career while working toward continued success on the ice.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marks an important chapter in Tanner Laczynski’s career as he enters his first full season within the Vegas Golden Knights organization. After signing with Vegas in July 2024, Laczynski has been working to establish himself as a consistent contributor at the NHL level while continuing to develop his game with the Henderson Silver Knights in the AHL. The Golden Knights’ strong organizational depth provides both competition and opportunity as he pushes for more regular ice time.

His early performances with the Golden Knights have shown promise, including meaningful contributions in limited minutes. The experience gained from his previous injuries and recovery periods has shaped him into a more patient and mentally tough player. Working within the Golden Knights’ system, Laczynski benefits from quality coaching and a winning culture that can accelerate his development.

The outlook for Laczynski in 2025 remains positive as he aims to secure a more permanent role with the Golden Knights roster. His two-way contract provides flexibility for the organization while offering him the chance to prove himself at the NHL level. With continued hard work and good health, Laczynski has the potential to become a valuable depth player for Vegas as the season progresses and beyond.