Latest news with #LoganHensler
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Canadiens: Potential First-Round Pick
As Forrest Gump would say, a draft is a bit like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're going to get, especially when you're picking mid-round like the Montreal Canadiens will be this time around. Scouts' job becomes that much harder when so many teams get to choose before you even have one selection. It's impossible to know who will still be on the board or who will be long gone (aside from the select few who are at the very top of the class). By the time the Canadiens take to the figurative podium since the draft is held remotely this season, many of their favourites might already been picked and while I'm not suggesting drafting for need, but if the best player available when they finally get to choose, happens to be either a promising center or a promising right-shot defenseman, I don't think many would complain. A prospect that would fit the latter option is Logan Hensler, a 6-foot-2 blueliner who weighs in at 197. Advertisement Canadiens: Kypreos Reveals Trade Target Canadiens: Martin St-Louis Finished Third In The Jack Adams Trophy Voting Canadiens: Potential First Round Pick - Radim Mrtka After spending a couple of seasons with the US National Team Development program, the towering blueliner joined the University of Wisconsin in the NCAA. Adapting to play against older and bigger players hasn't been easy for the youngster, who has only produced 12 points in 32 games, down from 32 points in 61 games in his previous season with the USNTDP. Still, he projects as a top-four defenseman who's strong with good skating abilities and uses his big frame to steer opponents away from danger zones defensively and box them out. There's no denying the Canadiens could use some sight and strength on the blueline, even if it means sacrificing a bit of attack in the process. In a depth role at the World Junior Championship, he could only manage a single point in seven games as the USA skated to the gold medal. Now that he's got more experience under his belt, he should play a more prominent role in the future. Advertisement He met with the Canadiens' organization at the Combine in Buffalo. He told TVA Sports' Anthony Martineau that he could reach another level offensively but preferred to focus on his defense this year. He models his game after Ottawa Senators' blueliner Jake Sanderson and wants to put on weight this Summer to improve his physical game. The prospect also told TVA Sports that David Reinbacher is an excellent right-shot defenseman just like him and that he doesn't fear the competition with him or anyone else. Big talk for the youngster, but confidence is a must in this business, and it should serve him well. Photo credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images Canadiens stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, never to miss a story. Advertisement Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @ and Threads @karinehains. Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Penguins Draft Prospect Profile: Logan Hensler
Credit: University of Wisconsin Athletics With the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaching fast, POHO and GM Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins have their work cut out for them. Since the Penguins have a total of 30 picks over the next three drafts, including 11 this year - which could reduce to 10 if the conditional first-round pick from the New York Rangers defers to 2026 - there will be plenty of opportunity for the Penguins to add impact players. Of their 11 picks in 2025, six of them are in the first three rounds. Advertisement After the results of the draft lottery on May 5, the Penguins will officially select 11th overall, dropping down two spots from where they originally were at ninth. As such, we have compiled a list of potential draft prospects that should fall around the Penguins' selection. We recently profiled center Jake O'Brien, forward Victor Eklund, defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson, center Brady Martin, center Roger McQueen, and right wing Justin Carbonneau. Next up? Right defenseman Logan Hensler. Penguins Drop Two Slots In NHL Draft, Will Pick 11th Overall Penguins Drop Two Slots In NHL Draft, Will Pick 11th Overall In past draft lotteries, the Advertisement Pittsburgh Penguins have seen their fair share of luck. Logan Hensler Aug 2, 2024; Plymouth, MI, USA; Sweden's forward David Granberg (27) battles for the puck with USA's Logan Hensler (18) during the third period of the 2024 World Junior Summer Showcase at USA Hockey Arena. (Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images) DOB: Oct. 14, 2006 (Age 18) Position: Defenseman Shoots: Right Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 196 pounds Team: University of Wisconsin (NCAA) In most mock drafts and projections, the defense position isn't particularly deep this year. However, that doesn't mean there aren't some hidden gems right around where the Penguins will be drafting at 11. And Logan Hensler should be one of the names on their wishlist. The right-side defender's stats may not jump out on the scoresheet - he registered just two goals and 12 points in 32 games with the University of Wisconsin Badgers in his rookie season - but he's certainly got all of the tools to become a threat on both sides of the puck. He's got size at 6-foot-2, 196 pounds. He's mobile, agile, and smart with the puck. He defends well, he skates well, and he's good with his stick. Advertisement Even though there are some question marks around his offensive production, Hensler's defensive game is already quite rounded out, and it's something that should earn him a role at the NHL level as a shutdown defender, at the very least. His gap control, stick work, and ability to get the puck out of danger in the defensive zone are all pluses. Hensler played for Team USA in the World Junior Championship this season alongside Cole Hutson, and the Woodbury, Minn. native notched an assist in seven games leading up to Team USA's gold medal at the event. Even though his name may not be as big as others like potential no. 1 pick Matthew Schaefer, and, even, Kashawn Aitcheson, Hensler projects as a reliable shutdown defenseman at the least, which is something the Penguins need. And there is potential for a much higher ceiling because of his mobility. Advertisement There are still ways for him to improve his game in terms of physicality and offensive zone awareness, but nonethless, he's a reliable defender. The only potential trouble with the Penguins selecting Hensler at 11th overall is that he reads as more of a "safe" option. While "safe" isn't necessarily a bad thing, there are other talents around this area that could reap higher reward. While Hensler's floor is low, the chances of him reaching his ceiling - despite all the tools being there - are a bit lower. So, if he is available at 11, the Penguins should consider risk v. reward. Penguins Draft Prospect Profile: Kashawn Aitcheson Penguins Draft Prospect Profile: Kashawn Aitcheson With the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaching fast, POHO and GM Kyle Dubas and the Advertisement Pittsburgh Penguins have their work cut out for them. Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!
