As I mentioned in my Bill Zonnon draft target piece, the San Jose Sharks have two first-round picks and some big decisions to make. Their first pick is second overall, which they landed after falling one spot in the NHL Draft Lottery. The other may require more work from their scouting department. They hold the Dallas Stars’ 30th overall pick from the Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci trade earlier this season.
While the 30th pick is close to early second-round value, there are still several strong options available. I already covered Zonnon, who would be a strong fit for their future top six. But there are also some defensemen worth looking at, including Malcolm Spence, Sascha Boumedienne, and Blake Fiddler.
Today, though, we’re focusing on Henry Brzustewicz, a London Knights defenseman from the Ontario Hockey League.
Scouting Report
Team: London Knights (OHL)
2024–25 Stats: 10 G, 32 A, 42 P, 42 PIM
DOB: Feb. 9, 2007
Position: Defense
Shoots: Right
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 194 lbs
Let’s introduce you to Brzustewicz, Sam Dickinson’s defense partner in junior. Makes sense already, right? Let’s take a closer look. He’s recognized for his offensive skillset—whether it’s jumping up into the rush, using his shot to get pucks on net, or snapping quick breakout passes to the forwards. He has the tools to become a very appealing option to help quarterback a power play. NHL teams are always looking for someone reliable in that role, and if he and Dickinson end up together in San Jose, the Sharks could be set on their back end for years to come.
Outside of what he brings offensively, Brzustewicz also relies on his skating to recover and close gaps after he pinches. That speed is a key part of his game—it allows him to track back, disrupt chances, or pressure opponents into making mistakes. He projects as a strong offensive defenseman with a solid defensive foundation. That becomes even more valuable when you factor in that he’s still eligible to return to junior for two more seasons. That window gives him the opportunity to continue developing and improve in any areas the Sharks might view as needing polish. There’s a lot of upside here, especially paired with someone he already has chemistry with.
What the Scouts Are Saying:
In most shifts, Brzustewicz plays a quiet and supportive style of game. Rotating ahead of plays, denying the middle, pushing opponents wide, and walling off the front of the net, he contains the opposition. When they put themselves in vulnerable spots, he engages, skating forward at them, and pushing them off the puck. He retrieves it and moves it to his partner, prioritizing safety over creativity. — Elite Prospects, 2025
“Henry Brzustewicz is undoubtedly a player to watch as the 2025 NHL Draft approaches. With his skill set, physical attributes, and strong hockey bloodlines, he has the potential to make an impact in the NHL. As he continues to develop and refine his game, fans and scouts alike will be eagerly anticipating his future in professional hockey.” — OHL Writers, 2025
“Brzustewicz is effective in making a strong first pass to start breakouts and is capable of skating the puck out of his zone when under pressure. His lateral mobility along the offensive blue line allows him to keep plays alive, and his shot from the point, while not always accurate, has notable power and velocity. Offensively, he shows flashes of being an active presence, jumping into the rush and getting involved in the play when the opportunity arises.” — Neutral Zone, 2025
Brzstuweicz has a sure-built frame. He’s stocky and strong, with good skating under him. He’s a great defensive mind, and knows how to position himself strategically to limit access to the slot. His physicality is great and he’s got a strong stick. Those traits alone hook me, but Brzstuweicz adds to them with a great jump and puckhandling ability. He gets to loose pucks quick and makes strong passes. When he can’t, Brzstuweicz is completely capable of driving the puck downhill fast. He has an eye for making strong first-passes in the offensive end and patrols the blue-line well enough. A boomer slapshot too. He’s a bit old guard, but Brzustewicz’s projection is strong. — Gabe Foley, Recruit Scouting
San Jose already has a deep and talented forward prospect pool. That group is set up very well for the future. And while they’re expected to take a forward with the second overall pick—unless Matthew Schaefer unexpectedly falls to them—grabbing Brzustewicz at 30 would help round things out. He has a winning pedigree, strong chemistry with Dickinson, and just helped the Knights win the 2025 Memorial Cup. All of that adds up to a pick that would make a lot of sense.
Let us know what you think below.
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