Last Updated on November 11, 2026 by Janet Asprin
Jayden Struble is an American professional ice hockey defenseman who plays for the Nashville Predators in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on September 8, 2001, in Cumberland, Rhode Island, Struble previously played for the Montreal Canadiens and developed his hockey abilities at Northeastern University.
Beyond his professional career, Struble comes from a supportive family that played an important role in his upbringing. His mother, Tara Slack, helped raise him alongside his younger brothers, while his stepfather, Eric Slack, and maternal grandfather, Paul Struble, contributed to his development.
His younger brothers, Cameron and Dylan Slack, are twins who have also participated in competitive youth hockey. Although Struble has spoken openly about his family, he maintains considerable privacy regarding romantic relationships and children.
Jayden Struble’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating or Married?
Jayden Struble has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend or wife.
Although the American defenseman has participated in numerous interviews throughout his college and professional hockey career, most of his public discussions have focused on his development, teammates, family background, and achievements.
His official NHL player profiles and interviews with the Montreal Canadiens and Nashville Predators do not establish whether he is currently dating, engaged, or married.
Struble has occasionally discussed his interests away from hockey, including baseball, music, and spending time with friends and family.
However, these details do not establish a romantic relationship.
Until Struble publicly confirms a partner or marriage, identifying a particular girlfriend or wife would be speculative.
Jayden Struble’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
There are no publicly confirmed reports that Jayden Struble has children.
The Nashville Predators defenseman has not made a verified public announcement concerning the birth of a son or daughter.
His official team biographies and major sports interviews do not identify any children.
Although Struble has shared information about his mother, stepfather, brothers, and grandparents, he has not publicly provided reliable information establishing that he is a father.
Therefore, his parental status remains private, with no publicly confirmed children.
Jayden Struble’s Parents
Jayden Struble was raised in Cumberland, Rhode Island, primarily by his mother, Tara Slack, with support from his extended family.
His stepfather is Eric Slack, who has also been involved in supporting his hockey career.
According to a September 2020 family profile published by the Montreal Canadiens, Struble credits his mother and maternal grandfather as two of the most important influences in his life.
Jayden Struble’s Mother: Tara Slack
Jayden Struble’s mother is Tara Slack, formerly Tara Struble.
She raised Jayden in Rhode Island and played an important role in supporting his athletic and educational development.
In a September 14, 2020, interview with the Montreal Canadiens, Struble described the sacrifices his mother made while raising him and his younger brothers.
He explained that Tara managed numerous family responsibilities while ensuring that her children received the care and support they needed.
Her responsibilities also included helping care for Jayden’s grandmother, Kathy, who lived with multiple sclerosis before her death.
Struble later acknowledged that he did not fully appreciate the extent of his mother’s efforts during childhood.
As he grew older, he developed a deeper understanding of the time and energy she had invested in the family.
Tara Slack’s Support During Jayden’s Hockey Career
Tara supported Jayden’s interest in hockey from an early age.
In a January 2024 interview with New England Hockey Journal, she recalled that her son was fascinated by hockey almost as soon as he began walking.
He frequently played with miniature hockey sticks and preferred hockey-related activities to ordinary toys.
As Jayden progressed through competitive youth hockey, Tara continued following his development.
She supported his decision to attend St. Sebastian’s School in Massachusetts and later Northeastern University in Boston.
When the Montreal Canadiens selected him in the second round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, his family celebrated the milestone.
Tara remained closely involved as Jayden moved from college hockey to the American Hockey League and eventually the NHL.
Tara Slack’s Reaction to Jayden’s NHL Debut
One of the most memorable moments for Tara occurred in November 2023 when Jayden received his first NHL call-up from the Montreal Canadiens.
According to New England Hockey Journal, Struble called his mother shortly before Thanksgiving to inform her that he had been promoted from the Laval Rocket.
The unexpected news left Tara excited and emotional.
After learning that Jayden would make his NHL debut in Anaheim, she arranged for the family to travel to California.
Tara, Eric, and one of Jayden’s younger brothers attended the game against the Anaheim Ducks on November 22, 2023.
Before the game, Jayden told reporters that his mother had become emotional when she learned about his promotion.
He joked that he hoped to avoid fighting during his debut because he did not want to make her more nervous.
The occasion represented the fulfillment of a dream that Tara had supported for many years.
