Steven Santini

Growing up skating at the family rink in Brewster, New York, Steven Santini developed amid a strong local hockey culture; his early years included time at John F. Kennedy Catholic and a stint with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, plus participation at the 2008 Quebec Pee‑Wee Tournament.

Taken in the 2nd round, 42nd overall, of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Santini moved to Boston College where he quickly earned a top‑4 defensive role. He made an immediate mark as a physical, shutdown defender while contributing offensively—3 goals and 11 points in his rookie collegiate season earned him a spot on Hockey East’s All‑Rookie team. A wrist injury interrupted his sophomore year and required surgery, costing him several games before he returned after the New Year. He also represented the United States at both the 2013 U18 Worlds, where he won silver and was named the tournament’s best defenseman, and at the 2014 World Junior Championship.

Santini signed a three‑year entry‑level contract with the New Jersey Devils on April 9, 2016, and debuted in the NHL the same night. He collected his first NHL point and scored his first NHL goal during the 2016–17 season. After inking a three‑year deal with New Jersey in August 2018, he was included in the June 2019 trade that sent P. K. Subban to the Devils and Santini to the Nashville Predators. The 2019–20 season saw him spend most of his time in the AHL with the Milwaukee Admirals, with only two NHL appearances.

Placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of a buyout in October 2020, Santini signed a one‑year, two‑way contract with the St. Louis Blues shortly after. He remained in the Blues organization for three seasons before joining the Los Angeles Kings on July 1, 2023, and playing the 2023–24 campaign exclusively with their AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign. On July 1, 2024, he signed a one‑year, two‑way contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning and serves as captain of their AHL club, the Syracuse Crunch.

On the ice, Santini’s game is built around physicality and defensive responsibility. He’s known for tight positional play, willingness to deliver checks and a conservative, reliable approach in his own end rather than flashy offence.