The 2025 NHL draft’s top defenseman has long and undoubtedly been Matthew Schaefer. 

The big question for NHL teams looking for a blueliner is who is the next-best choice. 

With no obvious standout, there are arguments for and against many of the options. 

Some players who have been in the conversation all year include Jackson Smith or Radim Mrtka. Other names have emerged, such as Kashawn Aitcheson. Then, there are some dark horses in the race as well, such as Blake Fiddler and Sascha Boumedienne. 

Let’s look at both sides of why each of those players should be the second-best defenseman in the 2025 NHL draft class. 

Jackson Smith, Tri-City (WHL)

Most often the defender ranked second, Smith brings a very intriguing two-way skill set. 

He’s got excellent size and high-end four-way mobility. Smith is one of the best, if not the best, transition defenders in the class. He uses his stick effectively when needed, and he has an excellent defensive stick. Offensively, Smith is a willing shooter, and he is more than capable as a passer. 

The case against Smith is that while his highs are quite high, his lows can be frustrating. Consistency has been an issue for Smith, and because his physical tools are quite impressive, it can be even more frustrating when he doesn’t put them to full use because you know he’s capable. 

Smith is the best balance of floor and upside of the group. 

Radim Mrtka, Seattle (WHL)

Mrtka may not be the most physical player, but he can use his length defensively to kill play, and he can keep up to quicker skaters. He isn’t the most refined when it comes to pivoting and making those quick movements in his zone, but he is an excellent defender in open ice. In the offensive zone, Mrtka is one of the more mobile defenders along the blueline, looking to open passing lanes. 

Much like Smith, inconsistency is a big issue. Mrtka can be wildly effective at both ends of the ice in the WHL, but the swings can be from shift to shift. There is a lot to like about Mrtka and the potential role as a defensive stopper with some sneaky good offense, but he must work on some of the finer details and even out the ups and downs. 

Kashawn Aitcheson, Barrie (OHL)

Aitcheson is one of the most feared defenders in the draft. The 6-foot-1, 199-pound OHLer has built a cult following of scouts, analysts and fans who love the throwback-style defenders. He has thrown some punishing hits, and he isn’t afraid to get into it after the whistle. Aitcheson also has a heavy shot, which helped him score 26 goals this year as well. 

The downside of Aitcheson is that some aspects of his game aren’t quite as refined, particularly with the puck on his stick. He flashes some nice puck-moving, and he can score some goals, but offense likely won’t be his calling card at the next level. His tendency to chase physicality at times is also a bit of a concern. Aitcheson needs quite a bit of refinement, but if you can get some of the details of his game in order, you could have a solid shutdown bruiser on the back end.

Final 2025 NHL Draft Rankings: Ryan Kennedy's Top 100 The 2025 NHL draft is fast approaching, and with that, it's time to drop some final rankings.

Blake Fiddler, Edmonton (WHL)

Fiddler is the most balanced and refined of the group. He may sacrifice some upside, but his game looks polished. His defensive game is stout, using his physicality and his mobility to thwart chances. He brings enough puck-moving and skill to evade pressure and start transition. Fiddler’s game is perfectly complementary for an offensively gifted partner. Fiddler alleviates pressure and allows them to play to their full extent. 

If you’re looking for a reason to choose one of the other defenders mentioned here, it’s simply that the other players have a standout defining trait that sets them apart. Fiddler is just very good at managing the game. He is a true modern-day defensive blueliner who often excels when he’s flying under the radar. 

Sascha Boumedienne, Boston Univ. (NCAA)

The biggest dark horse of the group, Boumedienne, had an excellent second half in the NCAA and internationally, capping it off with an incredible World Men’s Under-18s, where he finished with 14 points in seven games, a tournament record. 

Boumedienne is an excellent mobile defender who can transition the puck up ice with his feet or as a passer. He has some intriguing traits when it comes to his escapability and passing ability. Boumedienne has the potential to be a very capable two-way defender.

The risks in taking Boumedienne are that he is the rawest of the group in many ways. His skating and passing, along with his physical tools, are all impressive. He has flashes of high-end play at both ends of the ice. As we got to the end of the season, he showed immense growth, but it came with plenty of ups and downs.

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