Top 15 Defensemen for the 2025 NHL Draft

[TBone]

Top 15 defensemen for the 2025 NHL Draft

By Steven Ellis
Jun 15, 2025

Remember how good the blueline crop was a year ago? Because this year is looking stout, too.

Although there may not be as many high-end options at D this time around, it appears likely that the first player taken will be a defender. After that, we could see another 2-3 taken in the top 10, depending on how things shake out.

It’s rare for a defenseman to be taken first overall. Buffalo took Rasmus Dahlin in 2018 and Owen Power in 2021. But before that, the last defender taken first was Aaron Ekblad in 2014, and he became just the second in the Salary Cap Era after the St. Louis Blues took Erik Johnson in 2006.

Matthew Schaefer is about to change that. He leads a strong group of defensemen on tap for the 2025 NH Draft:

https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/top-1 ... ka-hensler

[Pierre McGuire]

[Smith2Herr]

Question for the forum savants: are any of the RHDs mentioned here — especially Hensler and Fiddler as they seem most likely to be available to the Blues — capable of providing immediate help to the club the way Snuggerud did? Thanks.

[kimzey59]

Question for the forum savants: are any of the RHDs mentioned here — especially Hensler and Fiddler as they seem most likely to be available to the Blues — capable of providing immediate help to the club the way Snuggerud did? Thanks.

1- Snuggerud spent 3 years in College after he was drafted before making the NHL.
He absolutely did NOT provide "immediate help to the club". You had a portion of the fan base ready to sell him off for peanuts because he didn't sign sooner.

He looked good once he finally did get here, but it wasn't any kind of expedited process.

2- For this years Draft; I see 3 players total that might step right into an NHL spot(Schaeffer, Misa and Hagens(very possibly the top 3 picks); and I'm not sold on Schaeffer(he could use some bulking up before trying to handle NHL forwards) or Hagens(REALLY needs to bulk up) actually belonging in the NHL just yet). None of the guys available at 19 are likely to make the team within the next 2 years.
At best you hope they get to the AHL in two years and then spend a year/year and a half at that level before making the next step.

This is not the NFL. You don't draft for immediate impact.
Only 6 players from last years draft saw any time at all. Only one of them managed more than 20 games(Celebrini) and one was an overager drafted in the 7th round(21 year old Nikita Prishchepov, drafted by Colorado).
"Immediate impact" just isn't how the NHL Draft works. It's more in line with the MLB method.

[Smith2Herr]

Question for the forum savants: are any of the RHDs mentioned here — especially Hensler and Fiddler as they seem most likely to be available to the Blues — capable of providing immediate help to the club the way Snuggerud did? Thanks.

…

This is not the NFL. You don't draft for immediate impact.
Only 6 players from last years draft saw any time at all. Only one of them managed more than 20 games(Celebrini) and one was an overager drafted in the 7th round(21 year old Nikita Prishchepov, drafted by Colorado).
"Immediate impact" just isn't how the NHL Draft works. It's more in line with the MLB method.

Thanks, Kimzey.

[BalotelliMassive]

Only 6 players from last years draft saw any time at all. Only one of them managed more than 20 games(Celebrini) and one was an overager drafted in the 7th round(21 year old Nikita Prishchepov, drafted by Colorado).

I like what I saw from Levshunov over his 18 game stint with Chicago and I'm assuming he's going to play a lot more this season.

[somni]

I was wondering if Max Pšenička would be noticed. Some mock drafts he's not even mentioned. I was able to watch him here in Portland. He came in mid-season, so he had to acclimate quickly.

My thoughts is that he would go in the 4th round. I selfishly hope the Blues can get him with their 5th rounder. He is raw, very raw. He obviously has some size to work with, but he will be a project wherever he lands.

[kimzey59]

Only 6 players from last years draft saw any time at all. Only one of them managed more than 20 games(Celebrini) and one was an overager drafted in the 7th round(21 year old Nikita Prishchepov, drafted by Colorado).

I like what I saw from Levshunov over his 18 game stint with Chicago and I'm assuming he's going to play a lot more this season.

And I'm sure Montreal thinks the same about Demidov. Pretty sure Calgary isn't regretting the Parekh pick, either.

Point remains, it takes an exceptional player to even make the NHL in his Draft year and only the truly Elite actually make an impact. The vast majority of the players taken need at least one year to be an impact player, if not 3-4(haven't seen an actual statistical analysis but I'd imagine it's somewhere well north of 95% that take at least one year before reaching the NHL). And that includes plenty of players that go on to become Elite at their position(as an example: Ron Francis, the #5 point scorer of all time, spent a year in the minors before making the NHL).

