Matt Kiersted Bio
Matt Kiersted is an American professional ice hockey defenseman who plays for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on April 14, 1998, in Elk River, Minnesota, he grew up in a hockey-friendly family and developed his game through high school, junior, and collegiate programs before turning professional. After spending his first NHL seasons with the Florida Panthers, he signed with his hometown Minnesota Wild in 2025, marking a new chapter in his career as a steady, defense-first blueliner.
Standing 183 centimeters tall and weighing 82 kilograms, Kiersted has built his reputation as a reliable two-way defenseman who moves the puck efficiently and plays a dependable defensive role. His journey from Elk River High School through the United States Hockey League and the University of North Dakota illustrates a measured and steady rise to the professional ranks.
Early Life and Background
Matt Kiersted was born on April 14, 1998, in Elk River, Minnesota, to parents Bob Kiersted and Candace Hartwig. He grew up as the middle child between two brothers, Mitch and Drew, in a household that valued athletics and outdoor activity. Minnesota’s deep hockey culture provided a natural setting for a young player interested in the sport, and the family’s connections within the local ice hockey community helped shape his early development.
Kiersted’s introduction to organized hockey came through the encouragement of his father, Bob Kiersted, who was friends with former NHL player Mark Parrish. Parrish convinced the Kiersted family to let their children play the sport, an influence that proved decisive in Matt’s path. He attended Elk River High School, where he played on the school’s hockey program and graduated in 2016.
Path to Hockey
While attending Elk River High School, Kiersted demonstrated enough promise to commit to playing collegiate ice hockey for the North Dakota Fighting Hawks men’s ice hockey team. The University of North Dakota has long been one of the most respected programs in American college hockey, and his commitment signaled a serious trajectory toward the professional level.
As a junior player still developing his game, Kiersted left Elk River to play for the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League (USHL), a top amateur league that has produced numerous NHL players. His time with the Chicago Steel allowed him to face stronger competition, refine his defensive fundamentals, and prepare for the rigors of NCAA Division I hockey with the Fighting Hawks.
Matt Kiersted Career
Early Career (2021)
As a free agent following his collegiate development, Matt Kiersted signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Florida Panthers on April 1, 2021. Just two days later, on April 3, 2021, he made his NHL debut with the Panthers in a 5–2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, marking the beginning of his professional career in the top North American league.
His entry-level deal provided Kiersted with an opportunity to learn the professional game within the Panthers organization, splitting time between the NHL roster and the team’s American Hockey League affiliate as he adjusted to the pace and physical demands of professional hockey.
Florida Panthers Era (2021–2025)
Kiersted spent his first five professional seasons within the Florida Panthers organization, gradually establishing himself as a dependable defenseman. On June 28, 2024, following the expiration of his initial contract, he signed a one-year, two-way contract to return to the Panthers, signaling the organization’s continued confidence in his development and his value as a depth defenseman capable of contributing at both the NHL and AHL levels.
Throughout his time in Florida, Kiersted was recognized for his steady defensive play, his willingness to block shots, and his efficient puck-moving ability from the back end. Although he did not always occupy a top-four role, his reliability and professionalism made him a trusted call-up option and a steady presence when called upon.
Minnesota Wild Era (2025–Present)
Following five seasons within the Panthers organization, Matt Kiersted left as a free agent and signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Minnesota Wild on July 2, 2025. The move held special significance for the Elk River native, as it brought him back to his home state to play for his hometown NHL franchise.
Joining the Wild organization provided Kiersted with an opportunity to compete for a more consistent NHL role while contributing to a team looking to solidify its defensive depth. The familiarity of Minnesota, combined with the stability of a two-year contract, positioned him for an important next phase in his professional career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kiersted is regarded as a defense-first blueliner whose strengths include positional awareness, reliable puck movement, and the willingness to play a physical, shot-blocking style. His ability to transition the puck cleanly out of the defensive zone and his composure under pressure have defined his professional profile.
Notable Events and Milestones
A defining milestone in Kiersted’s career came on April 3, 2021, when he made his NHL debut with the Florida Panthers in a victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. His subsequent signing with the Minnesota Wild in July 2025 marked another significant moment, returning a Minnesota-born defenseman to his home-state NHL club.
Matt Kiersted Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Matt Kiersted was raised in Elk River, Minnesota, by his parents, Bob Kiersted and Candace Hartwig. He grew up alongside his brothers, Mitch and Drew, as the middle child in a close-knit family with strong ties to the local hockey community. The family’s friendship with former NHL player Mark Parrish played a meaningful role in introducing Matt and his siblings to the sport of ice hockey.
Personal Life
Matt Kiersted’s personal life centers on his Minnesota roots and his close family connections. Returning to play for the Minnesota Wild in 2025 brought him back closer to his hometown of Elk River and the family network that helped launch his hockey career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents a transition year for Matt Kiersted, marked by his move from the Florida Panthers to the Minnesota Wild as a free agent in July 2025. The two-year, two-way contract provides him with an opportunity to compete for a regular NHL role while contributing to a Wild team seeking depth and stability on the back end.
As a hometown player joining his home-state franchise, Kiersted enters the season with added motivation to establish himself as a consistent presence in the lineup. His defensive reliability and puck-moving skills offer the Wild a versatile option capable of playing in varied situations.
Looking ahead, the 2025 campaign gives Kiersted a clear opportunity to build on the experience gained across his first five professional seasons. With a stable contract, a familiar regional setting, and an organization committed to defensive structure, he is well positioned to make the most of this next chapter in his NHL career.