Matt Kiersted

Matthew Kiersted is an American professional ice hockey player who is a defenseman for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League.

Early life

Kiersted was born on April 14, 1998, in Elk River, Minnesota, to parents Bob Kiersted and Candace Hartwig. He grew up as the middle child between brothers Mitch and Drew. His father was friends with former ice hockey player Mark Parrish, who convinced them to let their children play the sport. Kiersted graduated from Elk River High School in 2016.

Playing career

Amateur

While attending Elk River High School, Kiersted committed to play collegiate ice hockey for the North Dakota Fighting Hawks men's ice hockey team. As a junior, he left Elk River to play for the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League.

Professional

As a free agent, Kiersted signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Florida Panthers on April 1, 2021. He made his NHL debut two days later, in the Panthers' 5–2 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets. On June 28, 2024, Kiersted signed a one-year, two-way contract to return to the Panthers.
Following five seasons within the Panthers organization, Kiersted left as a free agent and signed to a two-year, two-way contract with homestate club, the Minnesota Wild, on July 2, 2025.