The NHL season is now in full swing, and it’s time to talk about Jewish players. With 13 players on starting rosters and several more prospects preparing to play, Judaism is on the rise in hockey. Last season, Edmonton Oilers star Zach Hyman became the first Jewish player to score fifty goals in a single season, and Vancouver Canucks Captain Quinn Hughes won the Norris Trophy for best defender. 

8. Shai Buium (Detroit Red Wings)

After winning the national title with the University of Denver, twenty-one-year-old Shai signed an entry-level contract with the Detroit Red Wings. The defenseman currently plays with the American Hockey League affiliate of the Red Wings, the Grand Rapids Griffins. His parents are Israeli immigrants who met during their time in the IDF. His mother played professional basketball in Israel before an injury.

7. Zeev Buium (Minnesota Wild)

Shai’s brother Zeev Buium (18) is another breakout star in the NCAA. He was drafted 12th overall in 2023 by the Minnesota Wild and is following his brother’s legacy at the University of Denver. He grew up in San Diego, California, driving upwards of three hours to play games in Los Angeles.

6. Luke Hughes (New Jersey Devils)

The youngest of the Hughes brothers at twenty-one, Luke Hughes, played at the University of Michigan for two seasons. At 6’3, Luke is the tallest of his brothers and plays as a defenseman on the New Jersey Devils alongside his brother Jack. Last season, he recorded nine goals and 38 assists in 82 games.

5. Cole Guttman (Chicago Blackhawks)

Twenty-five-year-old Cole Guttman grew up in Northridge, California. He was captain for the University of Denver, leading the team to the NCAA championship his senior season, and was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2017. In 2022, he was signed by the Chicago Blackhawks to a two-way contract after the Lightning failed to sign him before free agency. He played 27 games last season with four goals and four assists before being sent back to their AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs.

4. Jack Hughes (New Jersey Devils)

Twenty-three-year-old Jack Hughes was drafted first overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2019. Often regarded as one of the most promising young players in the league, Jack recorded 27 goals and 47 assists in 62 games last season. He currently plays as a forward with the Devils and has been given the role of alternate captain.

3. Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks)

The eldest Hughes brother, twenty-five-year-old Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes was drafted seventh overall in 2018. He played two seasons at the University of Michigan and debuted with the Canucks in 2019. This past year, he won the Norris trophy, an award given to the best defenseman of the season.

2. Jeremy Swayman (Boston Bruins)

Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (25) was drafted in 2017. Last season, he helped lead his team to the Stanley Cup playoffs, although they lost in round two to the eventual champions, the Florida Panthers. He recently signed an eight-year $66-million contract.

1. Zach Hyman (Edmonton Oilers)

Zach Hyman played for the University of Michigan for four years before signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs after opting out of a contract with the team that drafted him, the Florida Panthers. He later signed with the Edmonton Oilers, where he is today. He chose the number 18 due to its significance in Judaism and speaks openly about the role Judaism plays in his life.