Last Updated on November 14, 2026 by Bernald Sanders
Lars Eller is a Danish professional ice hockey player who plays for the Florida Panthers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on May 8, 1989, in Rødovre, Denmark, Eller is best known for becoming the first Danish-born player to win the Stanley Cup, helping the Washington Capitals capture their first championship in 2018.
Beyond his successful hockey career, Eller is a husband, father, son, and brother. He is married to Julie Eller, with whom he shares two children, Sophia and Alexander. His parents are Olaf and Margit Eller, while his younger brother, Mads Eller, and half-brother, Michael Smidt, also have backgrounds in professional ice hockey.
Lars Eller’s Girlfriend and Wife: Who Is He Married To?
Lars Eller is married to Julie Eller, his longtime partner and the mother of his two children. The couple has maintained a relatively private relationship despite Lars’s prominence in professional ice hockey.
Lars Eller’s Wife: Julie Eller
Julie Eller is Danish and has supported her husband throughout his NHL career, including his years with the Montreal Canadiens, Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, and other teams.
When Lars was traded from Montreal to Washington in June 2016, Julie accompanied him as they searched for a new family home in the Washington area.
During that transition, the family had to adjust to a new city after spending six years in Montreal. Their daughter, Sophia, was three years old at the time.
Julie also accompanied Lars during the Washington Capitals’ historic 2018 Stanley Cup celebrations.
In January 2024, she appeared alongside their children during a special ceremony honoring Eller’s 1,000th NHL game while he was playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The ceremony demonstrated the family’s continued involvement in celebrating his professional achievements.
Although Julie is publicly recognized as Eller’s wife, the couple has not widely disclosed details about their wedding date or how they originally met.
Lars Eller’s Children: Does He Have a Son or Daughter?
Lars Eller has two children with his wife, Julie: a daughter named Sophia and a son named Alexander.
Both children have appeared publicly with their father during important hockey milestones.
Lars Eller’s Daughter: Sophia Eller
Sophia is Lars and Julie Eller’s eldest child. She was born around 2013 and spent part of her early childhood in Montreal, where her father played for the Canadiens.
When the family relocated to Washington in 2016, Sophia was approximately three years old.
According to The Washington Post, Sophia was excited about moving into the family’s new home and specifically requested a pink bedroom.
In October 2023, Lars discussed his daughter in an interview published by the Pittsburgh Penguins. He revealed that 10-year-old Sophia sometimes asked Amazon Alexa questions about her father because the device identified him by his hockey nickname, “The Tiger.”
Her playful curiosity became a source of amusement for the family.
Sophia also joined her parents and younger brother during her father’s 1,000th NHL game celebration in January 2024.
Lars Eller’s Son: Alexander Eller
Alexander, sometimes called Alex, is Lars and Julie Eller’s youngest child. He was born around 2020.
In an April 2023 interview with the Colorado Avalanche, Lars mentioned that he had a 10-year-old daughter and a two-year-old son.
Alexander later appeared alongside his sister Sophia and mother Julie when the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrated Lars’s 1,000th NHL game on January 27, 2024.
During the pregame ceremony, the family watched a tribute video highlighting Eller’s career with several NHL teams.
Lars has explained that he enjoys spending time with his children through outdoor activities and sports, including soccer and basketball.
While both children have made public appearances with their father, the family generally keeps their everyday lives private.
Lars Eller’s Parents: Meet His Father and Mother
Lars Eller was born to Olaf Eller and Margit Eller in Denmark. His upbringing was strongly influenced by ice hockey, particularly through his father’s professional playing and coaching career.
Lars Eller’s Father: Olaf Eller
Olaf Eller is a former Danish professional ice hockey player, coach, and sporting executive.
Born on June 13, 1960, Olaf represented Denmark internationally and became an influential figure in Danish ice hockey.
Following his playing career, he worked as a coach for several teams, including clubs in Denmark and Sweden.
Olaf also coached Denmark’s national junior ice hockey team, helping develop young players competing in international tournaments.
His hockey knowledge influenced both Lars and his younger brother, Mads, who pursued professional playing careers.
Olaf was among the family members who traveled to Las Vegas in June 2018 to witness the Washington Capitals defeat the Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Final.
During Game 5, Lars scored the championship-winning goal, creating a historic moment for Danish ice hockey and the Eller family.
Olaf later continued working in Danish hockey, including coaching and administrative roles associated with the Rødovre Mighty Bulls.
Lars Eller’s Mother: Margit Eller
Margit Eller is Lars Eller’s mother. Unlike her husband and sons, she has maintained a relatively private public profile.
Nevertheless, she has been present for important family milestones throughout Lars’s hockey career.
In June 2018, Margit and Olaf traveled to Las Vegas to watch Lars compete in the Stanley Cup Final with the Washington Capitals.
