Last Updated on November 12, 2026 by Janet Asprin
Vincent Desharnais is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays as a defenseman for the Washington Capitals in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on May 29, 1996, in Laval, Quebec, Canada, Desharnais is known for his imposing 6-foot-7 frame, defensive abilities, and remarkable journey to professional hockey.
Beyond his NHL career, Desharnais comes from a supportive Canadian family. His parents are Jacques Desharnais and Josée Legault, and he has an older brother named Alex Desharnais. He has also spoken publicly about his late brother, Félix, who died at birth before Vincent was born.
Although Desharnais frequently expresses appreciation for his parents and brother, he maintains considerable privacy regarding romantic relationships and whether he has children.
Vincent Desharnais’s Girlfriend: Who Is He Dating?
Vincent Desharnais has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend or romantic partner.
The Canadian hockey player generally keeps his romantic relationships away from media attention, focusing most of his interviews on his professional career, family support, and personal development.
Although Desharnais occasionally shares updates through social media, reliable hockey publications have not established the identity of a current girlfriend.
There have also been no verified public announcements confirming that he is engaged or married.
During interviews with Sportsnet, NHL.com, and the Edmonton Oilers, Desharnais has spoken extensively about his parents and brother without publicly identifying a romantic partner.
Consequently, his current relationship status remains unconfirmed.
It is important to distinguish the absence of public information from confirmation that someone is single. Desharnais may simply prefer to maintain privacy regarding this aspect of his life.
Does Vincent Desharnais Have Children?
There are no publicly confirmed reports that Vincent Desharnais has children.
The Washington Capitals defenseman has not made a verified public announcement about becoming a father.
Official player biographies and interviews have not identified any sons or daughters.
Desharnais has, however, demonstrated a strong interest in supporting children through charitable organizations.
Throughout his career, he has participated in fundraising activities supporting children with cancer and their families.
His charitable involvement reflects his commitment to helping young people facing serious challenges, although it does not establish whether he has children of his own.
Vincent Desharnais’s Parents: Meet Jacques Desharnais and Josée Legault
Vincent Desharnais was raised by his parents, Jacques Desharnais and Josée Legault, in Laval, Quebec.
Their identities are confirmed in his official Providence College Athletics biography, which identifies him as the son of Jacques Desharnais and Josée Legault.
Both parents played important roles in supporting Vincent’s development through minor hockey, college competition, and his eventual transition to the NHL.
In January 2023, they traveled from Quebec to California to witness his NHL debut with the Edmonton Oilers.
Vincent Desharnais’s Father: Jacques Desharnais
Jacques Desharnais is Vincent Desharnais’s father.
Jacques worked as a library manager at École Polytechnique in Montreal, according to a January 2023 Sportsnet profile about Vincent’s journey to the NHL.
He has been an important source of encouragement throughout his son’s hockey career.
Growing up in Quebec, Vincent developed his passion for hockey with support from Jacques and his older brother Alex.
Both helped him understand the importance of dedication, patience, and perseverance.
When Vincent was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the seventh round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Jacques celebrated the achievement alongside the family.
Although Vincent had been overlooked in previous drafts, his parents continued encouraging him to pursue professional hockey.
Jacques was also present during several important moments in Vincent’s career.
On January 11, 2023, he traveled to Anaheim, California, with Josée and Alex to watch Vincent make his NHL debut against the Anaheim Ducks.
After the game, Vincent reunited with his family in an emotional celebration.
According to Le Journal de Québec, he hugged his mother and brother before embracing his father.
The reunion was particularly meaningful because Vincent had spent several years playing college and minor-league hockey before finally reaching the NHL at age 26.
In June 2024, Jacques appeared alongside other family members in a TVA Sports interview during Edmonton’s appearance in the Stanley Cup Final.
He expressed amazement at how quickly Vincent had progressed from making his NHL debut to competing for hockey’s most prestigious championship.
Jacques has also shared memorable moments with his son involving NHL legends.
In a December 2023 interview with OilersNation, Vincent recalled introducing his father to former NHL defenseman Paul Coffey.
Jacques was such a passionate admirer of Coffey that he struggled to find the words to express his excitement.
Vincent later joked that it was one of the rare occasions when he had seen his father speechless.
Vincent Desharnais’s Mother: Josée Legault
Josée Legault is Vincent Desharnais’s mother.
Josée has been one of the most important sources of emotional support throughout her son’s hockey journey.
She encouraged him during childhood and remained closely involved in his development as he pursued hockey opportunities away from home.
When Vincent was selected by Edmonton in the 2016 NHL Draft, Josée became emotional after learning that her son had finally been chosen by an NHL organization.
In a January 2023 Sportsnet interview, Vincent recalled that his mother called him shortly after he received the news.
He explained that she was crying and struggling to speak because she was so happy.
