Nick Jensen

Lore & Background

Jensen played two seasons with the Rogers Royals of the Minnesota State High School League before joining the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL. In his second USHL season, he helped the Gamblers win the Clark Cup as league champions and was named a 2010 USHL All-Star. He then played college hockey at St. Cloud State University, where he was named WCHA Defensive Player of the Year and selected to the NCAA West First All-American Team in his junior season, leading the Huskies to the Frozen Four. After being drafted by the Red Wings, he spent several seasons with their AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, before making his NHL debut in December 2016. He scored his first NHL goal on January 31, 2017. In February 2019, he was traded to the Washington Capitals, where he signed a four-year contract extension and later a three-year extension. He set career highs in points with the Capitals, including 29 points in the 2022–23 season.

Reader's Guide

Nick Jensen's career illustrates a steady progression from high school hockey in Minnesota through the USHL and NCAA to the NHL. His time with the Detroit Red Wings included his NHL debut and first goal, but he was traded to the Washington Capitals in 2019 after falling down the depth chart. With the Capitals, he established himself as a reliable defenseman, setting career highs in points and signing multiple contract extensions. His journey from a fifth-round draft pick to a regular NHL defenseman highlights the value of development in the minor leagues and the importance of opportunity. Jensen's ability to contribute offensively from the blue line, particularly during his time in Washington, and his durability—playing 77 or more games in multiple seasons—underscore his role as a steady presence on the back end. His career also includes playoff appearances with both the Red Wings and Capitals, though he did not record a point in those games.

Did You Know?

• Jensen's father Jeff played college hockey at Lake Superior State and was a Colorado Rockies draft pick.
• His uncle Steve Jensen played for the Minnesota North Stars and Los Angeles Kings and was an Olympian with Team USA in 1976.
• Jensen was named WCHA Defensive Player of the Year in 2012–13.
• He was traded from Detroit to Washington along with a fifth-round pick for Madison Bowey and a second-round pick.