Matthew Kessel

Matthew Kessel, born on June 23, 2000, in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is a professional ice hockey player who plays as a defenseman. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 212 pounds, he is known for his defensive skills and on-ice presence. Kessel played college hockey at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) before being drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the fifth round, 150th overall, in the 2020 NHL Draft. Kessel made his NHL debut in the 2022 season with the St. Louis Blues, wearing jersey number 51. In his early career, he has demonstrated a strong defensive play style, focusing on blocking shots and maintaining a solid presence on the blue line. In the 2025 regular season, Kessel played 18 games, scoring 2 goals and accumulating 2 points, with a shooting percentage of 20.0%. Throughout his career, Kessel has shown potential in his ability to contribute to both defensive and offensive plays. His average ice time is approximately 11 minutes and 40 seconds per game, and he has played a total of 210 minutes on ice for the 2025 season. His efforts on the ice are complemented by his disciplined play, evidenced by his minimal penalty minutes. Kessel continues to develop his skills and make an impact in the NHL, building on his college career and draft year success.