Ethan Edwards (born 6 June 2002) is a Canadian professional ice‑hockey defenceman who plays for the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL). He played collegiate hockey for the University of Michigan Wolverines and was selected in the fourth round, 120th overall, of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft by the Devils.
Early life and junior career
Edwards was born in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada, to parents Lee and Tara Edwards. He began his junior career with the Spruce Grove Saints of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), appearing in 10 games during the 2018–19 season and 50 games in 2019–20, where he recorded nine goals and 24 assists. He subsequently joined the Sioux City Musketeers of the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the 2020–21 season, leading the team's defencemen with six goals and 21 assists over 51 regular‑season games.
College career
In the 2021–22 season, Edwards enrolled at the University of Michigan and joined the Wolverines’ men’s ice‑hockey program. As a freshman, he posted three goals and eight assists in 36 games. He continued to develop over the next three seasons, improving his offensive contributions and defensive play. Notably, during his sophomore year (2022–23) he recorded four goals, ten assists, and led the team with 54 blocked shots. Edwards served as an alternate captain for the 2023–24 season. A shoulder injury limited his junior year (2023–24) to 21 games, but he returned in January 2024 and contributed three goals and seven assists. In the 2024 NCAA tournament regional final, Edwards scored a goal and added two assists to help Michigan reach the Frozen Four for a third consecutive year. In his senior year (2024–25), he logged five goals and 16 assists in 36 games and was named to the All‑Big Ten Second Team.
Professional career
On 25 March 2025, Edwards signed a two‑year entry‑level contract with the New Jersey Devils, set to commence with the 2025–26 NHL season. He also signed a standard player agreement with the Devils’ AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets, and joined the Comets for the remainder of the 2024–25 season, recording three assists in ten games.
Playing style
Edwards is a left‑shooting defenceman noted for his positional awareness, shot‑blocking ability, and contributions on the power play. His size (5 ft 11 in, 185 lb) and mobility enable him to transition quickly between defensive and offensive responsibilities.
Personal life
Edwards’ older brother, Brett Edwards, played collegiate ice hockey at the University of Denver.
Career statistics (selected)
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | Sioux City Musketeers | USHL | 51 | 6 | 21 | 27 | 96 |
| 2021–22 | Michigan Wolverines | NCAA | 36 | 3 | 8 | 11 | 16 |
| 2022–23 | Michigan Wolverines | NCAA | 37 | 4 | 10 | 14 | 69 |
| 2023–24 | Michigan Wolverines | NCAA | 21 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 20 |
| 2024–25 | Michigan Wolverines | NCAA | 36 | 5 | 16 | 21 | 40 |
| 2024–25 | Utica Comets | AHL | 10 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 8 |
Awards and honours
- All‑Big Ten Second Team (2025)
References
- “Ethan Edwards”. MGoBlue.com (University of Michigan Athletics).
- “Bordeleau, Truscott, Edwards Selected on Day 2 of NHL Draft”. MGoBlue.com, 7 Oct 2020.
- “Edwards Signs Entry‑Level Contract”. NHL.com, 25 Mar 2025.
- Various statistical databases (Elite Prospects, Hockey‑DB, Hockey‑Reference).