[BluesDom]

Based on all the mock drafts I have reviewed/watched. 1-4 on the list will be chosen before we pick. I dont think #8 or beyond are in the #19 range-(6 and 7 are mostly picked later also)-all those guys should go later in first or second round.

That leaves Logan Hensler. (Cam Reid or Blake Fiddler.)
I guess it depends who is available. Reid I had a few pundits say his offensive game wont translate to NHL. I dont want him.
Fiddler is projected a bit higher than where we pick up--Maybe we drop back??



Here are some writeups on Hensler.

Hensler is a highly mobile, right-shot defender who plays a relatively safe game. Gap control, angling, surfing across laterally to close space – he pushes attackers outside until there’s no space left. If the aggression fails, his explosiveness and impressive stop-start ability add adaptability to recover off the turnover. In tandem with his aggressive step-up game, he uses a disruptive stick and physical elements like stick lifts, clamps, and perimeter seals. -EliteProspects 2025 NHL Draft Guide

Logan Hensler has made massive improvements in his game since the beginning of his freshman year at the University of Wisconsin. It took a while for him to adjust to the increased speed at the NCAA level, but as Elite Prospects’ scout Daniel Gee noted, he is showing more confidence in his skills now and has increased his draft stock since his average performance at the 2025 World Juniors.

“I am blown away by how much Hensler has improved over this season. This is a more confident player that has adjusted to the pace of the NCAA game — to the point where he is leveraging his tools at a high level to put forth effective shift-after-shift. First, Hensler’s retrieval game has evolved — proactive contact habits, quick decisions off the pickup; you even get some deft between the legs work. His skating is so high-end — at least a 6.5-7 grade. The four-way mobility will pay constant dividends in his career…”

(From ‘February 15th, 2025 – Univ. of Wisconsin vs. Ohio State Univ.,’ Elite Prospects Scouting Reports, Daniel Gee, 3/5/25)
Related: THW’s 2025 NHL Draft Guide

While Hensler only has two goals and 12 points in 32 games this season, he has shown flashes of offensive skill among his solid defensive habits. His biggest strengths lie in his skating and mobility, two things that are key to success in today’s NHL. He also has a great stick defensively, regularly breaking up plays with deft interceptions and tips, both off the rush and in his own zone.

Logan Hensler University of Wisconsin
Logan Hensler, University of Wisconsin (Photo credit: UW Athletics)

[SameOldBlues]

Based on all the mock drafts I have reviewed/watched. 1-4 on the list will be chosen before we pick. I dont think #8 or beyond are in the #19 range-(6 and 7 are mostly picked later also)-all those guys should go later in first or second round.

That leaves Logan Hensler. (Cam Reid or Blake Fiddler.)
I guess it depends who is available. Reid I had a few pundits say his offensive game wont translate to NHL. I dont want him.
Fiddler is projected a bit higher than where we pick up--Maybe we drop back??



Here are some writeups on Hensler.

Hensler is a highly mobile, right-shot defender who plays a relatively safe game. Gap control, angling, surfing across laterally to close space – he pushes attackers outside until there’s no space left. If the aggression fails, his explosiveness and impressive stop-start ability add adaptability to recover off the turnover. In tandem with his aggressive step-up game, he uses a disruptive stick and physical elements like stick lifts, clamps, and perimeter seals. -EliteProspects 2025 NHL Draft Guide

Logan Hensler has made massive improvements in his game since the beginning of his freshman year at the University of Wisconsin. It took a while for him to adjust to the increased speed at the NCAA level, but as Elite Prospects’ scout Daniel Gee noted, he is showing more confidence in his skills now and has increased his draft stock since his average performance at the 2025 World Juniors.

“I am blown away by how much Hensler has improved over this season. This is a more confident player that has adjusted to the pace of the NCAA game — to the point where he is leveraging his tools at a high level to put forth effective shift-after-shift. First, Hensler’s retrieval game has evolved — proactive contact habits, quick decisions off the pickup; you even get some deft between the legs work. His skating is so high-end — at least a 6.5-7 grade. The four-way mobility will pay constant dividends in his career…”

(From ‘February 15th, 2025 – Univ. of Wisconsin vs. Ohio State Univ.,’ Elite Prospects Scouting Reports, Daniel Gee, 3/5/25)
Related: THW’s 2025 NHL Draft Guide

While Hensler only has two goals and 12 points in 32 games this season, he has shown flashes of offensive skill among his solid defensive habits. His biggest strengths lie in his skating and mobility, two things that are key to success in today’s NHL. He also has a great stick defensively, regularly breaking up plays with deft interceptions and tips, both off the rush and in his own zone.

