Jake Livingstone Bio
Jake Livingstone is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for the Charlotte Checkers in the American Hockey League (AHL). Born on April 16, 1999, in Creston, British Columbia, Livingstone developed his game through the U.S. college ranks before signing his first professional contract in 2023. He went undrafted but worked his way into the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Nashville Predators and has since continued his career at the AHL level.
Early Life and Background
Jake Livingstone was born on April 16, 1999, in Creston, a small community in British Columbia, Canada. Growing up in a region with deep roots in Canadian hockey, he was introduced to the sport at an early age and progressed through junior and amateur programs in western Canada. His size, listed at 191 centimetres and 93 kilograms, helped shape him into the stay-at-home, mobile defenceman he would later become known as.
Livingstone’s path to higher-level hockey ran through the U.S. college system rather than major junior. That route allowed him to refine his defensive play, puck-moving skills, and physical conditioning while continuing his education. His development in British Columbia laid the foundation for the disciplined, two-way style that became a hallmark of his game at Minnesota State.
Path to Hockey
Livingstone began his collegiate career at Minnesota State during the 2020–21 season. In his freshman year, he posted four goals and ten assists in 28 games and was recognized on the All-WCHA Rookie Team and the College Hockey News (CHN) National All-Rookie Team. The award reflected a strong first impression and signalled his readiness for a larger role the following year.
As a sophomore in 2021–22, Livingstone produced nine goals and 22 assists in 44 games, leading all CCHA defencemen in scoring with 31 points. He was named to the All-CCHA First Team and earned CCHA Defenseman of the Year honours, establishing himself as one of the top blue-line players in the conference. He was then named an alternate captain for the 2022–23 season, a sign of his growing leadership within the program.
Jake Livingstone Career
Early Career (2020–2023)
During his junior year at Minnesota State in 2022–23, Livingstone recorded eight goals and 27 assists in 39 games. His 27 assists led the Mavericks, and his 35 points ranked second on the team overall. He led all CCHA defencemen in both assists and points during the regular season, was named to the CCHA First Team, and repeated as CCHA Defenseman of the Year. He was also selected to the AHCA West Second Team All-American, becoming the twelfth Minnesota State player to earn All-American honours since the program moved to NCAA Division I.
Across three college seasons, Livingstone tallied 21 goals and 59 assists in 111 games for the Mavericks. Minnesota State won three MacNaughton Cups and two Mason Cups during his tenure, qualified for three NCAA tournaments, reached two Frozen Fours, and advanced to the national championship game once. His final college campaign positioned him for an entry into professional hockey.
Nashville Predators Era (2023–2025)
On March 29, 2023, the Nashville Predators signed Livingstone to a one-year, entry-level contract. He made his NHL debut for the Predators on April 6, 2023, in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes, marking the arrival of an undrafted blue-liner at the top level of professional hockey. His NHL appearance gave him a foundation of experience to draw from as he moved between leagues.
Following his debut season, Livingstone agreed to a two-year, two-way contract extension with Nashville on June 27, 2023, reflecting the organization’s confidence in his trajectory. He split time between the Predators and their AHL affiliate, continuing to develop his defensive game and special-teams responsibilities. The Predators chose not to re-sign him after the 2024–25 AHL season, allowing him to reach free agency.
Charlotte Checkers Era (2025–Present)
Unsigned heading into the 2025–26 season, Livingstone accepted a professional tryout with the Pittsburgh Penguins on September 17, 2025. After his release from the Penguins, he signed a one-year AHL contract with the Charlotte Checkers, the AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers, on October 11, 2025. The deal returned him to a full-time professional role and reconnected him with an organization focused on developing NHL-calibre talent.
Joining the Checkers gave Livingstone an opportunity to play meaningful minutes within a competitive Panthers system. His blend of size, mobility, and two-way responsibility fit the profile of a modern AHL defenceman on a clear professional track. The Charlotte environment offered a fresh start following two years in the Nashville organization.
Driving Style and Strengths
Livingstone is recognized for his balanced two-way play, combining reliable defensive positioning with the puck-moving ability he showcased at Minnesota State. His frame and reach support a physical brand of hockey, while his college scoring totals highlight comfort with the puck on his stick. Coaches have leaned on his poise and hockey sense to handle difficult assignments and contribute on the power play.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones include his NHL debut with the Nashville Predators on April 6, 2023, his back-to-back CCHA Defenseman of the Year honours in 2022 and 2023, and his selection as an AHCA West Second Team All-American. His role on Minnesota State teams that reached two Frozen Fours and one national championship game also stands out as a defining chapter of his career.
Jake Livingstone Career Wins
Jake Livingstone’s career to this point has been built on individual college awards and team success rather than a long list of professional championships. His decorated tenure at Minnesota State included three MacNaughton Cups and two Mason Cups, the most significant team honours captured during his playing career.
NCAA Highlights
Across three seasons with the Mavericks, Livingstone was part of three MacNaughton Cup-winning regular seasons and two Mason Cup playoff championships. He helped Minnesota State qualify for three NCAA tournaments, advance to two Frozen Fours, and reach the national championship game once. His personal honours during that span included CCHA Defenseman of the Year in both 2022 and 2023.
Other Wins and Performances
Outside of his college résumé, Livingstone has not yet recorded a verified professional championship or major individual award. His professional profile is centred on steady progression through the AHL and a brief NHL appearance with Nashville, setting the stage for future milestones with the Charlotte Checkers organization.
Jake Livingstone Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Detailed information about Jake Livingstone’s parents and broader family background is not publicly verified in available sources. He was raised in Creston, British Columbia, and his upbringing in a region with strong hockey traditions contributed to his early development in the sport.
Personal Life
Public information about Jake Livingstone’s personal life, including marital status and children, is not confirmed in verified sources. His professional focus since 2023 has centred on his career transition from college hockey to the AHL and NHL levels.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025–26 season began with uncertainty for Jake Livingstone after the Nashville Predators opted not to re-sign him. He accepted a professional tryout with the Pittsburgh Penguins on September 17, 2025, in search of a fresh opportunity, but was released before securing a roster spot.
On October 11, 2025, Livingstone signed a one-year AHL contract with the Charlotte Checkers, the top affiliate of the Florida Panthers. The deal gave him a defined role within an organization known for producing NHL defencemen, and a clear platform to rebuild momentum after a turbulent off-season.
With the Checkers, Livingstone is positioned to handle significant minutes as a veteran, two-way blue-liner while remaining eligible for NHL recall. His mix of size, mobility, and college-level puck skills aligns with the Panthers’ developmental model. The season ahead offers a chance to re-establish himself as a prospect on the cusp of full-time NHL duty.