Laurent Dauphin Bio
Laurent Dauphin is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward who currently plays for the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League (AHL). Standing 185 cm tall and weighing 82 kg, he was selected in the second round, 39th overall, by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2013 NHL entry draft. Over the course of his career, Dauphin has also represented the Montreal Canadiens and the Arizona Coyotes at the National Hockey League level, while logging time in several AHL affiliates along the way.
Early Life and Background
Laurent Dauphin was born on March 27, 1995, in Repentigny, Quebec, Canada. Growing up in the Lanaudière region of Quebec, he was introduced to organized hockey at a young age through local minor hockey programs. As a youth player, he represented a minor ice hockey team from Lanaudière Ouest at the 2007 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament, one of the most prestigious youth events in the province.
Dauphin continued his development in the Collège Esther-Blondin Phénix program of the Ligue de hockey Midget AAA du Québec (QMAAA). During his time with the Phénix, he became the first player in franchise history to record 100 points, a milestone that highlighted his growing offensive ability. He was later named the Most Valuable Player of the 2012 Telus Cup, Canada’s national midget hockey championship, cementing his status as one of the top amateur prospects in the country.
Path to Professional Hockey
Following his standout midget career, Dauphin joined the Chicoutimi Saguenéens of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Over three seasons in the QMJHL, he amassed 186 total points in 170 games, demonstrating consistent scoring production and two-way responsibility. His combination of size, skating, and offensive instincts made him an attractive NHL prospect, and the Phoenix Coyotes selected him 39th overall in the 2013 NHL entry draft.
Internationally, Dauphin first represented Hockey Canada as a member of Team Canada Quebec at the 2012 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, where his team finished in sixth place. The following year, he was named to the Canadian national under-18 team for the 2013 IIHF World U18 Championships, where he captured a gold medal. These international experiences helped prepare him for the transition to professional hockey.
Laurent Dauphin Career
Early Career (2015–2017)
Laurent Dauphin made his NHL debut during the 2015–16 season with the Coyotes, scoring his first career NHL goal against the Vancouver Canucks on January 4, 2016. He was reassigned to the AHL the following day, beginning a pattern of splitting time between the NHL and the minor leagues early in his professional career. He continued to develop his game in the Coyotes system over the next two seasons.
On June 23, 2017, Dauphin was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks alongside Connor Murphy in exchange for Niklas Hjalmarsson. After attending training camp and the pre-season with Chicago, he was assigned to the Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, for the 2017–18 campaign. Less than one year after arriving in Chicago, he was traded again, this time with Richard Pánik to the Coyotes in exchange for Anthony Duclair and Adam Clendening, marking his second tenure with the Arizona organization.
Nashville Predators Era (2018–2020)
Dauphin served as an alternate captain for the Tucson Roadrunners, the Coyotes’ AHL affiliate, during the 2018–19 season, recording 20 points in 34 games. He also made a single appearance with the Coyotes on January 10, 2019, against the Vancouver Canucks. On February 8, 2019, he was traded, along with Adam Helewka, to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Emil Pettersson.
Later that same month, while with the Predators’ AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, Dauphin signed a one-year, two-way contract extension. He continued with the Admirals into the 2019–20 season, adding seven goals and 16 points in 33 games. On January 7, 2020, he was traded by the Predators to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Michael McCarron, opening a new chapter in his career.
Montreal Canadiens Era (2020–2022)
Dauphin joined the Montreal Canadiens organization and was re-signed to a one-year, two-way contract on June 21, 2021. The 2021–22 season proved to be his most substantial opportunity in the NHL since 2017, as the injury-depleted Canadiens called him up for extended periods when other centremen were sidelined. On March 9, 2022, he played a career-high 25th game in an NHL season, later remarking that playing for the Canadiens had always been a dream and that returning to the National League felt like a two-for-one opportunity.
Arizona Coyotes Return and Swiss Adventure (2022–2024)
As an unrestricted free agent, Dauphin signed a one-year, two-way contract to return to the Arizona Coyotes for a third stint with the organization on July 13, 2022. During the 2022–23 season, he split his time between the Tucson Roadrunners and the Coyotes, appearing in 21 NHL games and contributing a goal.
On June 1, 2023, Dauphin opted to sign his first contract abroad, agreeing to an optional two-year deal with HC Ambrì-Piotta of Switzerland’s National League. In December 2023, he participated in the annual Spengler Cup tournament in Davos, registering three points in group-stage play before his team was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Frölunda HC.
Laval Rocket Era (2024–Present)
Dauphin returned to North America after a single season in Switzerland, signing a one-year AHL contract with the Laval Rocket on July 1, 2024, a team he had previously played for between 2019 and 2022. In the midst of the Calder Cup playoffs, he was rewarded with a two-year contract extension, signalling the organization’s confidence in his contributions.
Driving Style and Strengths
Dauphin is recognized as a versatile forward capable of playing both centre and wing, offering coaches flexibility in their line combinations. His combination of size, skating ability, and two-way responsibility makes him a reliable contributor at both ends of the ice. He has shown a willingness to play in all situations, including penalty killing and key defensive matchups, while still providing offensive upside.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Dauphin’s career highlights, his first NHL goal against the Vancouver Canucks on January 4, 2016, stands as a memorable early milestone. The 2013 IIHF World U18 gold medal with Canada remains one of his most significant international achievements. His participation in the 2023 Spengler Cup with HC Ambrì-Piotta added a unique chapter to his professional journey abroad.
Laurent Dauphin Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Laurent Dauphin was born and raised in Repentigny, Quebec, a city in the Lanaudière region known for producing hockey talent. He has been a resident of Canadian hockey communities throughout his career, including stops in Quebec, Ontario, Arizona, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Switzerland. Specific details about his parents, spouse, or children have not been publicly confirmed in verified sources.
2025 Season Performance
Laurent Dauphin entered the 2025 calendar year as a member of the Laval Rocket, the AHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens, after signing a two-year contract extension during the previous season’s Calder Cup playoffs. His role with the Rocket is expected to centre on providing veteran leadership and consistent two-way play. The team is anticipated to be in contention in the North Division as the season progresses.
Dauphin’s prior familiarity with the Laval organization, where he played from 2019 to 2022, gives him a comfort level within the team’s systems and structure. He is expected to log significant minutes in all situations while serving as a steady presence for younger players. His track record of stepping up when called upon to fill injury gaps could once again prove valuable if recalls to Montreal are required.
With his contract extension running through the 2025–26 season, Dauphin’s focus is on helping Laval push deep into the Calder Cup playoffs while remaining ready for any NHL opportunity. His experience in multiple organizations and leagues provides a stabilizing influence on the Rocket roster.