Vinni Lettieri Bio
Vinni Lettieri (born February 6, 1995) is an American professional ice hockey center for the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 195 pounds, Lettieri shoots right and has carved out a career as a reliable depth forward since 2017. He currently plays in the Maple Leafs organization after stints with several National Hockey League clubs.
Although he went undrafted, Lettieri has spent the better part of a decade competing at the top levels of professional hockey in North America. He is known for his work ethic, two-way responsibility, and ability to contribute offensively from the bottom of the lineup when given the opportunity.
Early Life and Background
Vinni Lettieri was born on February 6, 1995, in Excelsior, Minnesota, in the United States. Growing up in a hockey-rich region of the upper Midwest, he was surrounded by the sport from a young age. Minnesota has long been a pipeline for elite American talent, and Lettieri followed that well-worn path into competitive youth hockey.
His family has a rich hockey background that helped shape his development. Lettieri’s grandfather, Lou Nanne, played, coached, and served as general manager of the Minnesota North Stars. His uncle, Marty Nanne, was drafted 161st overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft and went on to play three seasons in the International Hockey League. His father, Tino, played professional soccer, adding an athletic foundation to the family.
The hockey tradition extended to his cousins as well. Tyler Nanne was drafted 142nd overall by the New York Rangers in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, and Louis Nanne was drafted 188th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. With this lineage, a professional career in the sport felt like a natural progression for the young forward.
Path to Hockey
Lettieri began his path to the professional ranks with the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League, one of the top junior circuits in North America. After spending two seasons with the Stars, he committed to the University of Minnesota, joining the storied Minnesota Golden Gophers program. He played four seasons in college and helped the Golden Gophers capture the Big Ten regular season title in four consecutive seasons.
Although he was not selected in the NHL Draft, his college production and development within a winning program earned him attention from professional scouts. On March 27, 2017, Lettieri signed a two-year entry-level contract as a free agent with the New York Rangers, beginning his journey to the National Hockey League.
Vinni Lettieri Career
Early Career (2017–2018)
Lettieri attended his first New York Rangers training camp before the 2017–18 season but was assigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL before the final roster was set. The transition to professional hockey required an adjustment, and he spent the early months of that season developing in the minors.
On December 29, 2017, Lettieri made his NHL debut in a 3–2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. In that game, he scored his first NHL goal, marking a memorable arrival at the top level. He was recalled multiple times through January and February before being assigned back to the AHL on February 26, finishing the year with 19 NHL games played.
New York Rangers Breakthrough (2017–2020)
Lettieri spent the 2018–19 season splitting time between the Rangers and the Wolf Pack, earning longer recalls as the year progressed. He finished that season with one goal and two assists in the NHL, but his lone goal was a milestone moment. On March 25, 2019, he buried a one-timer against the Pittsburgh Penguins for his first career goal at Madison Square Garden.
Across four seasons within the Rangers organization, Lettieri built a reputation as a hard-working depth forward who could step in when called upon. When his contract expired, he departed as a free agent in the fall of 2020.
Anaheim Ducks Era (2020–2022)
On October 10, 2020, Lettieri signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Anaheim Ducks, relocating to the West Coast. The following summer, on July 13, 2021, the Ducks rewarded his steady play with a one-year, two-way contract extension. He spent much of his time in Anaheim with the San Diego Gulls of the AHL while also logging appearances with the parent club. His last NHL goal during this stint came on January 26, 2022, when he was still a member of the Ducks.
Boston Bruins First Stint (2022–2023)
On July 13, 2022, Lettieri signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Boston Bruins. He produced impressive numbers for the Providence Bruins of the AHL and was named an AHL All-Star, representing the Atlantic Division. He received his first call-up to the NHL club on January 26, 2023, but an injury the following day placed him on injured reserve. He later cleared waivers and finished the year serving as a depth forward during a stretch when the Bruins were comfortably positioned in the standings.
Minnesota Wild Era (2023–2024)
On July 1, 2023, Lettieri returned to his home state, agreeing to a two-year, two-way contract with the Minnesota Wild. Although he did not make the Wild’s opening night roster, he was recalled on October 23, 2023, and made his Minnesota debut the next night. He scored his first goal and point as a Wild on November 7, 2023, in a 4-2 win over the New York Islanders. He finished the 2023–24 season with five goals and four assists in 46 NHL games, providing steady depth scoring for a competitive Wild team.