They witnessed the Capitals secure their first Stanley Cup championship, with Lars scoring the deciding goal in the final game.
Coverage from Denmark’s Metal Ligaen identifies Margit and Olaf as the parents of Lars and Mads Eller.
Public information about Margit’s profession, early life, and other personal details remains limited.
Lars Eller’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Lars Eller comes from a family with a strong ice hockey tradition. He has two publicly known brothers: Mads Eller, his younger brother, and Michael Smidt, his half-brother.
Lars Eller’s Younger Brother: Mads Eller
Mads Eller was born on June 25, 1995, in Denmark. Like Lars, he pursued a career in ice hockey.
He developed his skills in Europe before moving to North America to compete in Canadian major junior hockey.
Mads played for the Edmonton Oil Kings in the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he became part of the team that won the Memorial Cup in 2014.
He also played in Sweden’s junior hockey system and spent time with the Adirondack Thunder in the ECHL.
Mads represented Denmark internationally, including at the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.
The brothers share a close relationship. In an interview featured by Denmark’s Metal Ligaen, Mads described Lars as an important mentor both on and off the ice.
During the Washington Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup run, Mads spent approximately one month living with Lars and Julie in Washington.
He later traveled to Las Vegas with other family members to witness Lars win the Stanley Cup.
The event was especially meaningful because Mads had already won the Memorial Cup four years earlier.
Lars Eller’s Half-Brother: Michael Smidt
Michael Smidt is Lars Eller’s half-brother and another member of the family who pursued professional ice hockey.
Michael played his career in Denmark, becoming closely associated with the Rødovre Mighty Bulls.
He spent approximately 17 seasons with the club and served as its captain for six seasons before retiring in 2014.
Michael also represented Denmark internationally.
His career further demonstrates the family’s longstanding involvement in Danish ice hockey.
There is no widely verified public information identifying a sister of Lars Eller.
Lars Eller’s Family Background and Early Life
Lars Eller grew up in Rødovre, a suburb of Copenhagen, Denmark, where ice hockey played a major role in his upbringing.
With his father already established in Danish hockey, Lars was exposed to the sport from a young age.
He began developing his skills in Denmark before moving to Sweden, where he played for Frölunda’s organization.
His performances attracted attention from NHL scouts, and the St. Louis Blues selected him 13th overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
Eller eventually established himself as a dependable NHL center, known for his defensive awareness, faceoff ability, and playoff performances.
His greatest achievement came on June 7, 2018, when he scored the Stanley Cup-clinching goal for the Washington Capitals.
In January 2024, Eller became the first Danish player to reach 1,000 NHL games.
After spending the 2025–26 season with the Ottawa Senators, Eller signed a one-year contract with the Florida Panthers on July 1, 2026.
Throughout his career, family has remained important to him, with his wife, children, parents, and brothers sharing several memorable moments of his professional journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lars Eller’s Family
Who is Lars Eller’s wife?
Lars Eller is married to Julie Eller, his longtime partner and the mother of his two children.
Does Lars Eller have a girlfriend?
Lars Eller is married, rather than publicly known to be dating a girlfriend. His wife is Julie Eller.
How many children does Lars Eller have?
Lars Eller has two children, a daughter named Sophia and a son named Alexander.
Who is Lars Eller’s daughter?
His daughter is Sophia Eller, born around 2013. She has appeared alongside her father during significant NHL celebrations.
Who is Lars Eller’s son?
His son is Alexander Eller, also known as Alex, who was born around 2020.
Who is Lars Eller’s father?
His father is Olaf Eller, a former Danish international ice hockey player and coach.
Who is Lars Eller’s mother?
His mother is Margit Eller, who attended the Washington Capitals’ historic Stanley Cup victory in 2018.
Does Lars Eller have siblings?
Yes. Lars Eller has a younger brother named Mads Eller and a half-brother named Michael Smidt. Both have played professional ice hockey.
Is Mads Eller related to Lars Eller?
Yes. Mads Eller is Lars Eller’s younger brother. He played professional ice hockey and won the Memorial Cup with the Edmonton Oil Kings in 2014.
Where is Lars Eller from?
Lars Eller was born and raised in Rødovre, Denmark, a suburb of Copenhagen.
Which NHL team does Lars Eller play for?
Lars Eller plays for the Florida Panthers, having signed with the team in July 2026.
Living and breathing ice hockey, Bernald Sanders delivers comprehensive coverage of the NHL season from puck drop to the Stanley Cup Finals. He specializes in tactical breakdowns, trade analysis, power-play strategies, and tracking rising draft prospects. Bernald turns fast-paced on-ice action into clear, sharp insights for hockey fans around the globe.
