Drew Helleson

Drew Helleson (born March 26, 2001) is an American ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the San Diego Gulls of the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect for the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Helleson was drafted 47th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

Playing career
During the 2020–21 season, Helleson recorded four goals and 11 assists in 22 games for Boston College. Following the season he was named Hockey East Best Defensive Defenseman, First Team All-Hockey East and Second Team AHCA All-American. In his junior 2021–22 season with the Eagles, he posted career-best marks of 21 assists and 25 points through 32 games.

Helleson was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL) in the second round, 47th overall, in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Helleson's rights along with a 2023 second-round draft pick were traded by the Avalanche to the Anaheim Ducks, in exchange for Josh Manson, on March 14, 2022. The next day Helleson ended his collegiate career by signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Ducks. He was assigned to the Ducks American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the San Diego Gulls for the remainder of the season. Helleson returned to the AHL for the 2022–23 season but was recalled on April 9, 2023 by the Ducks. Helleson made his NHL debut for the Ducks that night, in a game against the Colorado Avalanche. Helleson was assigned to San Diego to begin the 2023–24 season.

International play
Helleson represented the United States at the 2019 IIHF World U18 Championships, where he recorded three assists in seven games and won a bronze medal. He represented the United States at the 2021 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships where he recorded two goals and two assists in seven games and won a gold medal. On January 13, 2022, Helleson was named to Team USA's roster to represent the United States at the 2022 Winter Olympics.