The WHL is set to play a big role in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Leading up to the draft, we at The Hockey News will be profiling some of the players who are projected to hear their names called at the end of June. Today's prospect is Max Pšenička, who plays for the Portland Winterhawks.

Pšenička is expected to generate plenty of interest heading into the draft. Listed at 6'5", 185 lbs, the right shot defenceman recorded seven points in 24 games in his rookie WHL season. Pšenička then followed up his successful regular season with eight points in 18 games as he helped the Winterhawks make it all the way to the WHL Final. 

In the defensive zone, Pšenička uses his size to separate his opposition from the puck. He consistently wins net front battles and enjoys knocking his opponent to the ice whenever he gets the opportunity. Pšenička is also a defender who understands the importance of positioning, as he rarely gets pulled out of position by chasing puck carries. 

Pšenička also showed that he can have an impact in the transition game. He often elects to carry the puck out of the defensive zone before hitting teammates at the opposing blue line with accurate passes. Ultimately, Pšenička's ability to create offence through the transition game is one of the reasons why Portland had such a successful season in 2024-25. 

The next step in Pšenička's development will be his work in the offensive zone. While he is a decent playmaker, he needs to work on using his shot more consistently, as he only recorded 23 in 24 regular-season games. If Pšenička can add more offence to his game, it will help him become a more effective defender at the pro level. 

Pšenička is expected to be selected either in the second or third round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. He has attributes that teams covet and plays a premier position as a right-shot defenceman. As mentioned, Pšenička is an intriguing prospect who has the potential to have a long pro career. 

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