Ryan Dzingel
Ryan Dzingel (born March 9, 1992) is an American professional ice hockey forward who has played in the National Hockey League (NHL) and American Hockey League (AHL).[1] Drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the seventh round, 204th overall, of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Dzingel is known for his speed, energy, and scoring ability as a left-shooting winger or center.[1] Standing at 6 feet 0 inches and weighing 190 pounds, he hails from Wheaton, Illinois, and has appeared in 404 NHL games, tallying 87 goals and 101 assists for 188 points.[2] Dzingel's path to the NHL began in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Lincoln Stars from 2009 to 2011, where he recorded 34 goals and 59 assists in 90 games.[3] He then attended Ohio State University, playing three seasons in the NCAA from 2011 to 2014 and serving as team captain in his junior year.[1] During the 2013–14 season, he led the Big Ten Conference with 22 goals and 46 points, earning recognition as a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, presented to the top American college hockey player.[1] In 110 collegiate games, Dzingel amassed 45 goals and 63 assists for 108 points.[3] Making his NHL debut with Ottawa during the 2015–16 season, Dzingel quickly established himself as a reliable middle-six forward.[2] His breakout came in 2017–18 with 23 goals and 41 points in 79 games, followed by a career-high 56 points (26 goals, 30 assists) in 2018–19 split between Ottawa and the Columbus Blue Jackets after a midseason trade.[2] Dzingel contributed in the playoffs, including a key goal in the 2017 Eastern Conference Final for Ottawa and appearances with Columbus in 2019 and Carolina in 2020.[1] Over his NHL tenure, he suited up for the Senators (2015–19, 2020–21), Blue Jackets (2019), Hurricanes (2019–21), Arizona Coyotes (2021–22), and San Jose Sharks (2022).[2] After his last NHL action in the 2021–22 season, Dzingel continued professionally in the AHL, playing for affiliates including the Chicago Wolves (2022–23) and Henderson Silver Knights (2023–24), where he recorded 4 goals and 1 assist in 12 games on a professional tryout contract.[3] In 153 AHL games, he totaled 37 goals and 56 assists for 93 points.[3] As of 2025, Dzingel remains an unrestricted free agent, seeking opportunities to return to professional hockey.[1]Early life and amateur career
Early life
Ryan Dzingel was born on March 9, 1992, in Wheaton, Illinois. He grew up in the Chicago area as the second of three children to parents Rick and Linda Dzingel, with an older brother named Rick and a younger sister named Dana.[4][5] Dzingel's father, Rick, provided a strong athletic foundation for the family, having played college baseball at Louisiana Tech University and briefly in the minor leagues with the St. Louis Cardinals organization as a third baseman. Despite this baseball heritage—Rick even coached high school teams—Ryan initially balanced multiple sports, including excelling as an all-state shortstop at Wheaton Academy, a private Christian school in West Chicago.[6][7][8] From an early age, Dzingel was exposed to sports through local youth programs in Wheaton and his family's emphasis on athleticism, though hockey was uncommon in the region. Introduced to the sport at age five by his father's close friend Dan Lopatka, Dzingel developed a passion for hockey during his childhood, viewing it as his primary pursuit despite baseball opportunities. This early interest paved the way for his transition to organized junior hockey.[4][9]Junior career
Dzingel began his junior hockey career with the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League (USHL) during the 2009–10 season, appearing in 36 games and recording 11 goals and 15 assists for 26 points.[3] In his second and final season with the Stars in 2010–11, Dzingel emerged as a standout performer, leading the team in scoring with 23 goals and 44 assists for 67 points in 54 regular-season games.[10][3] Internationally, Dzingel made his debut for Team USA at the 2010 World Junior A Challenge, where he helped the squad secure the gold medal by defeating Canada East in the final.[11] His strong performance in the USHL earned him selection by the Ottawa Senators in the seventh round, 204th overall, of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Following the draft, Dzingel committed to join the Ohio State University hockey program for the 2011–12 season.[11]Collegiate career
Dzingel enrolled at Ohio State University in 2011 and played three seasons with the Buckeyes men's ice hockey team from 2011 to 2014, competing in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) during his first two years before the program's transition to the Big Ten Conference in 2013–14.[12] As a freshman in the 2011–12 season, he recorded 7 goals and 17 assists for 24 points in 33 games, contributing to the team's offensive efforts while adjusting to collegiate play.[3] His scoring output progressed steadily, reflecting his development as a forward; in his sophomore year of 2012–13, Dzingel tallied 16 goals and 22 assists for 38 points in 40 games.[13] During his junior season in 2013–14, Dzingel emerged as a standout performer in the inaugural Big Ten campaign, leading the Buckeyes with 22 goals and adding 24 assists for 46 points in 37 games.[14] A highlight came on January 10, 2014, when he scored the first hat trick in Big Ten Conference history, netting three goals in a 5–3 victory over Michigan State, which propelled Ohio State to a crucial win.[15] This performance underscored his growing impact on the team, as he tied for the conference lead in goals and ranked among the national leaders in scoring.[16] Following the conclusion of his junior year, Dzingel signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Ottawa Senators on April 2, 2014, opting to forgo his senior season to begin his professional career.[17]Professional career