Jayden Struble’s Biological Father
The name of Jayden Struble’s biological father has not been reliably established in major public hockey sources.
In a June 2020 interview published by Boston.com and The Boston Globe, Struble discussed growing up without knowing his biological father.
The report explained that he was raised by his mother and stepfather.
Although his biological father’s identity remains private, Jayden has consistently recognized the important father figures who helped raise him.
In particular, he has described his maternal grandfather, Paul Struble, as one of his greatest role models.
Jayden Struble’s Stepfather: Eric Slack
Jayden Struble’s stepfather is Eric Slack, the husband of Tara Slack.
His identity was confirmed in a January 2024 family interview published by New England Hockey Journal.
Eric has supported Jayden’s hockey development and has followed his professional career closely.
During the interview, Eric discussed Jayden’s transition from Northeastern University to professional hockey.
He explained that the family initially expected Jayden to spend considerable time developing in the American Hockey League before earning a regular NHL opportunity.
However, Jayden progressed more quickly than anticipated.
Eric praised the improvements in his skating and overall performance after he began working with the Canadiens’ professional coaching staff.
He also helped support the family’s younger hockey-playing twins, Cameron and Dylan.
When Jayden received his NHL call-up in November 2023, Eric was attending one of the twins’ hockey games in New Hampshire.
The family subsequently traveled to California to celebrate Jayden’s NHL debut.
Jayden Struble’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Jayden Struble has two publicly identified younger brothers, Cameron Slack and Dylan Slack.
The brothers are twins and grew up in the same Rhode Island family household.
In a September 2020 Montreal Canadiens interview, Struble described having two stepbrothers. Other reporting has described the boys as his younger brothers within the family’s blended household.
Their names were confirmed in a January 2024 New England Hockey Journal family profile.
1. Cameron Slack – Jayden Struble’s Younger Brother
Cameron Slack is one of Jayden Struble’s younger twin brothers.
He grew up in Rhode Island and developed an interest in competitive ice hockey.
According to New England Hockey Journal, Cameron played for the 2009 Providence Hockey Club youth organization.
The club provided opportunities for young players to develop their skating, technical abilities, and competitive experience.
Cameron regularly participated in youth hockey games and tournaments with support from his family.
In November 2023, his father, Eric Slack, was attending a hockey game in New Hampshire when Tara received the news of Jayden’s NHL call-up.
Although Cameron’s long-term hockey ambitions have not been extensively documented, his involvement in youth hockey demonstrates the family’s continuing connection to the sport.
2. Dylan Slack – Jayden Struble’s Younger Brother
Dylan Slack is Cameron’s twin brother and another younger brother in Jayden Struble’s family.
Like Cameron, Dylan grew up in Rhode Island and participated in organized youth hockey.
New England Hockey Journal identified him as a member of the 2009 Providence Hockey Club program.
Dylan and Cameron frequently participated in hockey activities together, with support from their parents.
The twins’ involvement in the sport reflects the same family tradition that helped Jayden develop into a professional hockey player.
Although Dylan’s recent hockey activities and personal interests have not been widely reported, he remains part of the immediate family that supported Jayden during his early NHL career.
Jayden Struble’s Relationship With His Younger Brothers
Jayden has spoken positively about his family and the responsibilities his mother managed while raising the children.
His younger brothers share his interest in hockey, creating a connection across different stages of their sporting development.
When Jayden made his NHL debut in November 2023, his family arranged a trip to Anaheim to attend the game.
The occasion provided an opportunity for the younger brothers to see someone from their household achieve a major professional sporting milestone.
Although Jayden’s professional schedule requires extensive travel, his family continues following his career.
Jayden Struble’s Grandparents
Jayden Struble’s grandparents also played important roles in his upbringing.
His maternal grandfather, Paul Struble, was particularly influential in developing his passion for hockey.
His grandmother, Kathy, was remembered by the family for her strength while living with multiple sclerosis.
Paul Struble – Jayden Struble’s Maternal Grandfather
Paul Struble is Jayden Struble’s maternal grandfather and one of the most important father figures in his life.
Paul was an experienced youth hockey coach who introduced Jayden to skating when he was approximately three years old.
According to a June 2019 interview with Rinkside Rhode Island, Jayden credited his grandfather with teaching him the fundamentals of hockey.
