Mark Friedman, born in 1995, is the only active NHL player with a Christmas birthday. Originally drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers, he played three seasons with the team before being claimed by the Penguins in 2021. After contributing in 54 games with Pittsburgh, Friedman was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in October 2023, where he has played limited games since the move.

Mark Friedman has been getting more ice time than Vincent Desharnais, highlighting Desharnais' struggles to perform consistently. In a recent game, Friedman played more minutes than Desharnais, who has been a healthy scratch too often, raising questions about Desharnais' fit within the team's defensive lineup.

Mark Friedman played effectively on the blue line, pairing with Derek Forbort to contribute to the Canucks' strong defensive performance in the shutout against the Panthers.

Mark Friedman has been recalled from the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks to fill the gap left by Filip Hronek's injury. His addition to the roster comes as the team navigates several player absences this season, underscoring the need for depth and resilience within the lineup.

Mark Friedman engaged in a physical altercation with Seattle's Brandon Tanev at center ice, showcasing the intensity of the game. This fight added to the physicality that marked the matchup, reflecting Friedman's willingness to defend his teammates and maintain the competitive atmosphere.