Luke Kunin is an accomplished American professional ice hockey center currently serving as an alternate captain for the San Jose Sharks in the National Hockey League (NHL). His journey began when he was selected 15th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the first round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. Kunin’s early career was marked by significant achievements, including captaining the Wisconsin Badgers, where he became the first sophomore to hold the position in over 40 years, and leading the team in scoring during his freshman and sophomore seasons.

After signing with the Wild, Kunin made his NHL debut in the 2017-18 season, where he quickly made an impact by becoming the first player in franchise history to score a short-handed goal in his debut. Despite facing challenges, including a serious injury, he demonstrated resilience and skill, contributing to the Wild’s playoff efforts and earning recognition as a key player on the team. His performance continued to improve, leading to a trade to the Nashville Predators, where he showcased his scoring ability during the 2020-21 season, including a memorable double-overtime goal in the playoffs.

In July 2022, Kunin was traded to the San Jose Sharks, where he signed a two-year contract. His first season with the Sharks was cut short due to injury, but he rebounded in the following season, taking on a leadership role and finishing with impressive statistics, including leading all Sharks forwards in hits. His contributions on and off the ice have made him a vital part of the Sharks’ roster.

Kunin’s international experience is equally impressive, having captained the United States to multiple gold medals in junior competitions. He is also an advocate for diabetes awareness, having established the Luke Kunin T1D fund to support juvenile diabetes research. His commitment to both his sport and community exemplifies his dedication and leadership, making him a respected figure in the hockey world.