Nick Swaney Bio
Nick Swaney is an American professional ice hockey forward who currently plays for Graz99ers of the ICE Hockey League (ICEHL). Selected 209th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, he plays primarily as a forward and has built his career across the United States Hockey League (USHL), the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC), and the American Hockey League (AHL). After developing through the Minnesota Wild organization and the Iowa Wild, Swaney made his National Hockey League (NHL) debut with the Minnesota Wild in 2022 before eventually taking his game overseas to Austria. He continues to pursue his professional career in Europe with Graz99ers.
Early Life and Background
Nick Swaney was born on September 9, 1997, in Lakeville, Minnesota, USA. Growing up in Lakeville, a community with a strong youth hockey tradition in the Twin Cities region, Swaney was introduced to the sport at an early age. He attended Lakeville South High School, where he played for the school hockey program and developed into a recognized prospect.
During his high school years, Swaney committed to playing college hockey, eventually choosing to join the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs of the NCHC. His development at Lakeville South helped position him for a move to junior hockey, and his commitment to a top collegiate program reflected his status as a promising young talent from Minnesota.
Path to Professional Hockey
Following his time at Lakeville South High School, Swaney joined the Waterloo Black Hawks of the USHL, one of the premier junior leagues in the United States. Over the course of his USHL career with the Black Hawks, he accumulated 115 points through 120 games, establishing himself as a consistent offensive contributor and a player with strong hockey sense.
His USHL production drew the attention of NHL scouts, and in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, the homestate Minnesota Wild selected Swaney in the seventh round, 209th overall. After being drafted, he joined the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs as a freshman, beginning his collegiate career with one of the top programs in the NCHC.
Nick Swaney Career
Early Career (2017–2021)
Swaney spent his college years with the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs of the NCHC, where he steadily grew into one of the team’s most reliable offensive players. In his senior season during the 2020–21 campaign, he served as an alternate captain and recorded 28 points in 28 games, finishing as the leading scorer for the Bulldogs.
On April 11, 2021, at the conclusion of his collegiate career, the Minnesota Wild signed Swaney to a one-year, entry-level contract. He was immediately loaned to the Iowa Wild of the AHL on an Amateur Tryout contract for the remainder of the 2020–21 season, beginning his professional career with Minnesota’s top minor-league affiliate.
AHL Breakthrough with Iowa Wild (2021–2023)
In his first full professional season during 2021–22, Swaney attended Minnesota’s training camp before being assigned to the Iowa Wild of the AHL. Playing the entire season in the AHL, the rookie forward tallied 16 goals and 38 points through 62 games, finishing fifth in team scoring and establishing himself as a dependable offensive contributor.
As a restricted free agent, Swaney was re-signed by the Minnesota Wild to a one-year, two-way contract on July 17, 2022. During the 2022–23 AHL season, he continued to solidify his role with Iowa, registering 18 goals and 30 points through 48 games despite missing time due to injury. While playing for Iowa that season, he was recalled by the parent club and made his NHL debut on April 13, 2022, appearing in Minnesota’s final regular-season game, a 4–3 overtime loss to the Nashville Predators.
Minnesota Wild and Chicago Wolves Era (2023–2025)
For the second consecutive off-season, Swaney was re-signed by the Wild as a restricted free agent to a one-year, two-way contract on June 30, 2023. He continued his development within the Minnesota organization, splitting time between the NHL roster and the Iowa Wild as the club evaluated his progress.
After four seasons within the Minnesota Wild system, Swaney left the organization as a free agent. On August 2, 2024, he signed a one-year AHL contract with the Chicago Wolves, joining the team for his fifth professional season in North America. His time with the Wolves expanded his experience across another AHL franchise.
Graz99ers Era (2025–Present)
Following his fifth professional season in North America, Swaney opted to pursue a career abroad as a free agent. On May 6, 2025, he agreed to a one-year contract with Graz99ers of the ICE Hockey League in Austria, marking his transition to European professional hockey. The move represented a new chapter for Swaney as he continued his career outside the North American system.
Driving Style and Strengths
Swaney is recognized as a hard-working, dependable scoring forward whose game has been built on consistency and offensive instincts. Throughout his junior, collegiate, and AHL seasons, he demonstrated the ability to produce at a steady rate while contributing in key situations, including serving as an alternate captain during his senior season with the Bulldogs.
Notable Events and Milestones
Swaney’s career milestones include his 2017 NHL Draft selection by the Minnesota Wild, his NHL debut on April 13, 2022 against the Nashville Predators, and his transition to European hockey with Graz99ers in 2025. His 115 points in 120 USHL games and his 28-point senior season at Minnesota-Duluth stand out as signature performances in his developmental years.
Nick Swaney Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Nick Swaney is a native of Lakeville, Minnesota, where he grew up and developed into a professional hockey prospect. Public information about his family background and personal life beyond his Lakeville roots remains limited, and additional details about parents, siblings, spouse, or children have not been publicly confirmed through verified sources.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks Nick Swaney’s first campaign in European professional hockey after spending his first five professional seasons in North America. On May 6, 2025, he signed a one-year contract with Graz99ers of the ICE Hockey League, committing his career to the Austrian top-flight league for the upcoming season.
During the 2024–25 AHL season with the Chicago Wolves, Swaney continued to develop his game before making the overseas transition. His move to Graz99ers signals an effort to expand his professional experience in a new hockey environment while continuing to play at a high level.
As the 2025–26 ICEHL season unfolds, Swaney’s outlook with Graz99ers centers on establishing himself as a reliable scoring forward in the Austrian league. His track record of consistent offensive production at the junior, collegiate, and AHL levels provides a strong foundation for his adaptation to European hockey.