Brian Dumoulin
Brian Dumoulin | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 6, 1991 Biddeford, Maine, U.S. |
| Occupation | Professional ice hockey defenseman |
| Years active | 2012–present |
| Known for | NHL player for Los Angeles Kings; two-time Stanley Cup champion with Pittsburgh Penguins |
Brian Joseph Dumoulin (born September 6, 1991) is a professional ice hockey defenseman from the United States, currently playing for the Los Angeles Kings in the National Hockey League (NHL). Selected 51st overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Carolina Hurricanes, Dumoulin has also been a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Seattle Kraken, Anaheim Ducks, and New Jersey Devils during his career.
Originating from Maine, Dumoulin played for the Biddeford High School Tigers, where he played a key role in securing consecutive state titles. Following that, he spent a season with the New Hampshire Junior Monarchs before committing to Boston College. Across three seasons at Boston College, he earned several honors such as the Hockey East Best Defensive Defenseman award and selections to both the All-Hockey East First Team and Rookie Team. During this time frame, his NHL rights were transferred to the Penguins.
On the international stage, Dumoulin represented the United States in junior competitions, including participation in the 2008 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and winning a bronze medal at the 2011 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.
Early life
Born in Biddeford, Maine to parents Deb and Pete Dumoulin, Brian was introduced to skating when his mother roller skated during a nursing conference. He began playing hockey at an early age, advancing through local youth programs and eventually joining select travel teams such as the Maine Renegades. After not making Biddeford’s top youth squad, he competed in pee wee and bantam divisions with New Hampshire’s Seacoast Spartans, playing alongside future NHL talents like Casey DeSmith and Garnet Hathaway. His first employment was as a dishwasher at Huot's Seafood in Maine.
Amateur
While attending high school, Dumoulin represented the Biddeford High School Tigers, contributing significantly to back-to-back state championship victories and amassing 107 points across 48 games. He departed BHS during his junior year to join the New Hampshire Junior Monarchs, a Tier III Junior A team, seeking to enhance his prospects for Division I collegiate hockey. His brother John remained at Biddeford High until graduating before retiring from hockey. In the 2008–09 campaign, Dumoulin aided the Monarchs in winning the regular-season title and earned recognition as EJHL Defensive Player of the Year. Multiple universities recruited him—including the University of Maine, Providence College, Northeastern University, Harvard University, University of New Hampshire, and ultimately Boston College (BC), which he selected due to its strong program and proximity to home.
Collegiate
Prior to beginning his freshman year at Boston College (BC), Dumoulin was chosen 51st overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, ranked 61st among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. Enrolling at BC's Carroll School of Management, he competed with the Boston College Eagles in NCAA Division I Hockey East. Initially considering several institutions, he accepted a scholarship from BC where he played alongside future Pittsburgh Penguins prospects under coach Jerry York, who fostered skating techniques compatible with Pittsburgh’s style.
During his first collegiate season, Dumoulin tallied 12 points and led his team with a plus-40 rating. He scored his inaugural college goal on March 6, 2010, earning a spot on the Hockey East Rookie Team. He played an instrumental role in guiding BC to the 2010 NCAA Frozen Four and was named to the All-Tournament Team following their championship triumph.
In his sophomore year (2010–11), Dumoulin recorded 33 points over 37 games and secured a bronze medal representing Team USA at the 2011 World Junior Championships. Despite speculation about turning pro, he opted to continue developing at BC. That season brought him AHCA All-Hockey East First Team honors, recognition as Hockey East Best Defensive Defenseman, and receipt of the Bob Monahan Award as New England’s premier defenseman.
After attending the Hurricanes Conditioning Camp in summer 2011, Dumoulin returned for his junior year. He accumulated seven goals and 28 points across 44 games as BC advanced once more to the 2012 NCAA Frozen Four. In the championship game against Ferris State, he contributed a goal in their 4–1 victory. Ahead of this tournament, Dumoulin was named a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award after leading all Hockey East defensemen in scoring. Following BC’s national title win, he earned another selection to the All-Tournament Team.
On April 10, 2012, Dumoulin signed an entry-level contract with Carolina but was traded on June 22, 2012, along with Brandon Sutter and a first-round draft pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for center Jordan Staal.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Following the conclusion of his college hockey tenure, Dumoulin participated in the Penguins' Development Camp and was subsequently assigned to their AHL team, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, for the 2012–13 season. There, he accumulated six goals and 18 assists across 79 contests.
