Matt Tennyson

Playing career

Undrafted, Tennyson played three seasons of NCAA Division I college hockey with the Western Michigan Broncos. On March 30, 2012, he signed a two-year entry-level contract with his hometown San Jose Sharks and immediately turned professional with the Worcester Sharks for the remainder of the 2011–12 AHL season. He became the first player from the San Jose Junior Sharks youth program to appear in the NHL.

On July 3, 2016, Tennyson signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Carolina Hurricanes as a free agent. After recording 7 points in 9 games with AHL affiliate Charlotte Checkers, he was recalled and stayed with the Hurricanes for the rest of the 2016–17 season, playing a career-best 45 games and collecting 6 assists.

On July 1, 2017, he agreed to a two-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres, the final year on a one-way basis. After 14 scoreless games, the Sabres placed him on waivers on November 30; he went unclaimed and was reassigned to AHL affiliate Rochester Americans.

On July 1, 2019, Tennyson signed a two-year, two-way contract with the New Jersey Devils. On October 11, 2019, he was called up from the Binghamton Devils to replace Andy Greene, who was placed on injured reserve with an upper body injury.

On July 28, 2021, he signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Nashville Predators. He played 8 regular-season games with the Predators, posting 3 assists, and spent most of the season with AHL affiliate Milwaukee Admirals, appearing in 53 games. On July 3, 2022, he was mutually released from the remaining year of his contract after being placed on unconditional waivers.

On September 1, 2022, Tennyson signed with the Coachella Valley Firebirds for their inaugural 2022–23 season. On January 30, 2024, he announced via Instagram that he would join the Firebirds broadcast team as an analyst and brand ambassador, ending his playing career.