Cody Glass
First draft pick in Vegas Golden Knights history.
Cody Glass (born April 1, 1999) is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward for the New Jersey Devils in the National Hockey League (NHL). He made history as the first player ever drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights, selected sixth overall in the 2017 NHL entry draft. He has also played for the Nashville Predators.
Glass was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. After his parents divorced in 2010, he lived with his father and his brother Matthew. His grandmother, Judy, helped support the family financially until she passed away in 2016.
In the 2014–15 season, Glass played AAA hockey for the Winnipeg Thrashers, putting up 55 points in 40 games. The Portland Winterhawks selected him in the first round (19th overall) of the 2014 WHL bantam draft, using a pick acquired from the Calgary Hitmen. During his rookie season, he represented Team Manitoba at the 2015 Canada Winter Games.
Early in the 2016–17 season, Glass’s strong play boosted his draft stock. NHL Central Scouting initially rated him a "C" prospect in August, but upgraded him to "A" by November, indicating first-round potential. By season’s end, he was considered a top prospect for the 2017 draft, with scouts highlighting his playmaking, hockey sense, and hands.
The Vegas Golden Knights made Glass the sixth overall pick in the 2017 NHL entry draft, making him the franchise’s first-ever draft selection. He signed a three-year, entry-level contract on July 16, 2017. After attending the Golden Knights’ training camp for the 2017–18 season, he was cut and sent back to the Winterhawks. On March 31, 2018, he was named a Western Conference First Team All-Star and the Western Conference’s Most Sportsmanlike Player. Following the Winterhawks’ elimination from the 2018 WHL playoffs, he was assigned to the Chicago Wolves of the AHL, but the Wolves were eliminated from the Calder Cup playoffs before he could play.
Before the 2018–19 season, Glass was reassigned to the Winterhawks on September 25, 2018, and named team captain. He was one of seven WHL players selected by Hockey Canada for the 2019 national junior team selection camp. On March 20, he was named to the 2018–19 WHL First All-Star Team.
Glass made his NHL debut in the Golden Knights’ season opener against the San Jose Sharks on October 2, 2019, becoming the first draft pick to play for the team. He scored his first career NHL goal in that game.
Quick Facts
- Birth Date
- 1999-04-01
- Birth Place
- Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Height Ft
- 6
- Height In
- 2
- Weight Lb
- 201
- Position
- Forward
- Shoots
- Right
- League
- NHL
- Team
- New Jersey Devils
- Former Teams
- Vegas Golden Knights / Nashville Predators / Pittsburgh Penguins
- Ntl Team
- Canada
- Draft
- 6th overall
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Cody Glass grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and played AAA hockey with the Winnipeg Thrashers in 2014–15, recording 55 points in 40 games. He was selected 19th overall in the 2014 WHL bantam draft by the Portland Winterhawks. During the 2016–17 season, his draft stock rose sharply: initially rated a 'C' prospect by NHL Central Scouting in August, he was upgraded to 'A' by November, indicating first-round potential. Scouts praised his playmaking, hockey sense, and hands. Glass was drafted sixth overall by the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017, becoming the franchise's first-ever draft pick. He signed a three-year entry-level contract in July 2017 but was reassigned to the Winterhawks for further development. In the WHL, he was named a Western Conference First Team All-Star and the Western Conference's Most Sportsmanlike Player in 2018, and was named team captain of the Winterhawks in 2018–19. Glass made his NHL debut on October 2, 2019, scoring his first career goal in that game. He was traded to the Nashville Predators in July 2021 as part of a three-team deal, and later signed a two-year, $5 million contract extension with Nashville in July 2023. After scoring his first career hat-trick in March 2024, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in August 2024. With the Penguins, he registered 4 goals and 15 points in 51 games. At the 2025 trade deadline, he was dealt to the New Jersey Devils.
Reader's Guide
Cody Glass holds a unique place in NHL history as the first player ever drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights, a milestone that marks the beginning of the franchise's player development pipeline. His selection sixth overall in 2017 signaled the team's commitment to building through the draft. Glass's path to the NHL included a standout junior career with the Portland Winterhawks, where he earned WHL all-star honors and served as team captain. His NHL debut in 2019 made him the first Golden Knights draft pick to play for the club, and he scored his first goal in that opening game. Though his career has involved multiple trades—to Nashville, Pittsburgh, and eventually New Jersey—Glass has demonstrated resilience, including recovering from a concussion protocol after an elbow from Brendan Lemieux. Internationally, he represented Canada at the 2023 IIHF World Championship, recording four assists and winning a gold medal. His playing style, described as a quick-skating, mobile playmaker with high hockey IQ, was modeled after Patrice Bergeron. As of his trade to New Jersey in March 2025, Glass continues his NHL career with the Devils.
Did You Know?
- Cody Glass was the first-ever draft selection in Vegas Golden Knights franchise history, chosen sixth overall in 2017.
- He scored his first NHL goal in his debut game on October 2, 2019, against the San Jose Sharks.
- Glass won a gold medal with Canada at the 2023 IIHF World Championship, recording four assists.
- He scored his first career hat-trick on March 2, 2024, in a 5–1 win over the Colorado Avalanche.
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