He began the following season competing in the AHL but was called up on December 9, 2013, after registering six points in 22 games. Dumoulin made his NHL debut on December 14 against the Detroit Red Wings, logging 18:10 minutes of ice time amid numerous penalties. He notched his first NHL point with an assist two days later versus the Toronto Maple Leafs. After appearing in six NHL matches, he returned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and contributed 12 points during 17 playoff games.
Prior to the 2014–15 season, Dumoulin was reassigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton but rejoined Pittsburgh’s NHL roster in December due to injuries within the lineup. He scored his inaugural NHL goal on December 15, 2014, against Evgeni Nabokov of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Back in the AHL, he led all team defensemen with 33 points and earned another promotion to the NHL in April 2015. Dumoulin participated in five playoff games against the New York Rangers and secured a two-year one-way contract with Pittsburgh on July 9, 2015.
During the offseason of 2015, Dumoulin dedicated significant effort to training in Boston. In the 2015–16 season, initially paired with Ben Lovejoy and later Trevor Daley, he established himself as a vital shutdown defenseman, accumulating 16 assists and a plus-11 rating by March. He scored his first postseason goal in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final against Tampa Bay and added another key goal in Game 6 of the 2016 Stanley Cup Finals, helping Pittsburgh capture its fourth Stanley Cup championship. Dumoulin became the first NHL player born in Maine to win the Stanley Cup.
Building on this achievement, Dumoulin aimed to complete his bachelor's degree in marketing while preparing for a larger role in the 2016–17 season. After recording seven assists in 35 games, he sustained a broken jaw in December but returned following a ten-game absence. Following Kris Letang’s injury, he emerged as Pittsburgh’s leading defenseman, finishing with one goal and 14 assists over 70 games. The Penguins claimed their second straight Stanley Cup that year; Dumoulin played through a hand injury incurred during the playoffs. On July 24, 2017, he agreed to a six-year contract worth $24.6 million extending through the 2022–23 season.
In his initial season under this new deal, Dumoulin achieved personal bests with five goals and 18 points across 80 games despite missing two contests due to concussion issues. He also completed his marketing degree at Boston College during this period. In playoff action against the Philadelphia Flyers, he tallied multiple points early in the series and matched a postseason record for fastest two goals by one team alongside Evgeni Malkin. The Penguins advanced but were eliminated by the Washington Capitals in Round Two; Dumoulin missed time as a result of concussion protocols.
During the 2018–19 preseason, Dumoulin suffered an upper-body injury but made a swift return. Despite concussions and lower-body injuries limiting some appearances, he remained a steady defensive force. He posted a career-high 23 points over 76 games while increasing his average ice time amid teammates’ absences.
The 2019–20 season was disrupted by injuries for Dumoulin; after missing early games due to a lower-body issue and undergoing ankle surgery midseason, he spent considerable time sidelined before resuming practice in February.
Returning for the 2020–21 season, Dumoulin missed 15 games but provided strong defensive support during his shifts. He scored four goals and totaled fourteen points in just 41 contests, ranking fifth among Penguins defensemen in both categories. His average ice time exceeded 22 minutes per game, complemented by significant penalty-killing responsibilities. Head coach Mike Sullivan commended his defensive dependability beyond routine plays.
Ahead of the 2021–22 season, Dumoulin undertook rigorous training alongside teammate John Marino in Boston. After participating in eight games that season, he was placed on the NHL's COVID-19 protocol list but was soon reinstated to active status.
Seattle Kraken
After spending a decade with the Penguins, Dumoulin inked a two-year contract valued at $6.3 million with the Seattle Kraken on July 1, 2023. During the 2023 season, he achieved a personal best by scoring 6 goals and contributing 10 assists, totaling 16 points over 80 games. This performance placed him third among Kraken defensemen in scoring.
Anaheim Ducks
With one year remaining on his contract, Dumoulin was traded to the Anaheim Ducks on July 2, 2024, in return for a fourth-round selection in the 2026 draft.
New Jersey Devils
In the final year of his deal with Anaheim, Dumoulin was dealt to the New Jersey Devils on March 6, 2025. The Ducks received prospect Herman Träff and a second-round pick in the 2025 draft in exchange. Dumoulin added 1 goal and totaled 6 points across 19 regular-season games for the Devils, who qualified for the playoffs. He also participated in five postseason contests.
