Victor Östman Bio
Victor Östman is a Swedish professional ice hockey goaltender 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). Standing 193 cm tall and weighing 93 kg, he relies on his size and composure to handle high-pressure situations in the crease. A native of Danderyd, Sweden, Östman developed through Swedish junior hockey before taking his game to North America.
Early Life and Background
Victor Östman was born on 3 August 2000 in Danderyd, Sweden, a municipality north of Stockholm known for producing competitive athletes. He grew up in a supportive household with his mother, Helene, and his father, Lars, who encouraged his early interest in hockey. The Swedish youth system exposed him to structured coaching from a young age, and he progressed through local programs before entering the HV71 junior pipeline.
Östman’s early training in Sweden emphasized fundamentals, positioning, and puck-tracking, all hallmarks of Scandinavian goaltending. His size became an asset during his teenage years, allowing him to cover the net effectively while continuing to refine his lateral movement. Outside of hockey, Östman enjoys golf and padel tennis, two hobbies that help him stay relaxed during long seasons.
Path to Professional Hockey
Östman began his competitive career with HV71, working through the club’s SuperElit junior team and earning limited stints with the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) roster. After three seasons of development in the HV71 system, he decided to test himself in North America. In 2019, he joined the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League (USHL), a top amateur circuit that has produced numerous NHL goaltenders.
During the 2019–20 USHL campaign with the Chicago Steel, Östman posted a 2.34 goals against average (GAA) and a .913 save percentage, numbers that validated his move overseas. He later described the USHL as “a few levels better” than Sweden’s SuperElit league, reflecting how the jump accelerated his development. His single USHL season drew attention from collegiate recruiters and set the stage for the next phase of his career.
Victor Östman Career
College Career (2019–2024)
Following his USHL stint, Östman committed to the University of Maine and joined the Maine Black Bears hockey program competing in Hockey East. He spent four seasons with the Black Bears, balancing academic coursework with the demands of Division I hockey. In his freshman year, he recorded a 3–6–1 mark along with a 3.77 GAA and a .902 save percentage, adjusting to the speed and physicality of the college game.
Across his Maine tenure, Östman steadily improved his consistency, earning the trust of his coaches through detailed preparation and steady in-season performances. On 8 April 2024, shortly after signing his professional contract, he was named the Outstanding Graduating International Student by the Maine Business School, recognizing his academic achievements alongside his athletic career.
Professional Debut with the Seattle Kraken Organization (2024–Present)
On 3 April 2024, the Seattle Kraken signed Victor Östman to a two-year entry-level contract, beginning his professional career. He was assigned to the Kraken’s AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where he has continued to develop against veteran competition. His entry-level deal is scheduled to run through the 2025–26 season.
During the 2024–25 campaign, Östman earned a memorable milestone. On 8 April 2025, he made his NHL debut with the Seattle Kraken, entering the game in relief against the Utah Hockey Club. The appearance marked the culmination of years spent climbing through Swedish juniors, the USHL, and NCAA hockey. He continues to split duties between the Firebirds and the Kraken, gaining valuable experience at both levels.
Playing Style and Strengths
Östman is a tall, technically sound goaltender whose 193 cm frame allows him to cover the upper portion of the net with ease. Coaches have praised his calm demeanor and ability to track pucks through traffic, qualities that translate well to the faster North American game. His blend of size, positioning, and mental toughness has made him a project the Kraken are willing to invest in for the long term.
Notable Events and Milestones
Östman’s NHL debut on 8 April 2025 against the Utah Hockey Club stands as the signature moment of his early professional career. He is also recognized for his academic honor from the Maine Business School and his standout 2019–20 USHL season with the Chicago Steel, where his .913 save percentage announced his potential.
Victor Östman Career Statistics
Across his verified stops, Östman has compiled statistics that reflect steady progression from junior hockey to the professional ranks. His USHL season with the Chicago Steel produced a 2.34 GAA and a .913 save percentage, while his freshman year at Maine showed a 3.77 GAA and a .902 save percentage.
North American Highlights
With the Chicago Steel in 2019–20, Östman established himself as one of the USHL’s promising young netminders, delivering a save percentage above .910. At the University of Maine, he played four seasons of Hockey East competition, building durability and consistency. His professional debut for the Coachella Valley Firebirds and his subsequent NHL relief appearance with the Kraken mark his transition to the top level.
Victor Östman Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Victor Östman was raised by his mother, Helene, and his father, Lars, in Danderyd, Sweden. Their support helped him pursue competitive hockey from childhood and eventually move abroad for his development. He maintains ties to his Swedish roots while building his professional career in North America.
In his downtime, Östman enjoys golf and padel tennis, two sports that keep him active and mentally refreshed between games. He is not publicly known to be married and does not have children based on verified information.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024–25 season marked Victor Östman’s first full professional year, split primarily between the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the AHL and a late-season call-up to the Seattle Kraken. With the Firebirds, he continued to log meaningful starts and refine his craft against experienced AHL shooters, sharpening the technical details of his game.
The defining moment came on 8 April 2025, when he was called up by the Kraken and made his NHL debut in relief against the Utah Hockey Club. That appearance validated his four-year college journey and rewarded his steady growth within the organization. Looking ahead, Östman’s entry-level contract runs through 2026, giving him additional runway to compete for a larger role with the Kraken.