Boston Bruins Second Stint (2024–2025)
On June 29, 2024, Lettieri was traded back to the Bruins alongside the 110th pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft in exchange for Jakub Lauko and the 122nd pick. He began the season with the Providence Bruins, serving as alternate captain and providing a strong offensive spark. Between December 7 and December 15, 2024, he recorded nine assists in five games, and by the time of his first call-up on January 13, 2025, he had 14 goals and 21 assists in the AHL. He scored his first goal as a Bruin days later in a 6–5 shootout against the Ottawa Senators, and he finished his NHL time that year with three goals and two assists.
After his NHL stints, Lettieri returned to Providence for the AHL playoffs, recording a career-high 29 assists and tying for first on the team with 21 goals. In a decisive Game 3 against the Springfield Thunderbirds, he added two assists, and in Game 5 against the Charlotte Checkers, he scored two late goals to nearly force a comeback. He led the Bruins with seven points during the playoff run before the team was eliminated.
Toronto Maple Leafs Era (2025–Present)
On July 2, 2025, Lettieri signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs for the 2025–26 season. He is expected to split time between the Maple Leafs and their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies. The move gives Lettieri an opportunity to compete for a depth role within one of the NHL’s most scrutinized organizations.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although he is not a top-line scorer, Lettieri has built his career on responsible two-way play, dependable penalty killing, and the ability to chip in offensively when given extended ice time. Coaches have praised his work ethic and willingness to play a straightforward, north-south game. His experience bouncing between the AHL and NHL has made him a reliable call-up option throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Lettieri’s career came on December 29, 2017, when he scored on his NHL debut against the Detroit Red Wings. He later notched his first goal at Madison Square Garden on March 25, 2019, against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and his AHL All-Star selection in 2023 highlighted his offensive impact at the second-tier level.
Vinni Lettieri Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Vinni Lettieri has notched numerous regular-season goals and points across the AHL and NHL, with most of his offensive production coming in the minors. He has recorded hat tricks and multi-goal performances in the AHL while contributing timely goals at the NHL level when called upon. His most recent NHL goals came during his 2024–25 stint with the Boston Bruins, including his first as a Bruin in a 6–5 shootout against the Ottawa Senators.
NHL Highlights
Lettieri’s first NHL goal came in his debut on December 29, 2017, against the Detroit Red Wings. He went on to score his first goal at Madison Square Garden in March 2019 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He also scored his first goal as a member of the Minnesota Wild in November 2023 against the New York Islanders and his first goal as a Bruin in January 2025 against the Ottawa Senators.
Other Wins and Performances
With the Providence Bruins during the 2024–25 season, Lettieri tied for first on the team in goals with 21 and set a career high in assists with 29. He led the club with seven points during the 2025 AHL playoff run, narrowly missing a heroic comeback against the Charlotte Checkers in Game 5.
Vinni Lettieri Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Lettieri’s family is deeply rooted in professional hockey. His grandfather, Lou Nanne, played, coached, and served as general manager of the Minnesota North Stars. His uncle, Marty Nanne, was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 1986 and played in the International Hockey League for three seasons. His cousins Tyler Nanne and Louis Nanne were also drafted into the NHL, with Tyler selected by the New York Rangers in 2014 and Louis by the Minnesota Wild in 2012. His father, Tino, played professional soccer, adding another athletic thread to the family’s sporting tradition.
Personal Life
Vinni Lettieri grew up in Excelsior, Minnesota, and continues to maintain strong ties to his home state. Publicly available details about his personal relationships remain limited.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025–26 season marks Vinni Lettieri’s first year under contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, signed on July 2, 2025, at $775,000. He is expected to begin the campaign with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL while remaining in line for NHL call-ups as a depth forward. His experience and consistency could give him opportunities to log NHL games when the Maple Leafs need injury replacements or rest for top forwards.
Coming off a productive 2024–25 AHL season in which he posted 21 goals and 29 assists, Lettieri enters the year with momentum and confidence. His veteran presence and two-way reliability make him a useful insurance policy for a Toronto team with high expectations.
If he is able to translate his AHL production into NHL ice time, Lettieri could emerge as a quietly effective contributor for the Maple Leafs. The combination of his work ethic and familiarity with multiple organizations gives him a clear role within the team structure for 2025–26.