Nate Schmidt
A mobile, puck-moving defenseman whose infectious energy and resilience carved out a lasting NHL journey across six different franchises.
Born 1991 (age 35)·American ice hockey player·Birthday: July 16·Millennials
Biography
Nate Schmidt's professional hockey career is a testament to adaptability and an undeniably upbeat personality. Undrafted out of the University of Minnesota, he signed with Washington as a free agent, slowly carving out a role with his smooth skating and offensive instincts from the blue line. His big break came in the 2017 expansion draft, where he was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights. In Vegas, Schmidt blossomed into a top-pairing minute-muncher, his speed perfectly suited for the team's frantic system, and he became a vocal, beloved leader during their improbable run to the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season. While subsequent moves to Vancouver, Winnipeg, Florida, and Utah have made him a well-traveled player, Schmidt has maintained a reputation as a reliable, positive presence in any locker room. His game is built on transition and intelligence, a defenseman who starts the rush as effectively as he defends it.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Nate was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Nate Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Nate's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played a top-four role for the Vegas Golden Knights during their historic run to the 2018 Stanley Cup Final.
- Recorded a career-high 36 points (5 goals, 31 assists) in the 2017-18 season with Vegas.
- Has played over 600 regular season games in the NHL as a consistently dependable defenseman.
Did You Know?
He is known for his extremely loud and distinctive goal celebrations, often screaming enthusiastically.
He hosts a podcast called 'The Shift with Nate Schmidt'.
He was a finalist for the NHL's Bill Masterton Trophy for perseverance and dedication to hockey in 2021.
“I just want to be the guy who makes the right play, who you can count on.”