Logan Hensler University of Wisconsin
Logan Hensler, University of Wisconsin (Photo credit: UW Athletics)

Ive been hopin for Hensler for awhile now. I think there’s still more offensive potential in his game too, specially since I think he’s a young 18.

[seattleblue]

I'm sticking with Brzustevich. Kid is going to have a monster D+1 year with Bonk and Dickinson graduating out of London and that pick will look great. London is an exceptional junior hockey program, they all have to earn their ice time. He is being groomed for the pros, and I like his offensive instincts more than Hensler, though I will say I have him and Hensler back to back. (I worked on my list yesterday quite a bit.) What I saw in the Memorial Cup I can envision this player doing on the Blues, at RD.

[SameOldBlues]

I'm sticking with Brzustevich. Kid is going to have a monster D+1 year with Bonk and Dickinson graduating out of London and that pick will look great. London is an exceptional junior hockey program, they all have to earn their ice time. He is being groomed for the pros, and I like his offensive instincts more than Hensler, though I will say I have him and Hensler back to back. (I worked on my list yesterday quite a bit.) What I saw in the Memorial Cup I can envision this player doing on the Blues, at RD.

Id be happy with him too after seeing how much you praise em and believe in him and after watchin him in a couple Memorial cup playoff games (altho Im far from an expert, but ya can see how good the kid skates and shoots, plus my biggest infatuation…SIZE).

What would be a killer draft day for me would be if the Blues got Hensler at 19, and then trade for another 1st, or high second if Brautwurst were to drop some, and then we’d be stocked nicely with RHD potential.

[somni]

I'm sticking with Brzustevich. Kid is going to have a monster D+1 year with Bonk and Dickinson graduating out of London and that pick will look great. London is an exceptional junior hockey program, they all have to earn their ice time. He is being groomed for the pros, and I like his offensive instincts more than Hensler, though I will say I have him and Hensler back to back. (I worked on my list yesterday quite a bit.) What I saw in the Memorial Cup I can envision this player doing on the Blues, at RD.

Id be happy with him too after seeing how much you praise em and believe in him and after watchin him in a couple Memorial cup playoff games (altho Im far from an expert, but ya can see how good the kid skates and shoots, plus my biggest infatuation…SIZE).

What would be a killer draft day for me would be if the Blues got Hensler at 19, and then trade for another 1st, or high second if Brautwurst were to drop some, and then we’d be stocked nicely with RHD potential.

Agree on Brzustevich on what Seattle says and the limited games I saw him play in the Memorial Cup. It would be nice to get a RHD with some size in the prospect pool.

[Pierre McGuire]

I'm sticking with Brzustevich. Kid is going to have a monster D+1 year with Bonk and Dickinson graduating out of London and that pick will look great. London is an exceptional junior hockey program, they all have to earn their ice time. He is being groomed for the pros, and I like his offensive instincts more than Hensler, though I will say I have him and Hensler back to back. (I worked on my list yesterday quite a bit.) What I saw in the Memorial Cup I can envision this player doing on the Blues, at RD.

Who is your main want and then also, who do you see the Blues picking. Just two names....you already know mine.

[STL fan in MN]

I'm sticking with Brzustevich. Kid is going to have a monster D+1 year with Bonk and Dickinson graduating out of London and that pick will look great. London is an exceptional junior hockey program, they all have to earn their ice time. He is being groomed for the pros, and I like his offensive instincts more than Hensler, though I will say I have him and Hensler back to back. (I worked on my list yesterday quite a bit.) What I saw in the Memorial Cup I can envision this player doing on the Blues, at RD.

I’d be thrilled with the pick. Been a fan of Brzustewicz for a few months now. Just don’t see why he’s ranked more in the 25-35 range. He’s easily in the same caliber as Hensler IMO.

I’d also be very happy with Reschny or Bear.

[Pierre McGuire]

I'm sticking with Brzustevich. Kid is going to have a monster D+1 year with Bonk and Dickinson graduating out of London and that pick will look great. London is an exceptional junior hockey program, they all have to earn their ice time. He is being groomed for the pros, and I like his offensive instincts more than Hensler, though I will say I have him and Hensler back to back. (I worked on my list yesterday quite a bit.) What I saw in the Memorial Cup I can envision this player doing on the Blues, at RD.

I’d be thrilled with the pick. Been a fan of Brzustewicz for a few months now. Just don’t see why he’s ranked more in the 25-35 range. He’s easily in the same caliber as Hensler IMO.

I’d also be very happy with Reschny or Bear.

There are probably 6 other teams ahead of the Blues that will be happy with Reschny...I just can't see him falling to 19.