Lleyton Roed Bio
Lleyton Roed is an American professional ice hockey left wing who plays for the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Seattle Kraken of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on August 8, 2002, he began his professional career in 2024 and quickly established himself as a promising young forward. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing around 181 pounds, Roed combines size with skill, making him a versatile presence on the ice.
Coming out of the collegiate ranks as an undrafted free agent, Roed signed with the Seattle Kraken organization and was assigned to the Coachella Valley Firebirds for his first professional season. His rapid transition from college hockey to the professional level reflects the dedication and work ethic he developed during his formative years.
Early Life and Background
Lleyton Roed was born on August 8, 2002, in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, United States. He grew up in a household with strong athletic ties, as his father, Peter Roed, pursued a professional hockey career that spanned multiple leagues. Peter Roed played professional hockey in the ECHL, the AHL, the Deutsche Eishockey Liga in Germany, and the United Hockey League, giving young Lleyton an inside view of what it takes to compete at high levels of the sport.
Roed’s mother, Kelly, also played a central role in supporting his development both on and off the ice. Growing up in Minnesota, a state with a deep hockey tradition, Roed was surrounded by the sport from an early age. He played minor hockey with his school, White Bear Lake Area High School, where he began building the foundational skills that would eventually carry him to the professional ranks.
Path to Hockey
Roed’s progression through the hockey ranks began in earnest when he was selected in the tenth round, 154th overall, by the Tri-City Storm in the United States Hockey League (USHL) Phase II Draft. The USHL is widely regarded as the top junior hockey league in the United States, and the selection gave Roed a platform to showcase his abilities against some of the best young players in the country. His selection, while in a later round, demonstrated the steady improvement he had shown during his minor hockey years.
On December 23, 2020, Roed committed to Bemidji State University’s hockey team, the Beavers, which competes in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). The decision to play college hockey allowed him to continue developing his game while pursuing his education. During his time with the Beavers, Roed emerged as one of the team’s most reliable contributors, and on January 26, 2024, following the 2023–24 season, he was nominated for the Hobey Baker Award, given to the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s best hockey player. The nomination placed him among an elite group of college hockey standouts.
Lleyton Roed Career
Early Career (2020–2024)
Roed’s early career was defined by his commitment to growth at the collegiate level. After joining Bemidji State University, he spent four seasons developing his skills with the Beavers in the CCHA. His progression from a late-round USHL pick to a Hobey Baker Award nominee illustrated the work he put in during those college years.
During his time at Bemidji State, Roed became known for his two-way play, combining offensive instincts with responsible defensive habits. The Hobey Baker nomination served as a strong endorsement of his development and set the stage for his transition to the professional ranks.
NHL Breakthrough (2024–Present)
On March 27, 2024, Roed signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Seattle Kraken, officially beginning his professional career. The contract runs through 2026 and represents the organization’s belief in his long-term potential. Following the signing, Roed was assigned to the Kraken’s AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where he would begin adjusting to the pace and physicality of professional hockey.
Roed quickly made an impact at the AHL level. He scored his first professional goal on April 7, 2024, finding the back of the net as part of a 7–2 victory against the Abbotsford Canucks. His goal, the fifth of the game for the Firebirds, marked a memorable milestone early in his professional journey and helped signal his readiness for the next level.
Driving Style and Strengths
Roed plays a balanced, responsible game that suits the modern demands of professional hockey. His size, listed at 183 centimeters and 81 kilograms, allows him to win battles along the boards and contribute in puck-protection situations, while his hockey sense helps him make plays in all three zones. As a left wing, he has shown the ability to drive play off the rush and contribute to a structured forecheck.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Roed’s young career came on January 26, 2024, when he was nominated for the Hobey Baker Award, placing him in the company of the top collegiate players in the nation. Shortly afterward, on March 27, 2024, he signed his entry-level contract with the Seattle Kraken, capping a memorable stretch that transformed him from a college standout into a professional hockey player. His first professional goal on April 7, 2024, added another milestone to a rapid rise.
Lleyton Roed Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Roed comes from a family with deep roots in the sport of hockey. His father, Peter Roed, enjoyed a lengthy professional career that included stints in the ECHL, the AHL, the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, and the United Hockey League. This extensive background gave Lleyton an early understanding of the dedication required to succeed in hockey and provided him with a valuable perspective on the professional game.
Personal Life
Roed was raised by his parents, Peter and Kelly, who supported his development both as a hockey player and as a person. Growing up in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, he was immersed in a community known for its strong hockey culture. Roed’s focus during his early professional years has remained squarely on his career development with the Coachella Valley Firebirds and the Seattle Kraken organization.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Roed continues his development with the Coachella Valley Firebirds as he works toward earning a sustained role with the Seattle Kraken at the NHL level. His entry-level contract runs through 2026, giving the organization time to evaluate his progression within their system. The Firebirds provide a competitive AHL environment that allows him to refine his game against experienced professionals.
Building on his first professional goal in April 2024, Roed’s focus during the 2025 campaign is on consistency, two-way reliability, and offensive production. The Kraken’s player development staff will be tracking his growth closely as he adjusts to the demands of a full professional schedule. His trajectory from a Hobey Baker nominee to a professional scorer positions him as a player to watch within the organization’s pipeline.
With the Firebirds serving as a key step in his path, Roed’s outlook for the 2025 season centers on continuing to demonstrate the qualities that earned him both his college recognition and his NHL contract. His combination of size, skill, and hockey IQ suggests a bright future as he pursues a long-term role in the National Hockey League.