Blake Fiddler – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

Fiddler has averaged around 22 minutes of ice time per night this season and has shown promise with the puck. He is strong defensively, effectively limiting opponents’ chances during rushes and demonstrating solid offensive skills. Fiddler is an enjoyable player to watch; however, he tends to be prone to mistakes in certain areas, so improvement in his decision-making would be beneficial. He has good skating ability for his size, closing in on his checks effectively and moving up the ice efficiently. He competes hard on the ice; while you wouldn’t describe him as overly physical, he works diligently to win pucks and make defensive plays.

Despite his size, Fiddler is not just a big, stay-at-home defender. He can move the puck up the ice and contribute to transitions, an essential skill for any modern NHL defenseman. Although he still has room for improvement in this area, his progress over the past year has significantly enhanced his effectiveness at both ends of the rink. Fiddler may not dazzle with skill or offensive instincts, but he consistently challenges opponents’ top players with his size while facilitating puck movement in transition. His combination of size and effort level makes him a reliable workhorse on the ice—a coach’s dream on the defensive end.

He possesses all the qualities that NHL teams look for in a defenseman of his style, particularly excelling in the premium position on the right side of the defense. Fiddler is a strong skater with impressive size, adept at making pivots, and an effective defender. His greatest strength lies in his performance during rushes. Due to his limited offensive potential, Fiddler needs to enhance his defensive skills to maximize his value. While he may not be a high-point producer, his defensive abilities will be crucial for advancing to the professional level. Fortunately, his physical attributes and ongoing coaching indicate his defensive game will improve with experience.

Other THW Draft Profiles

Blake Fiddler – NHL Draft Projection

Teams will appreciate his size, mobility, and defensive skills. However, his offensive potential and consistency will ultimately determine if he rises into the first round or falls to the early second. While he may not display the same level of offensive flashes as Cameron Reid or Jackson Smith, his two-way potential shouldn’t cause him to drop too far in the draft.

Quotables

“He has everything NHL teams value in a defenseman of his style, and he plays a premium position on the right side of the defense. Fiddler is a strong skater with great size, good on his pivots and a very effective defender.” – SMAHT Scouting

“Standing tall at 6-foot-4, Fiddler is a big-bodied defender who clears forwards away from his net and pushes opponents to the perimeter. Fiddler is averaging around 22 minutes a night this year and already looks good with the puck. He’s mobile, and while he isn’t the quickest defender overall, he moves well for his size.” – Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

“Right-handed defensemen with skating ability and size are always in demand in the NHL. Add in the possibility of some two-way offensive pop, and you’ve got a player that teams will look to draft in the early rounds of the NHL Draft.” – Adam Tate, McKeens Hockey

Strengths

Under Construction/Improvements to Make

NHL Potential 

Fiddler could become a top-four, two-way defenseman in the NHL, particularly excelling in a shutdown role. His size, skating ability, and defensive instincts are significant assets, especially during penalty kills and defensive assignments. He is similar to Brandon Carlo of the Toronto Maple Leafs—a big, mobile, and defensively responsible player who can effectively handle shutdown responsibilities while occasionally contributing offensively.

Risk-Reward Analysis

Risk – 2.5/5, Reward – 4/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Offense – 4/10, Defence – 8/10

Awards/Achievements

Interviews/Links

The Hockey Writers: 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Blake Fiddler Has Roots on Both Sides of the Border

NHL: Fiddler begins ‘big year’ captaining United States at Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Daily Faceoff: 2025 NHL Draft’s Blake Fiddler is following in his father’s footsteps

Blake Fiddler Stats

Videos