Brief Introduction of Kyle Rau
Kyle Rau is an American professional ice hockey forward, currently playing for HC Fribourg-Gottéron of the National League (NL). Known for his tenacity and offensive skills, Rau has built a career that has seen him play in the National Hockey League (NHL) and the American Hockey League (AHL), as well as collegiate-level hockey. He was drafted 91st overall by the Florida Panthers in the third round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Before his professional career, Rau had a standout high school career at Eden Prairie High School, where he was named Minnesota’s Mr. Hockey in 2011. He then played four successful seasons with the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, serving as team captain in his senior year. Throughout his professional career, Rau has been recognized for his consistent performance and leadership both on and off the ice.

Kyle Rau Overview
| Full Name | Kyle Rau |
| Date of Birth | October 24, 1992 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 33 |
| Birthplace | Eden Prairie, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Profession | Professional Ice Hockey Forward |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Parents: Mike and Lynne Rau; Brothers: Chad, Matt, and twin brother Curt. |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Information not disclosed |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $2 million to $2.5 million |
Early Life and Education of Kyle Rau
Born and raised in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Kyle Rau comes from a family with deep roots in hockey. The Rau name was already well-established in the Eden Prairie hockey community before Kyle and his twin brother, Curt, began to play. His older brothers, Matt and Chad, also played for the Eden Prairie Eagles. His brother Chad went on to have a successful collegiate and professional hockey career, serving as an inspiration for Kyle. Growing up in such a hockey-centric environment, it was almost inevitable that Kyle would develop a passion and talent for the sport. He and his brothers spent countless hours on the ice, honing their skills and fostering a competitive but supportive sibling rivalry that pushed them to be better players. Rau attended Eden Prairie High School, where he became a standout player. In his senior year, he scored an impressive 69 points in just 25 games, a performance that earned him the prestigious Minnesota Mr. Hockey award in 2011 as the best high school player in the state. This award was a testament to his hard work, dedication, and natural talent. After graduating from high school, Rau committed to playing collegiate hockey at the University of Minnesota, following in the footsteps of many Minnesota-born hockey players. He majored in Marketing while at the university. His time with the Golden Gophers was marked by significant personal and team success, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled and determined player.
Kyle Rau’s Career
Kyle Rau’s hockey career is a story of perseverance and consistent performance across various levels of the sport. After a decorated high school career, he was selected by the Florida Panthers in the third round (91st overall) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. He then embarked on a four-year journey with the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. During his time with the Gophers, he was a key offensive player, amassing 164 points in 160 games. In his senior year, he served as the team’s captain, leading them to a Big Ten Conference Championship. His collegiate career was filled with accolades, including being named to the All-WCHA Rookie Team in 2012 and the Big Ten Conference Second Team All-Star in 2014 and 2015.
In March 2015, Rau signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Florida Panthers, officially beginning his professional career. He made his professional debut with the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL, scoring a goal in his very first game. He spent the majority of the 2015-16 season with the Portland Pirates, the Panthers’ new AHL affiliate, where he scored 17 goals in 48 games. His impressive play earned him his first NHL call-up, and he made his NHL debut with the Panthers on February 20, 2016.
After two seasons with the Panthers organization, Rau became a free agent and signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Minnesota Wild in July 2017. This move brought him back to his home state, where he spent five seasons with the organization, primarily playing for their AHL affiliate, the Iowa Wild. With the Iowa Wild, he became a franchise leader in several statistical categories. He set a franchise record with 17 power-play goals in the 2018-19 season and became the first player in team history to record multiple hat tricks in a single season. He also had brief stints with the Minnesota Wild in the NHL, making his debut for the team on January 20, 2018.
Following his time with the Wild, Rau signed a one-year AHL contract with the Abbotsford Canucks for the 2022-23 season and then with the San Jose Barracuda for the 2023-24 season. In December 2024, Rau embarked on a new chapter in his career, signing a deal with the Kunlun Red Star of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Most recently, he has signed with HC Fribourg-Gottéron of the National League (NL) in Switzerland.
Kyle Rau Personal Life & Family
Kyle Rau was born into a family with a strong hockey tradition in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. His parents are Mike and Lynne Rau. His father, Mike, played baseball for the University of Minnesota. Kyle is one of four brothers, all of whom have been involved in hockey. He has an older brother, Chad, who also played professional hockey after a collegiate career at Colorado College. Kyle has another older brother, Matt, and a twin brother, Curt, who also played hockey. The brothers share a close bond, and Kyle has often spoken about the influence his older brother Chad has had on his career, frequently seeking his advice. The Rau family’s shared passion for hockey has been a significant part of their lives, with their parents being dedicated supporters of their sons’ athletic endeavors. Information regarding Kyle Rau’s marital status or current relationships is not publicly available, so it is unknown if he has a wife or a girlfriend. The accomplished hockey player has kept his romantic life private, and there is no public information about any children he may have.
