Brief Introduction of Chase De Leo
Chase De Leo is an American professional ice hockey forward known for his skill, speed, and tenacity on the ice. Born on October 25, 1995, in La Mirada, California, De Leo has carved out a notable career that has seen him play in the National Hockey League (NHL), the American Hockey League (AHL), the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), and the Swiss National League (NL). A product of the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL), he was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in the fourth round, 99th overall, in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. While he has played for several NHL organizations, including the Winnipeg Jets, Anaheim Ducks, and New Jersey Devils, he has predominantly made his mark in the AHL, where he has been a consistent offensive producer and a leader, even serving as a captain. His journey in hockey is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport, which began at a young age in a non-traditional hockey market.
Chase De Leo Overview
| Full Name | Chase De Leo |
| Date of Birth | October 25, 1995 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 30 |
| Birthplace | La Mirada, California, U.S. |
| Profession | Professional Ice Hockey Forward |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | John and Janie De Leo (Parents) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Information not disclosed |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million |
Early Life and Education of Chase De Leo
Chase De Leo was born and raised in La Mirada, California, a place not typically considered a hotbed for ice hockey talent. His parents, John and Janie De Leo, own a wholesale plumbing supply company and had no background in the sport. De Leo’s journey into hockey began with roller hockey, a popular pastime in Southern California. His mother, finding baseball boring, encouraged him to take up the more fast-paced sport. He played for the Orange County Blades before transitioning to the ice. His initial foray into ice hockey saw him start as a goaltender for the Norwalk Knights, inspired by NHL great Patrick Roy. However, he eventually switched to playing as a forward, a decision that would shape his future career. As a youth, De Leo played for the Los Angeles Selects minor ice hockey team, where he was a teammate of future NHL goaltender Eric Comrie. His talent was evident from a young age, and he competed in the prestigious 2008 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. A significant moment in his youth was meeting his idols Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, and Patrick Roy, which further fueled his determination to pursue a career in ice hockey. De Leo attended La Serna High School in Whittier, California. However, his burgeoning hockey career required a significant amount of travel for tournaments and games, leading to him missing a considerable amount of school. Despite this, he and his family were committed to his development in the sport. At the age of 15, his dedication paid off when he was drafted by the Portland Winterhawks in the Western Hockey League (WHL) Bantam Draft, a significant step that would take him away from home to pursue his professional aspirations.
Chase De Leo’s Career
Chase De Leo’s career has been a journey through various professional hockey leagues, showcasing his resilience and offensive talents. After being drafted by the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL, De Leo played for the team for four seasons, from 2011 to 2015. His performance in the major junior league was impressive, with back-to-back 39-goal seasons in his final two years. He was a key member of the Winterhawks team that won the WHL championship in 2013. His strong play in the WHL led to him being selected by the Winnipeg Jets in the fourth round (99th overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. De Leo signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Jets in 2015. He began his professional career with the Jets’ AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose. He made his NHL debut with the Winnipeg Jets on March 20, 2016. After three seasons within the Jets organization, De Leo was traded to the Anaheim Ducks in 2018. This move brought him back to his home state of California, where he played for the Ducks’ AHL affiliate, the San Diego Gulls. De Leo flourished with the Gulls, having a career-best season in 2018-19 with 20 goals and 35 assists for 55 points in 66 games. He also served as an alternate captain for the Gulls, demonstrating his leadership qualities. In July 2021, De Leo signed a one-year, two-way contract with the New Jersey Devils. He played for their AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets, where he had another stellar offensive season, leading the team in scoring. He was recalled to the NHL and played a few games for the Devils. The following year, De Leo returned to the Anaheim Ducks organization, signing a two-year contract. He was named the captain of the San Diego Gulls for the 2022-23 season. A knee injury sustained in the 2023 preseason sidelined him for a period. In a move to experience hockey overseas, De Leo signed with Barys Astana of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) for the 2024-25 season. His time in the KHL was brief, and he then joined the ZSC Lions of the Swiss National League (NL). Most recently, he has been associated with the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL. Throughout his career, De Leo has been a consistent point producer in the AHL and has earned call-ups to the NHL with multiple organizations, a testament to his skill and work ethic.