Josée also provided important emotional support during a difficult period in Vincent’s professional career.
While playing in California with the Bakersfield Condors, Desharnais experienced significant personal challenges that affected his mental well-being.
He later discussed these difficulties publicly in an interview with NHL.com.
After he opened up about his struggles, Josée immediately arranged a flight to California.
She spent approximately four days with Vincent, helping him feel supported and encouraging him to seek additional assistance.
Desharnais has credited his mother’s actions with helping him during one of the most difficult periods of his life.
Her support remained important when he finally reached the NHL in January 2023.
Josée traveled with Jacques and Alex to Anaheim for Vincent’s first game.
She also attended Edmonton’s playoff games, celebrating her son’s achievements throughout the 2023 and 2024 postseason campaigns.
During a June 2024 interview with TVA Sports, Josée expressed tremendous pride in Vincent’s progress.
She acknowledged the family’s sacrifices but emphasized that Vincent deserved the greatest credit for his achievements because of his hard work and determination.
Vincent Desharnais’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Vincent Desharnais has an older brother named Alex Desharnais, who has been an important influence throughout his life.
His official Providence College biography identifies Alex as his older brother.
Vincent has also spoken about another brother, Félix Desharnais, who died at birth before Vincent was born.
Alex Desharnais – Vincent Desharnais’s Older Brother
Alex Desharnais is Vincent Desharnais’s older brother.
Alex is approximately five years older than Vincent and has maintained a close relationship with him since childhood.
Growing up in Laval, the brothers shared an interest in hockey and spent considerable time together.
Alex was an important source of encouragement during Vincent’s early career, particularly when he encountered uncertainty about his professional future.
One memorable family moment occurred during the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
Vincent was spending time on Alex’s boat near Montreal while waiting to learn whether an NHL team would select him.
Because he had previously been passed over in two NHL drafts, Vincent was uncertain about his chances.
Alex encouraged him not to worry excessively about the outcome and reassured him that his hockey career would not be defined by whether he was drafted.
Shortly afterward, Vincent received a telephone call from his agent informing him that the Edmonton Oilers had selected him in the seventh round.
He celebrated with Alex and his friends, creating a memorable moment in his hockey journey.
Alex Desharnais’s Support During Vincent’s NHL Career
Alex has remained one of Vincent’s closest supporters throughout his professional career.
In January 2023, he traveled with their parents to California to attend Vincent’s NHL debut against the Anaheim Ducks.
According to reporting by Le Journal de Québec, Alex and his partner also joined the family during the emotional celebration following the game.
In January 2024, Alex participated in the Edmonton Oilers’ annual Siblings and Special Guests Trip.
The event allowed players to bring family members and other important people into their NHL environment.
During an official Oilers interview, Vincent described Alex as his biggest supporter.
He acknowledged that much of the family’s attention had focused on his hockey career during childhood, but Alex never complained or resented the sacrifices involved.
Instead, his brother remained supportive through both successful and difficult periods.
Alex also expressed pride in Vincent’s achievements and the dedication required to reach the NHL.
During Edmonton’s run to the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, Alex continued supporting his younger brother.
In a June 2024 TVA Sports interview, Alex explained that he spoke with Vincent almost every day during the playoffs.
He described their regular conversations as a way of remaining closely connected despite not being able to share the experience on the ice.
The relationship between the brothers demonstrates the importance of family support throughout Vincent’s professional hockey career.
Félix Desharnais – Vincent Desharnais’s Late Brother
Félix Desharnais was another son of Jacques Desharnais and Josée Legault.
Félix died at birth, before Vincent was born.
Vincent publicly discussed his family’s experience during an August 2024 interview with Montreal radio station 98.5 FM.
He explained that his parents initially planned to have two children.
After welcoming Alex, they had another son, Félix, approximately two years later.
Tragically, Félix died from complications at birth.
The experience was devastating for the family, particularly Josée, who initially feared the possibility of experiencing another loss.
Jacques and Josée eventually decided to try for another child, and Vincent was born.
In the interview, Vincent reflected on how this family history shaped his understanding of his own life.
He also shared that his NHL debut on January 11, 2023, took place on the anniversary of Félix’s birth and death.
Although Vincent never had an opportunity to meet his brother, he described the connection between these events as deeply meaningful.
The family’s story provides additional insight into the emotional significance of Vincent’s hockey achievements.
How Vincent Desharnais’s Family Influenced His Hockey Career
Vincent Desharnais was born on May 29, 1996, in Laval, Quebec, Canada.
He developed an interest in ice hockey during childhood and received encouragement from his father, mother, and older brother.
Although he grew into an exceptionally tall defenseman, Desharnais encountered challenges because of his skating speed and physical development.
Some coaches and scouts questioned whether he could compete successfully at higher levels.