Awards and Achievements of Kyle Rau
- Minnesota Mr. Hockey (2011)
- All-WCHA Rookie Team (2012)
- Big Ten Conference Second Team All-Star (2014, 2015)
- NCAA West Second Team All-America (2014, 2015)
- NCAA All-Tournament Team (2014)
- Three-time WCHA Rookie of the Week (2011-12 season)
- National Rookie of the Month (October 2011)
- WCHA Offensive Player of the Week (January 2013)
Kyle Rau Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Kyle Rau’s net worth is estimated to be between $2 million and $2.5 million. His primary source of income has been his professional hockey career, spanning over a decade in the NHL, AHL, KHL, and now the NL. Over the course of his career, he has signed several contracts with various teams. His career earnings through the 2025 season are reported to be approximately $2,337,893. His contracts have included a one-year, $750,000 deal with the Minnesota Wild in 2021. While specific details of his more recent contracts in the KHL and NL are not publicly disclosed, his consistent employment as a professional hockey player has been the main contributor to his net worth. A detailed breakdown of his net worth is not publicly available, but it is understood that his earnings have been prudently managed over his playing career.
Legacy and Influence
Kyle Rau’s legacy in the hockey world is one of a hardworking and skilled forward who has made a significant impact at every level he has played. In his home state of Minnesota, he is remembered as one of the standout high school players of his generation, an honor solidified by his 2011 Mr. Hockey award. His dramatic triple-overtime goal to win the state championship for Eden Prairie is a legendary moment in Minnesota high school hockey history. At the collegiate level, he continued to build his legacy as a key player and leader for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, a program with a rich history. His contributions to the team and his role as captain have left a lasting mark. In the professional ranks, particularly in the AHL, Rau has been a consistent and reliable offensive threat. His record-setting performances with the Iowa Wild, where he became a fan favorite and a franchise leader, speak to his dedication and skill. While he may not have had a lengthy NHL career, his ability to carve out a long and successful professional career across multiple leagues in North America and Europe is a testament to his talent and work ethic. He serves as an inspiration for many young hockey players, especially those in Minnesota, who aspire to follow in his footsteps. His journey demonstrates that with talent, hard work, and perseverance, a lasting career in professional hockey is attainable.
Interesting Facts about Kyle Rau
- Kyle has a twin brother named Curt, who also played hockey.
- His older brother, Chad Rau, was also a professional hockey player and played for the Minnesota Wild.
- He scored the game-winning goal in triple overtime to win the 2011 Minnesota Class AA state hockey championship for Eden Prairie High School.
- He recorded his first career hat trick in the AHL on January 12, 2013.
- Both Kyle and his brother Chad have played for both the Iowa Wild and the Minnesota Wild, making them the only pair of siblings to do so.
- His father, Mike Rau, played collegiate baseball for the University of Minnesota.
- He was named Minnesota’s Mr. Hockey in 2011, an award given to the best high school hockey player in the state.
Controversies
In February 2012, during his freshman year at the University of Minnesota, Kyle Rau was suspended for one game by the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA). The suspension was a result of a hit from behind on Denver’s Jason Zucker during a game. The hit resulted in a five-minute major penalty for boarding and a 10-minute game misconduct for Rau. This incident remains the only notable controversy in what has otherwise been a career characterized by sportsmanship and professionalism.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Not publicly available
- Twitter – Not publicly available
- YouTube – Not applicable
Final Words about Kyle Rau
Kyle Rau’s journey in professional hockey is a compelling narrative of talent, dedication, and resilience. From his celebrated high school career in Minnesota to his impactful years in collegiate hockey and his extensive professional career across multiple leagues, Rau has consistently demonstrated a high level of skill and an unwavering work ethic. While he may not have achieved superstar status in the NHL, his longevity and success in the highly competitive world of professional hockey are a testament to his abilities. As he continues his career in Europe with HC Fribourg-Gottéron, he adds another chapter to his already impressive biography. His legacy, particularly in his home state of Minnesota, is secure as a player who embodied the spirit of the “State of Hockey.” Looking ahead, Kyle Rau’s future in hockey remains bright, and he will undoubtedly continue to contribute to the sport, whether on the ice or in a future role, for years to come.