Ottawa Senators (first stint)
Dzingel signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Ottawa Senators on April 2, 2014, following his junior and collegiate career, and was assigned to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Binghamton Senators, for the 2014–15 season.[18] In his professional debut, he appeared in 66 regular-season games, scoring 17 goals and adding 17 assists for 34 points while accumulating 50 penalty minutes. The following season, 2015–16, Dzingel split time between Binghamton and Ottawa, recording 12 goals and 24 assists for 36 points in 44 AHL games.[19] Dzingel made his NHL debut with the Ottawa Senators on December 22, 2015, against the Florida Panthers, stepping in as a replacement for the injured Bobby Ryan.[20] In his rookie NHL season, he played 30 games, contributing 3 goals and 6 assists for 9 points.[2] His first NHL goal came on February 16, 2016, tying the game against the Buffalo Sabres in a 5–2 Ottawa victory.[21] During the 2016–17 season, Dzingel secured a full-time NHL role, appearing in all 81 regular-season games and tallying 14 goals and 18 assists for 32 points, while adding 2 goals in 15 playoff games as Ottawa reached the Eastern Conference Final.[2] On July 21, 2017, ahead of the 2017–18 season, Dzingel signed a two-year contract extension with Ottawa worth $3.6 million, avoiding salary arbitration.[22] That year marked his breakout, as he emerged as a key middle-six forward, scoring a career-high 23 goals and 18 assists for 41 points in 79 games despite the team's struggles.[2][23] Dzingel continued his offensive contributions in 2018–19, notching 22 goals and 22 assists for 44 points in 57 games before being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets on February 23, 2019.[2] The Ottawa Senators traded Dzingel and their 2019 seventh-round pick (acquired from the Calgary Flames) to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for forward Anthony Duclair and Columbus's second-round picks in the 2020 and 2021 NHL Entry Drafts.[24]Columbus Blue Jackets
On February 23, 2019, the Columbus Blue Jackets acquired forward Ryan Dzingel from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for forward Anthony Duclair and second-round draft picks in 2020 and 2021, along with Ottawa receiving Columbus's 2019 seventh-round pick originally owned by the Calgary Flames. This trade followed Dzingel's productive tenure in Ottawa, where he had established himself as a reliable scoring winger, enhancing his value as a midseason addition to Columbus's roster amid their push for a playoff spot.[24] In his 21 games with the Blue Jackets during the 2018–19 regular season, Dzingel recorded 4 goals and 8 assists for 12 points, providing timely offensive contributions that helped bolster the team's depth scoring as they clinched the third wild card position in the Eastern Conference.[25] He primarily filled a versatile middle-six role, often lining up on the second line alongside center Matt Duchene and right winger Josh Anderson, where his speed and puck pursuit added energy to Columbus's forecheck.[26] While not overly physical, Dzingel's competitive edge and willingness to engage in board battles complemented the team's balanced attack during the playoff chase.[27] Dzingel became an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2019, and the Blue Jackets opted not to re-sign him, allowing him to depart after his brief stint with the organization.[28]Carolina Hurricanes (first stint)
On July 12, 2019, Dzingel signed a two-year contract worth $6.75 million with the Carolina Hurricanes, carrying an average annual value of $3.375 million, with salaries of $3.25 million for the 2019–20 season and $3.5 million for the 2020–21 season.[29][30] In his first full season with Carolina during 2019–20, Dzingel appeared in 64 games, recording 8 goals and 21 assists for 29 points, while accumulating 30 penalty minutes.[2] The season was shortened and disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Hurricanes playing 68 regular-season games before the league paused in March 2020 and resumed in a bubble format in August. Dzingel contributed to Carolina's postseason run that year, appearing in four playoff games as the team advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where they were defeated by the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games.[2][31] During the 2020–21 season, which was reduced to 56 games due to ongoing pandemic restrictions, Dzingel played 11 games for the Hurricanes, scoring 2 goals and adding 2 assists for 4 points before being traded.[2] He provided depth scoring on the forward lines amid Carolina's strong regular-season performance, which positioned the team as the top seed in the Central Division and led to another appearance in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, though Dzingel did not participate in the playoffs following his departure.[32] On February 13, 2021, the Hurricanes traded Dzingel to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for forwards Alex Galchenyuk and Cedric Paquette, with no salary retention or additional assets involved.[33]Return to Ottawa Senators
