Joseph Blandisi Bio
Joseph Blandisi (born July 18, 1994) is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward for SKA Saint Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing about 200 pounds, he plays a physical, two-way style built around strength and playmaking. Selected in the sixth round, 162nd overall, by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, he has spent parts of several seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) and its development circuits.
Beyond the NHL, Blandisi has suited up for the New Jersey Devils, Anaheim Ducks, and Pittsburgh Penguins organizations, spending extensive time in the American Hockey League (AHL) along the way. He currently competes in one of Europe’s top professional leagues after signing with SKA Saint Petersburg in August 2025.
Early Life and Background
Joseph Blandisi was born on July 18, 1994, in Markham, Ontario, Canada. He grew up in a hockey-active region of southern Ontario, where minor hockey programs and competitive youth leagues provided early competitive opportunities. His path through junior hockey began in the Ontario Junior Hockey League with the Vaughan Vipers, where he developed the offensive habits that would later define his career.
After his time with the Vaughan Vipers, Blandisi was selected 61st overall by the Owen Sound Attack in the 2011 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection draft. In his rookie OHL campaign with Owen Sound, he showed enough promise to attract NHL attention, even though he was considered undersized by traditional hockey standards.
Path to Hockey
Blandisi’s progression through the Ontario Hockey League included significant development moments. During his sophomore season in 2012–13, he was traded by the Owen Sound Attack to the Ottawa 67’s in exchange for Cody Ceci on January 7, 2013. Despite lacking ideal height, he possessed a solid frame and improved upon his rookie season by recording 51 points in 63 games with Ottawa.
His tenure in Ottawa lasted exactly a year. On January 8, 2014, during the 2013–14 season, Blandisi was dealt by the rebuilding 67’s to the Barrie Colts. Limited to 47 games due to injury, he still managed a point-per-game scoring rate, confirming his offensive upside. The Colorado Avalanche ultimately did not offer him a contract, and he went unselected in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
Joseph Blandisi Career
Early Career (2011–2015)
Entering the 2014–15 season, Blandisi attended the Buffalo Sabres’ training camp by invitation on September 13, 2014. At the conclusion of camp he was returned to the Colts without a contract. He was later named captain of the Barrie Colts on November 19, becoming part of the team’s leadership group during his overage season.
Blandisi broke out offensively in his overage campaign, leading the Colts in scoring when the New Jersey Devils signed him to a three-year entry-level contract on January 14, 2015. He finished the season leading the OHL in goal scoring with 52 goals in 68 games and ranked fourth in overall scoring with 112 points. He also received the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy as the OHL’s overage player of the year and finished second in voting for the Red Tilson Trophy, behind only Connor McDavid.
New Jersey Devils Era (2015–2017)
After attending his first New Jersey Devils training camp, Blandisi was assigned to begin his professional career with the Albany Devils, New Jersey’s AHL affiliate, on September 27, 2015. He made a quick transition to the pro level, maintaining a scoring presence on Albany’s top line with 16 points in 18 games before receiving his first NHL recall on December 10, 2015.
Centering a line between Kyle Palmieri and Jiří Tlustý, Blandisi made a successful NHL debut with the Devils in a 3–2 overtime victory against the Detroit Red Wings on December 11, 2015. He recorded his first NHL point, an assist, on a Lee Stempniak goal on January 12, 2016. On January 21, 2016, against the Ottawa Senators, he netted his first NHL goal against Craig Anderson and added two assists for a three-point first period that gave New Jersey a 5–0 lead.
Anaheim Ducks Era (2017–2019)
Blandisi began the 2017–18 season with New Jersey’s new AHL affiliate, the Binghamton Devils, collecting 14 points in 19 games. On November 30, 2017, the Devils traded him, along with Adam Henrique and a third-round draft pick in 2018, to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Sami Vatanen and a conditional draft pick.
In 2018–19, Blandisi opened with the San Diego Gulls of the AHL before being called up to the Ducks for three scoreless games. After returning to the Gulls, he registered 23 points in 27 games before Anaheim traded him to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Derek Grant on January 16, 2019.
Pittsburgh Penguins Era (2019–2020)
Blandisi played 21 NHL games with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019–20, registering 5 points with 2 goals and 3 assists. On February 20, 2020, the Penguins traded him and Jake Lucchini to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Riley Barber and Phil Varone. At the end of the season, Blandisi underwent knee surgery.
Toronto Marlies Era (2021–2025)
As an unsigned free agent leading into 2021–22, Blandisi signed a professional tryout contract with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL on December 14, 2021. On July 10, 2023, he agreed to a one-year contract extension for the 2023–24 season, his third campaign with the club. He ultimately spent four seasons with the Marlies, contributing as a reliable veteran forward in the Maple Leafs’ system.
SKA Saint Petersburg Era (2025–Present)
Blandisi left North America as a free agent to sign a two-year contract with Russian club SKA Saint Petersburg of the KHL on August 12, 2025. The move marked his first professional engagement outside of North America and a return to top-level competition after several productive AHL seasons.
Driving Style and Strengths
Blandisi is recognized for combining a strong frame with skilled playmaking, allowing him to compete physically while still creating offense. His ability to play both center and wing has made him a versatile forward throughout his career. He has historically been trusted in top-line situations at both the junior and AHL levels.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his signature accomplishments, Blandisi led the OHL in goal scoring with 52 markers during his overage season with the Barrie Colts and captured the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy as the league’s top overage player. His NHL debut overtime win with the Devils and his first NHL goal against Craig Anderson stand out as defining early professional moments.
Joseph Blandisi Career Wins
Blandisi’s trophy case is anchored by his standout OHL overage campaign, during which he led the league in goal scoring and finished second in overall scoring race behind Connor McDavid. His first NHL recall and debut victory with the New Jersey Devils provided additional milestones as he transitioned from junior standout to professional contributor.
OHL Highlights
In his overage season with the Barrie Colts, Blandisi led the OHL with 52 goals in 68 games and ranked fourth in overall scoring with 112 points. He was awarded the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy as the OHL’s overage player of the year and placed second in voting for the Red Tilson Trophy as the league’s most outstanding player.
Other Wins and Performances
Blandisi posted 16 points in 18 games during his first professional season with the Albany Devils and added 14 points in 19 games with the Binghamton Devils the following year. He later delivered 23 points in 27 games with the San Diego Gulls of the AHL.
Joseph Blandisi Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public records about Joseph Blandisi’s parents and immediate family are not widely documented. He was raised in Markham, Ontario, a region of Canada known for producing numerous professional hockey players.
Personal Life
Details about Joseph Blandisi’s marital status, spouse, and children are not publicly confirmed in available sources. He has remained focused on his professional hockey career across multiple leagues.
2025 Season Performance
Joseph Blandisi joined SKA Saint Petersburg of the KHL on August 12, 2025, signing a two-year contract as an unrestricted free agent. The move gave him a fresh start in one of Europe’s most competitive professional leagues after four seasons with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL.
Entering the 2025–26 campaign, Blandisi is expected to provide veteran scoring depth and two-way responsibility for SKA Saint Petersburg. His AHL track record with the Marlies and prior NHL experience position him as a reliable middle-six option for his new club.
With SKA consistently competing at the top of the KHL, Blandisi’s 2025–26 outlook includes opportunities to contribute offensively and to challenge for playoff success in a deep conference field.