Inside Wheeler’s Shocking Summer 2025 NHL Prospect Rankings: Who’s the True Future Star?
He’s a strong 6-foot-3/4, 210ish-pound defenseman whose skating is a major strength (forward, backward, four-way mobility — the full package for a defender his size). He plays to who he is and what makes his game so successful. He defends at a very high level for his age, both man-to-man, down low and positionally in his own zone. He has skill and command with the puck in the offensive zone and shows real vision and an NHL shot consistently. There are times when he needs to pivot and set his gaps earlier (when he’s ready and in flow to accept the rush, he’s an excellent defender), but his only major hiccup is decision-making under pressure in his own zone. He still needs to read the ice and move it quicker at times, and there are moments in games when he doesn’t process it fast enough coming out of his own zone and can turn over pucks (though that improved last season). On offense, he shows comfort, speed, presence and even deception past opposing forwards, and has developed a nice feel for the game offensively when there are plays to be made. He just needs to count, read and problem-solve faster in his own zone. Some still have minor concerns about his IQ but he has all of the physical tools you look for, he can really shoot it (which I know he has worked on to turn into a real weapon), he comfortably handles and skates it, he has a high floor, and he could have a very high ceiling (at both ends) with continued development along the path he’s on. There are also some who want to see him play a little meaner, but he’s a dominant defender at the junior level, and he competes/plays hard across huge minutes. He’s also helped by a June birthday that gives him some runway to continue to find new levels/layers and get the reps in with the puck in his own zone. He can dominate a game in all three zones and four corners of the rink, which is saying something for a defenseman his age. His size, skating, defense and blossoming offensive game make him a true top prospect. He looks like he’s going to be a two-way stud in the NHL, and if he continues to improve the way he reads pressure, I think there’s first-pairing upside. He has also twice worn a letter for Hockey Canada.
Post Comment