On February 13, 2021, the Ottawa Senators reacquired forward Ryan Dzingel from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for forwards Alex Galchenyuk and Cedric Paquette.[34] This trade marked Dzingel's return to the organization where he had previously established himself as a reliable scorer during his initial stint from 2015 to 2019. Dzingel described the homecoming as seamless and emotionally rewarding, stating that it felt like he "hasn’t left" due to his familiarity with the team and continued friendships with several former teammates.[35] In the remaining 29 games of the 2020–21 NHL season, he contributed 6 goals and 9 points, primarily operating on the third and fourth lines in a bottom-six role.[1] Amid the Senators' ongoing rebuild, Dzingel provided veteran leadership, assisting in the development of younger roster members by offering guidance during practices and games.[36] His contract expired at the end of the season, making him an unrestricted free agent as of July 28, 2021.[37]Arizona Coyotes
As an unrestricted free agent following his second stint with the Ottawa Senators, Dzingel signed a one-year contract worth $1.1 million with the Arizona Coyotes on July 28, 2021.[38] During the 2021–22 season, Dzingel appeared in 26 games for the rebuilding Coyotes, recording 4 goals and 3 assists for 7 points while accumulating 35 penalty minutes.[1][39] His production averaged 0.27 points per game, reflecting limited ice time on a young squad focused on development amid roster turnover.[40][41] On February 19, 2022, the Coyotes traded Dzingel and defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for forward Nick Ritchie and Toronto's conditional draft pick (a choice between their 2023 third-round pick or 2025 second-round pick, with Arizona selecting the 2025 second-round pick).[42][43][44]San Jose Sharks
On February 19, 2022, Dzingel was traded from the Arizona Coyotes to the Toronto Maple Leafs along with defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin in exchange for forward Nick Ritchie and Toronto's conditional draft pick (a choice between their 2023 third-round pick or 2025 second-round pick, with Arizona selecting the 2025 second-round pick).[45] The Maple Leafs placed him on waivers the next day without him appearing in a game for the team.[46] The San Jose Sharks claimed Dzingel off waivers from Toronto on February 21, 2022, adding him as a depth forward during a challenging stretch that included a nine-game losing streak.[47] In his brief stint with the Sharks, Dzingel appeared in six games, recording one goal and one point while averaging 16:17 of ice time per game in a bottom-six role.[1] His goal came on February 27 against the Seattle Kraken, marking his only point with the team.[48] These six contests represented Dzingel's final NHL appearances of the 2021–22 season and his last at the NHL level before transitioning to the American Hockey League the following year.[1] Dzingel's one-year contract with the Sharks, originally signed with Arizona, expired at the end of the season on July 13, 2022, making him an unrestricted free agent.[37]Carolina Hurricanes (second stint)
On July 25, 2022, Dzingel signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Carolina Hurricanes, marking his return to the organization for a second stint after previously playing there from 2019 to 2021.[49] The deal carried a cap hit of $750,000 at the NHL level, with a minor-league salary of $150,000 and $200,000 guaranteed.[49] Dzingel attended training camp with the Hurricanes but was placed on waivers on October 5, 2022, and cleared the following day to report to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Chicago Wolves.[50] During the 2022–23 season, Dzingel served primarily as a depth forward for the Wolves, appearing in 22 regular-season games and contributing 2 goals and 9 assists for 11 points, along with a +5 plus-minus rating.[50] He also recorded 12 penalty minutes during his time in Chicago.[3] Dzingel did not appear in any NHL games with Carolina during this period, as the team utilized him in a minor-league role to provide veteran leadership and scoring depth amid injuries and roster adjustments.[51] Following the expiration of his contract at the conclusion of the 2022–23 season, Dzingel became an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2023.[37] He did not receive a contract extension from the Hurricanes and pursued opportunities elsewhere, ending his second tenure with the organization after one season focused on AHL development.[18]AHL assignments and free agency
