The Vancouver Canucks enter the 2025 NHL Entry Draft with a pick in each round. Leading up to the draft day, we at The Hockey News will be profiling a different prospect who the Canucks could take with each of their picks. Today's prospect is University of Wisconsin defenceman Logan Hensler, who Vancouver could select 15th overall.
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If the Canucks want to add a high-end, right-shot defenseman, than Hensler might be their guy. Listed at 6'2", 197lbs, the 18-year-old had an impressive season in the NCAA, recording 12 points and 50 blocks in 32 games. Hensler was also one of two undrafted skaters to make Team USA's World Junior team, where he played all seven games and helped the Americans capture a Gold Medal.
When watching Hensler play, the first attribute that stands out is his skating. He can defend well against the rush and carry the puck out of the defensive zone to start breakouts. Hensler also showed an ability to match his opponents' speed on chip-ins and can often beat out forecheckers for loose pucks.
Hensler thrives in the defensive end. His long reach allows him to break up passes, while his high level of awareness ensures that he is in the right position while defending. Hensler also does not lack confidence, as he showed a willingness to engage with older and stronger opponents throughout the season.
While Hensler is not known for his offence, he showed this year that he is not afraid to get pucks on the net. He finished the 2024-25 campaign with 50 shots on goal, while his 10 assists ranked second among defensemen on Wisconsin's roster. Ultimately, Hensler showed that he can be productive in the offensive zone, but needs to keep developing this part of his game if he wants to have success at the pro level.
The other area to keep an eye on when it comes to Hensler is overall physicality. Like many 18-year-old prospects, he hasn't mastered how to use his size to his advantage, which is a crucial element to having success as a two-way defenceman in the NCAA. If he can continue to get stronger and fill out his frame more, this issue should disappear over the next few years.
Based on his size and current attributes, Hensler projects as a top-four defenceman who can also contribute to the penalty kill. While he may not be flashy, he is confident and understands what he needs to do on the ice for his team to be successful. If Vancouver is considering adding a defenceman in the first round, Hensler would be a smart selection if he is available.
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