Jaret Anderson-Dolan Bio
Jaret Lynn Anderson-Dolan is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward who currently plays for the Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League while under contract to the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League. Selected in the second round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, 41st overall, by the Los Angeles Kings, Anderson-Dolan has built his career as a versatile two-way forward with a reputation for hockey sense and responsible play. Standing 180 centimeters tall and weighing 91 kilograms, he has progressed from a highly regarded junior prospect to a steady professional across multiple organizations.
Early Life and Background
Jaret Anderson-Dolan was born on September 12, 1999, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He grew up alongside his older brother, Dorian, in a household shaped by two mothers, Fran and Nancy, both of whom were hockey players themselves. His mother Fran served as his first coach and introduced him to skating, instilling a deep connection to the sport from an early age.
His upbringing in a same-sex marriage placed him in a distinctive position within the hockey world and became a notable part of his public identity. As the first NHL player raised by same-sex parents, Anderson-Dolan has used his platform to advocate for the LGBTQ community and to support efforts aimed at ending homophobia in sport. He has spoken openly about how the support of his two mothers shaped his character and his approach to the game.
Path to Hockey
Anderson-Dolan’s competitive path began with the Edge School Mountaineers Bantam AAA team, where, at just 14 years old, he scored an impressive 103 points in 50 games. His offensive skill set and hockey intelligence drew the attention of Western Hockey League scouts, and he was selected 14th overall by the Spokane Chiefs in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft. Despite being projected as a top-five pick, he slipped in the draft, with some teams reportedly hesitant to select him because of his family situation.
He quickly silenced doubts about his selection, posting 76 points in 72 regular-season games during his sophomore 2016–17 campaign with the Chiefs. By the end of that season, NHL Central Scouting ranked him as the 21st-best North American skater, paving the way for his NHL Draft selection. On April 12, 2017, he was also chosen as team captain for Canada at the 2017 IIHF World U18 Championships, an early sign of the leadership qualities he would carry into his professional career.
Jaret Anderson-Dolan Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
Following his draft selection by the Los Angeles Kings in June 2017, Anderson-Dolan signed a three-year entry-level contract on September 25, 2017. He returned to the Spokane Chiefs to complete his 2017–18 WHL season before being loaned to the Kings’ AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign, on April 6, 2018. The following fall, he earned a place on the Kings’ opening night roster and made his NHL debut on October 7, 2018, against the Detroit Red Wings, becoming the youngest Kings player since Craig Redmond in 1984 and the 10th youngest in franchise history.
He recorded his first career NHL point, an assist, on October 11, 2018, in a 3–0 win over the Montreal Canadiens, before being reassigned to Spokane on October 22. That same day, he was added to Team WHL for the 2018 CHL Canada/Russia Series, and the next day he was named co-captain of the Chiefs alongside Ty Smith. On March 16, 2019, he was awarded the Chiefs’ Players’ Player Award for the 2018–19 season, recognizing his leadership and contribution to the team.
NHL Breakthrough (2018–2024)
Anderson-Dolan’s tenure with the Los Angeles Kings was a steady process of development. During the 2020–21 season, he spent time on the Kings’ taxi squad before being recalled to the active roster on February 5, 2021. Two days later, he scored his first NHL goal against Robin Lehner in a 4–3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, a milestone that validated years of work at the junior and AHL levels.
As a restricted free agent, he signed a one-year, two-way contract extension with the Kings on July 23, 2022. During the 2022–23 season, Anderson-Dolan collected his first career multi-goal NHL game on January 22, 2023, scoring both Kings goals in a 2–1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. However, the 2023–24 season proved more difficult. After 30 games with the Kings in which he contributed just four points, he was claimed off waivers by the Nashville Predators on March 7, 2024. He remained with the Predators for the rest of that season, making a single appearance for the club.
Winnipeg Jets Era (2024–Present)
Leaving the Predators as a free agent, Anderson-Dolan signed a two-year, $1.55 million contract with the Winnipeg Jets on July 2, 2024. He was assigned to the Manitoba Moose, the Jets’ AHL affiliate, where he has continued to refine his two-way game. The move to Winnipeg offered a fresh start and an opportunity to play within a stable organizational structure.
In the AHL, Anderson-Dolan has been relied upon as a versatile forward capable of playing in all situations. His combination of size, skating, and responsibility has made him a dependable presence in the Moose lineup, and he remains under contract with the Jets through the 2025–26 season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Anderson-Dolan is recognized for his responsible two-way play, strong hockey sense, and above-average skating for a power forward. He is effective in the faceoff circle and dependable on the penalty kill, traits that have allowed him to earn trust from coaches at every level. His willingness to play a complementary role and his commitment to defensive detail have made him a valued depth forward.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones in Anderson-Dolan’s career include his NHL debut with the Los Angeles Kings in 2018, his first NHL goal in 2021, and his first multi-goal game in January 2023. He has also represented Canada at multiple international events, including the 2017 IIHF World U18 Championships, the 2019 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, and the 2021 IIHF World Championship. His status as the first NHL player raised by same-sex parents remains a significant cultural milestone in the sport.
Jaret Anderson-Dolan Career Wins
While Anderson-Dolan’s professional career has been defined more by steady contributions than by high-volume scoring, he has delivered several memorable wins and performances. His first NHL goal against the Vegas Golden Knights in 2021 and his two-goal effort against the Chicago Blackhawks in 2023 stand out as highlight moments.
Junior and International Highlights
With the Spokane Chiefs, Anderson-Dolan was a consistent offensive contributor, highlighted by his 76-point sophomore season in 2016–17. Internationally, he captained Canada at the 2017 IIHF World U18 Championships and served as an alternate captain at the 2019 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He made his senior international debut at the 2021 IIHF World Championship, where he was named Canada’s player of the game following a May 28 victory over Kazakhstan.
Other Performances
Anderson-Dolan has also contributed in the AHL with both the Ontario Reign and the Manitoba Moose, providing two-way play and leadership in supporting roles. His steady presence at every level has been a defining feature of his career path.
Jaret Anderson-Dolan Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Anderson-Dolan was raised in Calgary, Alberta, by his two mothers, Fran and Nancy, alongside his older brother, Dorian. Both of his mothers were hockey players, and Fran served as his first coach and the person who taught him to skate. The family’s deep connection to hockey played a foundational role in his development as a player and a person.
Personal Life
Anderson-Dolan is unmarried and remains focused on his professional hockey career. He has been a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ community, drawing on his own upbringing to promote inclusion and to combat homophobia in the sport. His unique position as the first NHL player raised in a same-sex marriage has made him an important voice for representation within professional hockey.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 calendar year, Jaret Anderson-Dolan continues his tenure with the Manitoba Moose of the AHL, operating as a reliable two-way forward within the Winnipeg Jets’ organizational system. His two-year contract signed in July 2024 keeps him under Jets control through the 2025–26 season, providing stability for both player and club.
Throughout the early portion of 2025, Anderson-Dolan has contributed consistently in a depth role with the Moose, logging minutes in all situations and serving as a steady presence in the locker room. His blend of size, skating, and defensive responsibility has made him a trusted option for the coaching staff.
Looking ahead, Anderson-Dolan will aim to continue producing at the AHL level while remaining prepared for any recall opportunities with the Winnipeg Jets. His experience, leadership, and professional approach give him a clear pathway to remain a contributor within the Jets organization for the duration of his contract.