Following his release from the Carolina Hurricanes organization after the 2022–23 season, Dzingel became an unrestricted free agent and signed a professional tryout agreement with the Arizona Coyotes ahead of their 2023 training camp.[52] He was released by Arizona on September 26, 2023, without securing an NHL contract.[53] Dzingel remained unsigned for much of the 2023–24 season, with no games played for the Carolina-affiliated Chicago Wolves despite his prior assignment there in 2022–23.[54] On March 12, 2024, he signed a professional tryout agreement with the Henderson Silver Knights, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights.[55] In 12 regular-season games with Henderson, Dzingel recorded 4 goals and 1 assist for 5 points.[56] As of November 2025, Dzingel remains an unrestricted free agent with no active NHL or AHL contract, having last played professionally in the 2023–24 season.[37] There have been no reported signings or retirement announcements.[50]Personal life
Family background
Ryan Dzingel was born in Wheaton, Illinois, to parents Rick and Linda Dzingel.[4] His father, Rick, had a background in baseball, having played collegiately at Louisiana Tech University and briefly in the minor leagues with the St. Louis Cardinals organization, before transitioning to coaching high school and summer teams.[8][9] Rick worked as a salesman and initially hoped Ryan would pursue baseball, but ultimately supported his son's choice of hockey following his selection in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.[7][9] Dzingel has one older brother, also named Rick, and one younger sister, Dana, with the family maintaining stability in the Wheaton area throughout his development.[4][9] His parents provided significant financial and emotional support during his junior and college years, investing approximately $15,000 annually in Triple-A and USHL hockey expenses, which included forgoing family vacations and managing weekend separations—Rick often traveled with Ryan to games while Linda remained home with Dana.[9] This support extended to Ryan's time at Ohio State University, where Rick attended games and drew inspiration from his recovery after a 2013 cancer diagnosis in his lymph nodes and throat, from which he became cancer-free.[7] Ryan frequently visited home during his father's treatment, sleeping in the hospital room to offer encouragement.[7] In June 2020, Dzingel married Elise Lobb, a golf influencer and Fox Sports personality, in a small ceremony in McLean, Virginia.[57][58] The couple has two children: a son, Dawson, born in April 2023, and a daughter, Lily, born in 2025.[59][60][61] The family did not relocate for Ryan's hockey opportunities, remaining rooted in Illinois to provide a stable base amid his moves to Indiana for junior hockey and Columbus for college.[4][9]Interests and residence
Ryan Dzingel maintains strong ties to his hometown of Wheaton, Illinois, in the Chicago area, where he was born and raised, and spends his off-seasons there as of 2025 following his status as an unrestricted free agent.[3][62] This Midwestern base provides a sense of stability amid the transient nature of professional hockey. Dzingel enjoys golf as a prominent off-ice interest, having participated in golf outings and events, including a 2024 episode of a golf show where he competed alongside NFL and NHL personalities at Mountain Shadows Golf Course.[63] His involvement in the sport extends to supporting his wife's passion for it, reflecting a shared family hobby that offers relaxation during career transitions.[64] In terms of charitable endeavors, Dzingel has actively supported families facing hardships, notably organizing a 2018 hockey camp in the Chicagoland area that raised funds for the Ronald McDonald House and the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), motivated by his own family's sacrifices to support his hockey dreams.[65] That same year, he made a personal gesture by befriending and inviting a family whose young children were battling brain cancer to an Ottawa Senators game, providing emotional uplift during their difficult time.[66] These efforts highlight his commitment to giving back through NHL player programs and community initiatives. Dzingel balances his professional uncertainties, including multiple team changes and free agency periods, with family life by prioritizing time in Illinois, where his support system remains anchored.[67] Additionally, he owns RMD Capital Inc., a venture established in 2018 that appears to manage personal investments alongside his hockey career.[67]Awards and honors
Junior and college accolades
During his junior hockey career with the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League (USHL), Dzingel was selected to participate in the 2010-11 USHL All-Star Game, recognizing his standout performance as a leading scorer with 67 points in 54 games.[68] Earlier that year, he represented the United States at the 2010 World Junior A Challenge in Penticton, British Columbia, contributing to the team's gold medal victory as the top under-20 national squad.[69] At Ohio State University, Dzingel earned significant NCAA accolades during his junior season in 2013-14, when he led the Big Ten Conference in scoring with 46 points (22 goals and 24 assists) in 37 games, securing the conference scoring title and sharing the goal-scoring lead.