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Jake Middleton, Keaton Middleton (The Hockey Writers)

Q & A With Minnesota Wild Defenseman Jake Middleton

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Mariah E. Stark | Last updated Mar 31, 2025 9:25 AM ET

It’s been a crazy few seasons for Minnesota Wild defenseman Jake Middleton. He was sent to the Wild from the San Jose Sharks at the 2022 Trade Deadline in exchange for Kaapo Kahkonen and a 2022 fifth-round draft pick. He had just started to solidify himself in the lineup when he was traded and at the time, many Wild fans were concerned they were giving away their top goaltender for a barely known defenseman.

Just over three years later, it’s safe to say the trade worked out great for the Wild, as Middleton is now one of their best on the blue line night in and night out. He’s always been known for his great personality, and he took a few minutes out of his day to answer a few questions for The Hockey Writers Wild writer Mariah Stark about life lately, starting with how he’s adjusted to the Wild since that first day.

What’s it been like from your first half-season with the Wild to now? From when you were traded to now you’re one of the top defensemen for the team?

“Yeah, it’s been a lot of fun. The group and the organization was welcoming when I got here, and it’s been the same every year since then, so I can’t complain. It’s been a lot of fun.”

When he left the Sharks, he had 59 games under his belt over four seasons, 45 of which came in the season he was traded. He had 12 points over that span, and nine of those, again, were in the season he left. Since then, he’s played 243 games with the Wild over three and a half seasons, and he’s accumulated 64 points plus 502 blocked shots, which is the most among any Wild player during that time frame.

While he’s been having a lot of fun in the NHL, the Wild have been having a lot of fun with him on their roster. He’s one of their best, and he was ready to go even after returning from injury. He’s been strong on the ice but has a busy home life away from the rink.

You recently became a dad, what’s it like being a girl dad? Do you think she could have a future with the PWHL?

“I did. It’s cool, she’s cute. I didn’t think I could love anything more than my wife and now I’ve got a little baby girl that just pulls on my heartstrings so it’s a lot of work but it’s been a blast,” Middleton said about becoming a dad to a little girl, and he continued when asked about having a future in the PWHL, “Yes, yes, maybe if she wants to. She can be whatever she wants, and if hockey player is what she wants, then I’ll support her in anything.”

What’s it been like having your brother in the league and playing against him?

“Very cool, really proud of him. He was grinding for a long time and stuck with it and he’s getting an opportunity now with a good hockey club. Just very proud of him.”

For those that aren’t aware, Jake has a younger brother, Keaton Middleton who is also a defenseman. He’s currently in the Colorado Avalanche organization and when the Wild and Avalanche played earlier this season, they were able to face each other. There have been plenty of sets of brothers in the NHL, but it’s still memorable when it happens and even more so when they face each other.

You’ve been known as the go-with-the-flow kind of guy, and serious when you need to be. How do you keep that fun mentality going?

“I don’t know. It’s fun showing up to work every day, so it’s pretty easy, and when you got a gig like this. As far as how I do it, I don’t know. I just try to wake up with a smile on my face.”

Ever since he joined the Wild roster, he’s been known as the easy-going personality who isn’t afraid to speak his mind. He also is one for laughs, and those Wild fans who have seen his interviews, including a postgame from a few months ago, know precisely what I’m talking about. Every team needs a guy like Middleton to keep things light, but he can also be serious when necessary. A lot of hockey players are viewed as serious all the time, and it’s nice to see someone like Middleton who isn’t afraid to show his personality often.

Is this still the most fun you’ve had?

“Trade deadline morning, when you wake up and get a phone call at 8:30, you’re not sure the grass is always greener or how things are going to work out, and I’ve called my parents every 48 hours here, saying this is the most fun I’ve ever had playing hockey. So, I couldn’t be happier,” Middleton said after his first few days he was with the Wild, in a press conference about how he felt about being here.

A lot has gone on since that interview and there have been a lot of highs and lows for this team. Middleton has also undergone a lot himself with multiple injuries including one this season that held him out for about a month. We asked him if this was still the most fun he’s had and his answer was short but sweet.

“Yeah, when you’re doing something like this for a living, it’s hard, there’s good days and bad days, but the good outweigh the bad for sure.”

It’s great to know that after three seasons here with all of the ups and downs the Wild have been through including Middleton’s own injuries, he’s still having the most fun he’s ever had while playing hockey. Of course, they are professional hockey players but it’s also important they have fun playing.

Do you have a game day routine?

“I do. I can’t get into details, there’s way too much going on in it, but yeah, very routine oriented.”

Hockey players are known for their superstitions, and they are usually very routine people. They have to eat the same thing at the same time every day, and game days have an even stronger feeling to them. They follow the same stretches, drink the same drinks, do everything in the same order. Middleton didn’t share any details about his routine, but it’s clear he follows one, and as superstition states, talking about it could ruin it, so the routine stays secret.

Middleton’s trade to Minnesota may have been a shock to fans at the time, but he quickly worked his way into their hearts and is one of their most liked players. Luckily they have him under contract for four more years, he’s a strong defenseman who quickly worked his way to being one of their best and they need him to continue that. Hopefully, he can keep up his strong play and help his team secure a playoff spot.