Josh Manson Bio
Joshua David Manson is a Canadian–American professional ice hockey player who currently plays as a defenceman for the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on October 7, 1991, in Hinsdale, Illinois, Manson was selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the sixth round, 160th overall, of the 2011 NHL entry draft. He won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022 and has built a reputation as a reliable, physical two-way defenceman across more than a decade of professional play.
Early Life and Background
Joshua David Manson was born on October 7, 1991, in Hinsdale, Illinois, a suburb in the Chicago metropolitan area. His father, Dave Manson, was an active National Hockey League defenceman at the time of his birth, then playing for the Chicago Blackhawks. Five days before Joshua was born, Dave was traded to the Edmonton Oilers, and the family soon relocated.
Following the end of his father’s playing career, the Manson family moved to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, where Joshua grew up immersed in a strong hockey environment. He is the oldest of four siblings, and the family carries a notable athletic lineage. His sister Meagan played soccer for the University of Saskatchewan, while his brother Ben played for the La Ronge Ice Wolves of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
Despite his hockey-centric surroundings, Manson was not initially interested in the sport and debated trying out for the midget team instead. His perspective eventually shifted, setting him on the path toward competitive junior hockey in western Canada.
Path to Hockey
During the 2008–09 season, Manson committed to play for the Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). In his second season with the Silverbacks, he transitioned to the defenceman position after injuries opened up the role, and he quickly developed into one of the team’s most reliable players on the back end.
Across his time with the Silverbacks, Manson recorded 12 goals and 35 assists in 57 games, drawing attention ahead of the 2011 NHL entry draft. He initially accepted a scholarship to play NCAA Division I ice hockey at Quinnipiac University for the 2012–13 season, but his selection in the sixth round by the Anaheim Ducks changed those plans. Following the draft, Manson opted to transfer from Quinnipiac to Northeastern University, where he would begin his collegiate career.
Josh Manson Career
Collegiate Career (2011–2014)
Manson joined the Northeastern Huskies men’s ice hockey team for their 2011–12 season, appearing in 22 games and recording four points. The following season, he netted his first collegiate goal in overtime against the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, an early sign of the offensive upside that would later surface at the professional level.
During his junior season at Northeastern, Manson was named team captain, an honour that reflected his leadership and consistency. He was selected as Hockey East Best Defensive Defenseman and was named to the 2013–14 Hockey East Second All-Star Team, capping a strong three-year run in NCAA Division I hockey.
Anaheim Ducks Era (2014–2022)
On March 25, 2014, Manson forwent his final year of collegiate eligibility and signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks. He began the season with the Norfolk Admirals of the American Hockey League (AHL) before injuries at the NHL level opened a path for his debut. Manson made his NHL debut on October 31, 2014, against the Dallas Stars, registering one hit in 12:30 of ice time while playing on the penalty kill.
In the 2015–16 season, Manson earned a spot on the Ducks’ opening night roster and appeared in the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Nashville Predators before a hit from Filip Forsberg cut his postseason short. The following year, on November 6, 2016, he scored his first career NHL goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets, finishing the season with 15 points in 71 games while playing alongside Hampus Lindholm. In Game 7 of the 2017 playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers, Manson set a franchise playoff hit record with 11 hits in a 2–1 win, cementing his identity as a physical presence.
On October 4, 2017, Manson signed a four-year contract extension with Anaheim through the 2021–22 season, and in the first year of that deal he set career highs in goals, assists, and points while continuing to pair with Lindholm. Subsequent seasons were interrupted by injuries, including an MCL sprain in 2019 and an oblique injury in 2021. In his final Anaheim campaign, he served as a veteran alternate captain on the blueline, finishing with 4 goals and 9 points through 45 games.
Colorado Avalanche Era (2022–Present)
On March 14, 2022, with the Ducks trending out of playoff contention, Manson was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Drew Helleson and a 2023 second-round draft pick. He ended his Anaheim tenure fifth all-time among franchise defencemen in games played with 453 appearances. Manson made his Avalanche debut on March 15, 2022, against the Los Angeles Kings, posting a game-high 10 hits in a 3–0 victory.
On May 17, 2022, Manson scored his first career playoff goal, an overtime winner against the St. Louis Blues, helping fuel Colorado’s championship run. He went on to win the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche that same year, capping a transformative first season with his new club.
Driving Style and Strengths
Manson is recognised for his physical, defence-first style, relying on strength along the boards, shot blocking, and a strong penalty-killing presence. His willingness to deliver hits and compete in difficult matchups has allowed him to thrive alongside top pairing partners, while his steady positional play has made him a trusted contributor in high-pressure moments.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his signature achievements, Manson set an Anaheim Ducks franchise playoff hit record with 11 hits in Game 7 against the Edmonton Oilers, and he scored his first career playoff goal as an overtime winner against the St. Louis Blues in 2022. He also reached 453 games with the Ducks, placing fifth all-time among franchise defencemen in games played.
Josh Manson Career Wins
Joshua David Manson’s professional résumé features a Stanley Cup championship with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, complemented by strong individual showings in both the NHL and AHL. His career has been defined by defensive reliability, physical play, and timely contributions in the postseason.
NHL Highlights
Manson’s top NHL highlight came in 2022 when he helped the Colorado Avalanche capture the Stanley Cup, scoring an overtime winner against the St. Louis Blues along the way. He also recorded his first NHL goal with the Anaheim Ducks on November 6, 2016, against the Columbus Blue Jackets, and notched a franchise playoff hit record with the Ducks in 2017.
Other Performances
Beyond his NHL résumé, Manson spent time with the Norfolk Admirals in the American Hockey League and represented the Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the BCHL during his junior development. He earned Hockey East Best Defensive Defenseman honours and a Hockey East Second All-Star Team selection in 2013–14 at Northeastern University.
Josh Manson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Joshua David Manson comes from a strong athletic lineage rooted in professional hockey. His father, Dave Manson, enjoyed a long NHL career as a defenceman, while his sister Meagan played soccer for the University of Saskatchewan and his brother Ben played for the La Ronge Ice Wolves of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. Manson is also the cousin of current DEL defenceman Dylan Yeo.
Personal Life
Joshua David Manson and his wife, Julie, share two daughters together. Manson is a Christian, and his faith has remained a steady part of his public life.
2025 Season Performance
Joshua David Manson continues his tenure with the Colorado Avalanche in the 2025 season, bringing veteran leadership to a competitive defensive corps. Coming off a 2022 Stanley Cup championship and several seasons of postseason experience, he remains a steady penalty-killing option and a physical presence on the back end.
Throughout the 2025 campaign, Manson has focused on delivering reliable two-way play and contributing to the Avalanche’s pursuit of another deep playoff run. His familiarity with championship-level expectations positions him as a stabilizing voice in the locker room, particularly for younger defencemen on the roster.
Looking ahead within the 2025 season, Manson is expected to remain a key part of Colorado’s defensive rotation as the team chases playoff positioning. His blend of experience, physicality, and defensive discipline continues to make him a valuable contributor for the Avalanche.