[70] His performance earned him a selection to the All-Big Ten First Team, as well as the NCAA West First-Team All-American honors from the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA). He was also named Ohio State Team MVP and Leading Scorer for the season.[70] Additionally, Dzingel's offensive prowess was highlighted by his status as a finalist for the 2014 Hobey Baker Memorial Award, given annually to the top player in NCAA men's ice hockey.[71] Dzingel's college achievements also included notable individual milestones, such as recording his second career hat trick—scoring three goals in a single game—during a 5-3 victory over Michigan State on January 10, 2014, which earned him Big Ten Second Star of the Week honors for his four-point effort (3 goals, 1 assist).[72] He had previously notched his first collegiate hat trick as a freshman in a 4-4 tie against Lake Superior State in January 2012, marking the first such feat by an Ohio State freshman since 2005.[73]Professional achievements
Ryan Dzingel made his NHL debut with the Ottawa Senators during the 2015–16 season, appearing in 30 games and recording nine points. On February 16, 2016, he scored his first NHL goal against the Buffalo Sabres, tying the game in the first period during a 2–1 shootout victory.[74][21] In the 2017–18 season, Dzingel achieved a career-high 23 goals with the Senators, surpassing the 20-goal mark for the first time in his NHL career while contributing to 41 points over 79 games.[2] That spring, he appeared in 19 playoff games for Ottawa, including scoring a key tying goal in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins.[2] Dzingel participated in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2019, playing six games during their first-round series. He later joined the Carolina Hurricanes, appearing in four games during the 2019–20 playoffs as the team advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, and returning for 11 games in the 2020–21 playoffs en route to another Eastern Conference Finals appearance.[2][3]Career statistics
NHL statistics
Ryan Dzingel appeared in 404 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season games across seven seasons from 2015 to 2022, recording 87 goals, 101 assists, and 188 points while accumulating 191 penalty minutes.[2]| Season | Team(s) | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM | +/- | PPG | PPA | SHG | SHA | GWG | S | S% | TOI/GP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 | OTT | 30 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 13.0 | 10:48 |
| 2016–17 | OTT | 81 | 14 | 18 | 32 | 30 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 123 | 11.4 | 14:23 |
| 2017–18 | OTT | 79 | 23 | 18 | 41 | 35 | -17 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 136 | 16.9 | 16:30 |
| 2018–19 | OTT/CBJ | 78 | 26 | 30 | 56 | 29 | -9 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 159 | 16.4 | 16:49 |
| 2019–20 | CAR | 64 | 8 | 21 | 29 | 30 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 98 | 8.2 | 14:09 |
| 2020–21 | CAR/OTT | 40 | 8 | 5 | 13 | 21 | -5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 48 | 16.7 | 12:42 |
| 2021–22 | ARI/SJS | 32 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 35 | -5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 32 | 15.6 | 13:43 |
AHL and other leagues statistics
Ryan Dzingel began his professional career in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Binghamton Senators beginning in 2013, accumulating 119 games over three seasons from 2013 to 2016, during which he recorded 31 goals and 46 assists for 77 points. He returned to the AHL in 2022–23 with the Chicago Wolves, posting 11 points in 22 games, and in 2023–24 with the Henderson Silver Knights, where he tallied 5 points in 12 games. His AHL playoff appearances were limited, with one game in 2013–14. As of November 2025, Dzingel is an unrestricted free agent with no further professional games recorded.[1][3]AHL Regular Season Statistics
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013–14 | Binghamton Senators | 9 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 1 |
| 2014–15 | Binghamton Senators | 66 | 17 | 17 | 34 | 50 | -6 |
| 2015–16 | Binghamton Senators | 44 | 12 | 24 | 36 | 22 | -5 |
| 2022–23 | Chicago Wolves | 22 | 2 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 5 |
| 2023–24 | Henderson Silver Knights | 12 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 4 | -9 |
AHL Playoff Statistics
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013–14 | Binghamton Senators | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 |
USHL Regular Season Statistics
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–10 | Lincoln Stars | 36 | 11 | 15 | 26 | 38 | -18 |
| 2010–11 | Lincoln Stars | 54 | 23 | 44 | 67 | 8 | 19 |
USHL Playoff Statistics
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010–11 | Lincoln Stars | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | -3 |
NCAA Statistics (Ohio State University)
| Season | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–12 | 33 | 7 | 17 | 24 | 32 | 4 |
| 2012–13 | 40 | 16 | 22 | 38 | 22 | -9 |
| 2013–14 | 37 | 22 | 24 | 46 | 34 | 17 |
International Statistics (2010 World Junior A Challenge)
| Tournament | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WJAC U19 (USA) | 4 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 |