As the hockey world stands on the brink of 2026, it's a fitting time to reflect on the personal milestones that defined the NHL's recent offseason. Beyond the high-stakes trades and on-ice drama, the summer of 2025 was marked by a heartwarming trend: several of the league's biggest stars stepped away from the spotlight to celebrate a deeply personal event—marriage.
Destination Celebrations and Intimate Ceremonies
A host of NHL celebrities, including Leon Draisaitl, Matthew Tkachuk, Nick Suzuki, MacKenzie Weegar, and Noah Dobson, used their precious offseason time to exchange vows. These events offered fans a rare peek into the lives of their favourite athletes beyond the rink. The celebrations varied widely, from glamorous overseas weddings to cozy gatherings close to home.
In a private yet elegant affair, Edmonton Oilers' superstar Leon Draisaitl married actress Celeste Desjardins in France in August 2025. The ceremony saw the presence of some of his European-based Oilers teammates.
Florida Panthers' forward Matthew Tkachuk wed Ellie Connell in July 2025 in St. Louis, Missouri. The celebration had a strong Panthers presence, and his father, former NHLer Keith Tkachuk, added to the festivities.
Calgary Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar tied the knot with his long-time girlfriend, Maggie Wallace, in Montreal in late July 2025. The event featured a private chapel ceremony followed by a grand reception attended by the Flames' squad.
Double Celebrations and European Affairs
Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki had a two-part celebration. He first eloped with Caitlin Fitzgerald in June 2025 in Turks and Caicos, followed by a second wedding in Montreal in July 2025, where teammate Cole Caufield and others joined in.
New York Islanders' defender Noah Dobson married Alexa in Newport, Rhode Island, in July 2025, capping off a busy period that included significant career moves.
The summer's matrimonial spree extended across the Atlantic with several other players:
- Dallas Stars' Miro Heiskanen married Julia in Rome, Italy.
- Columbus Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski had a ceremony near Columbus, Ohio.
- Filip Chytil of the New York Rangers celebrated in his home country, the Czech Republic.
- Kasperi Kapanen's wedding took place in Helsinki, Finland.
This wave of weddings made the summer of 2025 a uniquely joyous period in the NHL community. Before diving back into the intense grind of professional hockey, these stars chose to celebrate love, family, and new beginnings, reminding everyone that life exists beyond the game.
