Who Is Keith Ballard? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Keith Ballard, born on November 26, 1982, in Baudette, Minnesota, is a former professional ice hockey player known for his defensive skills. As of 2025, he is 42 years old. Ballard was drafted in the first round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft by the Buffalo Sabres and made a name for himself in the NHL with various teams, including the Florida Panthers, Vancouver Canucks, and the Arizona Coyotes. Following his retirement from professional play, he transitioned into coaching and sports commentary, sharing his rich knowledge of the game.
| Occupation | Hockey Player |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 26, 1982 |
| Age | 42 Years |
| Birth Place | Baudette, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Keith Ballard's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing at 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) and weighing approximately 205 pounds (93 kg) during his playing career, Ballard was known for his strong and physically robust playing style. His athletic build, combined with his agility on the ice, made him a formidable presence in defense.
Ballard went on to tally 34 points during his first campaign with Florida in 2008–09. The following season, on November 30, 2009, Ballard was involved in an on-ice incident that injured his own teammate, goaltender Tomáš Vokoun.
After being on the ice for a goal during a game against the Atlanta Thrashers, Ballard aimed to smash his stick in frustration against the post and mistakenly hit Vokoun in the mask. Vokoun was taken from the ice on a stretcher and suffered a cut on his ear that required stitches; he missed two games before returning to the lineup.
Ballard, who apologized to Vokoun following the game, was not disciplined by the Panthers or the NHL. However, there has been some controversy over whether the slash to Vokoun's head was intentional or not. He went on to match his career-high eight goals and added 20 assists for 28 points in his second season with the Panthers.
He also ranked third in the league in blocked shots with 201. Ballard had played parts of the season with a hip injury. After completing the campaign, he underwent the second hip surgery of his career in May 2010 to repair a stress fracture and remove a cyst.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Keith Ballard is married to his long-time partner, whose name has been kept private to maintain family privacy. The couple, who often shares glimpses of their life through social media, has children together. While details about his dating history prior to his marriage remain somewhat private, Ballard has often emphasized the importance of family and his commitment to being a present father.
Net Worth and Salary
Keith Ballard's net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $18 million, accumulated through his years in the NHL, endorsements, and his post-retirement ventures. During his playing days, he earned an average salary of approximately $4 million annually, with contract deals contributing significantly to his wealth. His transition into coaching and commentary also adds to his earnings.
With the salary cap decreasing in the 2013 off-season, Vancouver needed to unload salary. Ballard had two years remaining on his contract with an annual value $4.2 million. The Canucks tried to trade Ballard in an attempt to avoid using a compliance buyout on him. When that failed, the team placed him on waivers.
He cleared waivers before Vancouver ultimately bought him out. Two days after becoming a free agent, he signed a two-year, $3 million contract with the Minnesota Wild.
Career, Business, and Investments
After retiring from professional hockey, Ballard transitioned into coaching, where he has been actively involved in development programs for young athletes. His hockey school focuses on imparting skills and mentoring aspiring players. Additionally, Ballard has invested in a few local businesses and is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in youth sports.
Due to the NHL lockout, Ballard made his professional debut in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Coyotes' minor league affiliate, the Utah Grizzlies in 2004–05. He notched two goals and 20 points over 60 games in his professional rookie campaign.
As NHL resumed play the following season, Ballard played his first game with the Coyotes on October 5, 2005, against the Vancouver Canucks. He scored his first NHL goal in his debut, beating goaltender Dan Cloutier. Ballard finished with 8 goals and 39 points as a rookie; both remain career highs.
He led all NHL defensemen in shorthanded goals with three. Ballard was sidelined for 13 games in his second NHL season due to a bone fracture in his hand, suffered while blocking a shot during a game on October 9, 2006. He went on to record 27 points in 69 games. In the off-season, he was re-signed on August 29, 2007, to a two-year contract.
In 2007–08, Ballard recorded a career-low 21 points.
Social Network
Keith Ballard has a significant presence on social media platforms, including Instagram and Twitter. He uses these platforms not only to connect with fans but also to promote his initiatives in youth hockey. Often sharing snippets of his family life, coaching experiences, and game analysis, he has garnered a loyal following.
Ballard played two seasons at the junior level in the United States Hockey League (USHL), initially with the United States National Development Team in 1999–00, then the Omaha Lancers the following season. He recorded 51 points over 56 games in 2000–01.
With a league-leading 22 goals among defensemen, he earned First Team All-Star honors and a selection to the 2001 USHL All-Star Game. In the post-season, he helped the Lancers win the Clark Cup as league champions, scoring seven points in ten playoff games.
Education
Ballard attended the University of Minnesota, where he played college hockey for the Minnesota Golden Gophers before making the jump to the NHL. His education in sports management during college has aided him in his post-career endeavors, allowing him to gain valuable insights into the business of hockey and athlete management.
Keith Galen Ballard (born November 26, 1982) is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman who previously played in the National Hockey League with the Phoenix Coyotes, Florida Panthers, Vancouver Canucks and Minnesota Wild.
He played college hockey for the Minnesota Golden Gophers of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) for three seasons. After his freshman year, he was selected 11th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.
Before he made his NHL debut, he was traded twice – initially to the Colorado Avalanche, then to the Phoenix Coyotes. He played his professional rookie season in 2004–05 with the Coyotes' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Utah Grizzlies, then debuted with Phoenix the following season.
After three years, he was traded to the Florida Panthers, where he spent two seasons before being dealt to Vancouver at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