Paul frequently coached teams involving older children but allowed his grandson to participate in training sessions.
This experience helped Jayden develop confidence when competing against stronger and more experienced players.
Paul also transported his grandson to practices and games.
In September 2020, Jayden told the Montreal Canadiens that his grandfather had been an essential role model throughout childhood.
He emphasized that Paul’s influence extended beyond hockey because he also taught important lessons about responsibility, discipline, and perseverance.
Jayden has repeatedly credited his grandfather with helping him pursue his professional ambitions.
Kathy – Jayden Struble’s Grandmother
Jayden Struble also had a grandmother named Kathy, whose illness deeply influenced the family.
According to the Montreal Canadiens’ September 2020 profile, Kathy lived with multiple sclerosis before her death.
Jayden’s mother, Tara, helped care for Kathy over several years.
Watching his mother balance parenting responsibilities with caregiving left a lasting impression on Jayden.
He later explained that these experiences taught him valuable lessons about sacrifice, resilience, and family commitment.
Jayden Struble’s Family Background and Childhood
Jayden Struble was born and raised in Cumberland, Rhode Island, where he developed an interest in sports from an early age.
His grandfather introduced him to hockey, while his mother and stepfather helped support his competitive development.
Although hockey eventually became his primary sport, Struble also enjoyed baseball.
In 2014, he participated in the Little League Baseball World Series with Cumberland American Little League.
The team represented the New England region and attracted considerable attention from fans across Rhode Island.
Struble later explained that competing in the tournament helped him become more comfortable performing in front of large crowds.
He subsequently concentrated on hockey and attended St. Sebastian’s School in Needham, Massachusetts.
His performances attracted attention from NHL scouts and college hockey programs.
On June 22, 2019, the Montreal Canadiens selected him 46th overall in the second round of the NHL Entry Draft.
He went on to play four seasons at Northeastern University between 2019 and 2023.
During his senior season, he served as an alternate captain and helped the Huskies win the 2023 Beanpot tournament.
In March 2023, Struble signed his first NHL contract with the Canadiens and began his professional career with the Laval Rocket.
He made his NHL debut against the Anaheim Ducks on November 22, 2023, with family members in attendance.
On October 9, 2026, Montreal traded Struble to the Nashville Predators in exchange for a second-round selection in the 2027 NHL Entry Draft.
The move marked another chapter in his career, which had been supported by his family from his earliest years on the ice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jayden Struble’s Family
Who is Jayden Struble’s girlfriend?
Jayden Struble has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend through reliable sports media sources.
Is Jayden Struble married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Jayden Struble is married or has a wife.
Does Jayden Struble have children?
There are no publicly confirmed reports that Jayden Struble has a son or daughter.
Who is Jayden Struble’s mother?
His mother is Tara Slack, who raised him in Rhode Island and supported his hockey development throughout childhood.
Who is Jayden Struble’s father?
Jayden Struble’s biological father’s identity has not been publicly established. His stepfather is Eric Slack, while his maternal grandfather, Paul Struble, served as an important father figure.
Who is Jayden Struble’s stepfather?
His stepfather is Eric Slack, who has supported Jayden’s professional hockey career and the family’s younger hockey-playing twins.
Does Jayden Struble have siblings?
Yes. Jayden Struble has two publicly identified younger brothers in his blended family, twins Cameron and Dylan Slack.
Who are Cameron and Dylan Slack?
Cameron and Dylan Slack are Jayden Struble’s younger twin brothers. Both have participated in youth hockey with the Providence Hockey Club.
Who is Jayden Struble’s grandfather?
His maternal grandfather is Paul Struble, an experienced youth hockey coach who introduced Jayden to the sport and became one of his most important role models.
Did Jayden Struble play baseball?
Yes. Before focusing exclusively on hockey, Jayden played baseball and participated in the 2014 Little League World Series with Cumberland American Little League.
Where is Jayden Struble’s family from?
Jayden Struble’s family is from Cumberland, Rhode Island, United States, where he grew up and began his hockey career.
A dedicated ice hockey journalist, Janet Asprin delivers sharp, detailed coverage of the NHL season. From evaluating trade deadline moves and line combinations to analyzing power plays and postseason standings, Janet brings a fresh, structured perspective to every game. She focuses on translating high-speed rink strategy into compelling stories and actionable insights for hockey fans.