Nevertheless, his family continued supporting his ambitions.
Desharnais eventually moved to the United States to attend Northwood School in Lake Placid, New York, before joining the Chilliwack Chiefs in the British Columbia Hockey League.
His performances helped him earn an opportunity to play NCAA Division I hockey at Providence College.
During his time with the Providence Friars, Desharnais developed his defensive abilities and became an important member of the team.
He also studied management, balancing academic responsibilities with college hockey.
In June 2016, the Edmonton Oilers selected him in the seventh round, 183rd overall, of the NHL Entry Draft.
After completing college, he began his professional career in the minor leagues, playing for the Wichita Thunder in the ECHL and Bakersfield Condors in the American Hockey League.
His progression was gradual, requiring several years of development before he earned an NHL opportunity.
On January 11, 2023, Desharnais made his NHL debut against the Anaheim Ducks.
His parents and older brother attended the game, sharing an achievement that represented years of hard work and sacrifice.
He later became a regular member of Edmonton’s defensive lineup.
During the 2023-24 season, Desharnais helped the Oilers advance to the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers.
Although Edmonton lost the series, reaching the Final was a major milestone for both Vincent and his family.
Vincent Desharnais’s Professional Career and Move to Washington
After two NHL seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, Desharnais signed a two-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks on July 1, 2024.
During the 2024-25 season, he also played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and San Jose Sharks following trades.
He remained with San Jose for the 2025-26 season and established himself as a dependable defensive player.
On July 1, 2026, Desharnais signed a four-year, $16.8 million contract with the Washington Capitals.
The agreement marked an important professional achievement because it offered long-term stability after several seasons involving changes of teams.
Desharnais expressed enthusiasm about joining Washington and explained that the organization valued his defensive abilities and leadership.
He also welcomed the opportunity to mentor younger defensemen, including Cole Hutson.
His move to Washington represents another chapter in a career shaped by perseverance and strong family encouragement.
Vincent Desharnais’s Charitable Activities and Family Values
In addition to his hockey career, Vincent Desharnais has participated in charitable initiatives supporting children and families.
During his college years, he organized an event called PC Beats Cancer, which raised approximately $5,100 for the Gloria Gemma Foundation.
The organization supports people affected by cancer, including patients, survivors, and their loved ones.
His involvement contributed to his nomination for the 2019 Hockey Humanitarian Award.
Desharnais also participated in fundraising activities supporting Leucan, a Canadian organization that helps children with cancer and their families.
One of his fundraising initiatives involved shaving his head to raise money and awareness.
In an interview published by OilersNation, he explained that his brother Alex had decided to join him in a similar fundraising activity.
The brothers’ involvement demonstrated their shared commitment to helping young people facing difficult circumstances.
Desharnais has also spoken about the importance of emotional support and seeking help during challenging periods.
His experiences have encouraged him to discuss the value of family relationships and strong personal support systems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vincent Desharnais’s Family
Who is Vincent Desharnais’s girlfriend?
Vincent Desharnais has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend. Reliable details about his current romantic relationship status are unavailable.
Is Vincent Desharnais married?
There is no verified public announcement confirming that Vincent Desharnais is married.
Does Vincent Desharnais have children?
No children have been publicly confirmed for Vincent Desharnais.
Who are Vincent Desharnais’s parents?
His parents are Jacques Desharnais and Josée Legault. They raised him in Laval, Quebec, and supported his professional hockey ambitions.
Who is Vincent Desharnais’s father?
His father is Jacques Desharnais, who worked as a library manager at École Polytechnique in Montreal. He has supported Vincent throughout his hockey career.
Who is Vincent Desharnais’s mother?
His mother is Josée Legault, who has provided important emotional support throughout his career and attended his NHL debut in January 2023.
Does Vincent Desharnais have siblings?
Yes. Vincent Desharnais has an older brother named Alex Desharnais. He also had another brother, Félix, who died at birth before Vincent was born.
Who is Alex Desharnais?
Alex Desharnais is Vincent Desharnais’s older brother. He has been one of Vincent’s closest supporters and regularly attends important hockey events.
What happened to Vincent Desharnais’s brother Félix?
Félix Desharnais died from complications at birth. Vincent discussed the family’s experience during an August 2024 radio interview.
Is Vincent Desharnais related to David Desharnais?
No publicly documented family relationship exists between Vincent Desharnais and former Montreal Canadiens forward David Desharnais. They share the same surname but are not known to be related.
Where did Vincent Desharnais grow up?
Vincent Desharnais grew up in Laval, Quebec, Canada, before moving to the United States to continue his hockey development.
Which NHL team does Vincent Desharnais play for?
Vincent Desharnais plays for the Washington Capitals. He joined the organization on July 1, 2026, after signing a four-year contract.
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.
