Philipp Grubauer
A German goalie who battled from a late draft pick to backstop an expansion team's stunning first playoff run.
Born 1991 (age 35)·German ice hockey player·Birthday: November 25·Millennials
Biography
Philipp Grubauer's path to the NHL net was not a straight shot. Drafted in the fourth round by the Washington Capitals, he honed his craft in the minors, waiting patiently behind established stars. His breakthrough came not with flash, but with steady, reliable performances that earned him a starting role with the Colorado Avalanche. There, he became a Vezina Trophy finalist, recognized as one of the league's best. His most defining chapter, however, began with the Seattle Kraken's expansion draft. Chosen to be their foundational goaltender, Grubauer faced immense pressure and a difficult first season. He silenced critics the next year, delivering clutch saves that propelled the fledgling Kraken past the reigning champions and deep into the playoffs, cementing his status as a cornerstone of a new hockey city.
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.
Philipp 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 Philipp Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Philipp'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
- Named a finalist for the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goaltender in 2021 with the Colorado Avalanche.
- Recorded a career-high seven shutouts during the 2020-21 NHL season.
- Became the starting goaltender for the Seattle Kraken in their inaugural season after being selected in the 2021 expansion draft.
- Backstopped the Seattle Kraken to a first-round playoff victory over the defending champion Colorado Avalanche in 2023.
Did You Know?
He was originally drafted by the Washington Capitals with the 112th overall pick in 2010.
Grubauer played his junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League for the Windsor Spitfires and Belleville Bulls.
He won the Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals in 2018, serving as the backup goaltender.
His nickname among teammates and fans is 'Grubi'.
“My job is to be calm, to be the last line of defense.”
