Nicholas Paul, commonly known as Nick Paul, is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Born on March 20, 1995, in Mississauga, he holds dual Canadian and American citizenship through his mother.
He is recognized for his hard-working style, strong defensive contributions, face-off skills, and ability to play both wing and center.
Off the ice, Paul enjoys outdoor adventures and has embraced life in Tampa with his wife, Janessa, and their dogs.
Siblings
Nicholas has an older brother named Jesse, who is about eight years his senior.
Growing up in Mississauga, the brothers spent countless hours playing hockey together on a backyard rink built by their father, Ellwood, and half-brother Christopher.
Jesse often challenged Nick during these backyard games, helping him develop resilience by competing against older, more experienced players.
Career
Paul’s hockey journey began in the competitive youth systems around Mississauga, where he honed his skills on the family backyard rink.
He progressed through the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Brampton Battalion (later Battalion), where he stood out for his size, work ethic, and leadership.
Also Read: Rickard Rakell Siblings: All About Robin and Rebecka Rakell
In 2013, he was selected in the fourth round, 101st overall, by the Dallas Stars in the NHL Entry Draft.
He was later traded to the Ottawa Senators organization in 2014.
Paul made his NHL debut with the Senators during the 2015-16 season and spent several years developing into a reliable bottom-six forward known for his physical play and penalty-killing abilities.
On March 20, 2022, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Mathieu Joseph and a draft pick.
The move proved transformative, as Paul contributed significantly during the Lightning’s deep playoff run to the 2022 Stanley Cup Final, recording nine points in 23 games.
He signed a seven-year contract extension with Tampa Bay in July 2022, securing his role as a key forward.
Over his career, Paul has played in more than 500 NHL games, consistently praised for his perseverance, two-way game, and ability to elevate his performance in high-stakes situations.
He also represented Canada internationally, winning gold at the IIHF World Junior Championship in 2015.
Accolades
In the OHL, Paul received the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy as Humanitarian Player of the Year for the 2014-15 season, highlighting his community involvement and leadership.
With the Tampa Bay Lightning, he has been a steady contributor during multiple playoff appearances, including helping the team reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2022.
Paul has recorded career-high goal totals in recent seasons, showcasing improved offensive production alongside his traditional strengths in hits, face-offs, and defensive responsibility.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