Los Angeles Kings
Following the conclusion of his contract with New Jersey, Dumoulin agreed to a three-year contract worth $12 million with the Los Angeles Kings on July 1, 2025.
Playing style
At the outset of his career, Dumoulin drew comparisons to Ryan Whitney due to his physical stature and adept stickhandling. Ron Francis described him as a "large, puck-moving defenseman," while Dumoulin himself emphasized being "reliable in my defensive zone." He credits much of his growth as a professional to coaches John Hynes and Alain Nasreddine.
International play
As an American national, Dumoulin represented the United States men's national junior ice hockey team at the junior level. His international debut came at the 2008 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, where Team USA finished seventh. He played a key role in helping Team USA secure a bronze medal at the 2011 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.
Personal life
Dumoulin and his wife Kayla celebrated the birth of their first child in November 2019. Beyond hockey, he developed an interest in culinary arts inspired by Anthony Bourdain, having viewed every episode of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations and The Layover.
Regular season and playoffs
| Regular season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | ||
| 2006–07 | Biddeford High School | HS-ME | 24 | 13 | 33 | 46 | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| 2007–08 | Biddeford High School | HS-ME | 24 | 13 | 48 | 61 | 10 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2008–09 | New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs | EJHL | 41 | 7 | 23 | 30 | 30 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2009–10 | Boston College | HE | 42 | 1 | 21 | 22 | 16 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Boston College | HE | 37 | 3 | 30 | 33 | 6 | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| 2011–12 | Boston College | HE | 44 | 7 | 21 | 28 | 26 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins | AHL | 73 | 6 | 18 | 24 | 18 | 15 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 6 | |||
| 2013–14 | Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins | AHL | 53 | 5 | 16 | 21 | 21 | 17 | 3 | 9 | 12 | |||
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–15 | Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins | AHL | 62 | 4 | 29 | 33 | 18 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 3 | - |2014–15 | Pittsburgh Penguins | NHL | 8 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - bgcolor="f0f0f0" | 2015–16 | Pittsburgh Penguins | NHL | 79 | 0 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 24 | 2 | 6 | 8 | - |2016–17 | Pittsburgh Penguins | NHL | 70 | 1 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 25 | 1 | 5 | 6 | - bgcolor="f0f0f0" | 2017–18 | Pittsburgh Penguins | NHL | 80 | 5 | 13 | 18 | 30 | 12 | 1 | 6 | 7 | - |2018–19 | Pittsburgh Penguins | NHL | 76 | 3 | 20 | 23 | 20 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |- bgcolor="f0f0f0" | 2019–20 | Pittsburgh Penguins | NHL | 28 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 |- |2020–21 | Pittsburgh Penguins | NHL | 41 | 4 | 10 | 14 | 12 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 |- bgcolor="f0f0f0" | 2021–22 | Pittsburgh Penguins | NHL | 76 | 3 | 15 | 18 | 24 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |- |2022–23 | Pittsburgh Penguins | NHL | 82 | 1 | 24 | 25 | 16 | - bgcolor="f0f0f0" | 2023–24 | Seattle Kraken | NHL | 80 | 6 | 10 | 16 | 20 | — | — | — | — | - |2024–25 | Anaheim Ducks | NHL | 61 | 2 | 14 | 16 | 10 | — | — | — | — | - bgcolor="f0f0f0" | 2024–25 | New Jersey Devils | NHL | 19 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - bgcolor="#e0e0e0" | NHL totals !706 !28 !149 !177 !180 !86 !4 !21 !25 !16 |}
International
Awards and honors
External links | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- 1991 births
- American men's ice hockey defensemen
- Anaheim Ducks players
- Boston College Eagles men's ice hockey players
- Carolina Hurricanes draft picks
- Ice hockey players from Maine
- Living people
- Los Angeles Kings players
- New Jersey Devils players
- Sportspeople from Biddeford, Maine
- Pittsburgh Penguins players
- Seattle Kraken players
- Stanley Cup champions
- Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins players
- AHCA Division I men's ice hockey All-Americans
- Biddeford High School alumni
- 21st-century American sportsmen
- NCAA men's ice hockey national champions