Chase De Leo Personal Life & Family
Chase De Leo’s personal life is anchored by his close-knit family. He is the son of John and Janie De Leo, who own and operate a wholesale plumbing supply company in Southern California. His parents have been his biggest supporters throughout his hockey career, despite having no prior background in the sport. They made significant financial and personal sacrifices to support his dreams, including extensive travel for tournaments during his youth. De Leo has often spoken about his gratitude for his parents’ unwavering belief in him. Information about Chase De Leo’s current relationship status is not publicly available. He was previously in a relationship with actress Eliana Jones, but they have since separated. He does not have any children. De Leo is known for his down-to-earth and approachable personality. Growing up in Southern California, he was a die-hard Anaheim Ducks fan and has spoken about the surreal experience of eventually playing for the team he grew up cheering for. His lifestyle reflects his dedication to his sport, with a focus on training and maintaining peak physical condition. When not on the ice, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends in his home state of California. His journey from a non-traditional hockey market to the professional ranks is a source of inspiration for many young players in the Golden State.
Awards and Achievements of Chase De Leo
- WHL Champion with the Portland Winterhawks (2013)
- Represented the United States at the 2015 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships
- Named captain of the San Diego Gulls (AHL) for the 2022-23 season
Chase De Leo Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Chase De Leo’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. His primary source of income is his salary from his professional hockey contracts. Throughout his career, he has signed contracts with several NHL teams, including the Winnipeg Jets, Anaheim Ducks, and New Jersey Devils. His career earnings in the NHL are reported to be over $3.6 million. His income has also been supplemented by his time playing in the KHL and the Swiss National League. While his specific salary details for his European contracts are not public, professional hockey players in these leagues are known to earn competitive salaries. De Leo’s consistent performance in the AHL, where he has been a top player for several seasons, has also contributed to his overall earnings. It is important to note that net worth estimations can vary, as they often do not account for taxes, expenses, and private investments.
Legacy and Influence
Chase De Leo’s legacy will be that of a skilled and determined hockey player who defied the odds to build a successful professional career. Coming from the non-traditional hockey market of Southern California, his journey to the NHL and other top professional leagues serves as an inspiration for aspiring young players from similar backgrounds. He has demonstrated that with hard work and dedication, it is possible to reach the highest levels of the sport, regardless of geographical location. Within the hockey community, De Leo is respected for his work ethic, leadership, and offensive abilities. His success in the AHL, where he has consistently been a top performer and a team leader, highlights his value as a player. He has often been a go-to player for his teams, relied upon in key situations. His public image is that of a humble and grateful individual who has never forgotten his roots. His appreciation for his family’s sacrifices and his excitement about playing for his childhood team, the Anaheim Ducks, have endeared him to fans. While he may not have achieved superstar status in the NHL, his influence is felt in the AHL and in the growing hockey community in California. He is a role model for young players who dream of a professional hockey career.
Interesting Facts about Chase De Leo
- He started his hockey journey as a goaltender before switching to forward.
- Growing up, he was a huge fan of the Anaheim Ducks and his childhood hero was Paul Kariya.
- He was a teammate of NHL goaltender Eric Comrie on the Los Angeles Selects youth team.
- De Leo played roller hockey before transitioning to ice hockey.
- He was named the captain of the San Diego Gulls in the AHL for the 2022-23 season.
- He has represented the United States at the international level, playing in the 2015 World Junior Championships.
Controversies
Chase De Leo’s career has been largely free of major controversies. He is known for his professionalism and sportsmanship. However, he was the victim of an unfortunate on-ice incident during the 2023 NHL preseason. In a game against the Los Angeles Kings, he suffered an MCL sprain as a result of a knee-on-knee hit from Kings forward Arthur Kaliyev. The incident resulted in a suspension for Kaliyev, handed down by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety. While De Leo was the injured party, the event did generate discussion within the hockey community about player safety and the severity of supplemental discipline for dangerous plays.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not publicly available
- Twitter – Information not publicly available
- YouTube – Information not publicly available
Final Words about Chase De Leo
Chase De Leo’s story is one of perseverance and a deep-seated love for the game of hockey. From his early days in La Mirada, California, to his travels across North America and Europe to play professionally, he has consistently demonstrated a high level of skill and a relentless work ethic. While his NHL opportunities have been sporadic, he has established himself as a premier player in the American Hockey League, a league known for its high level of competition. His leadership has been recognized with the captaincy of the San Diego Gulls, a testament to his character and his value to a team. As he continues his professional career, De Leo’s journey will undoubtedly continue to be one to watch. Whether he earns another shot in the NHL or continues to be a dominant force in other professional leagues, his passion for the game and his commitment to excellence are sure to remain at the forefront. The Chase De Leo biography is a compelling narrative of a California kid who chased his dream and carved out a successful and respected career in the world of professional ice hockey.