Blake Fiddler Scouting Report: 2025 NHL Draft #23

Offence

Fiddler’s offensive game is built more on projection than production at this point, but there are signs of legitimate upside. In 65 games this season, Fiddler scored 10 goals and 33 points. More impressively, Blake also scored four points in nine games for the USNTP U18 team and three points in seven games for the States at the U18s. Throughout the season, there were noticeable improvements to Blake’s ability to move the puck up ice. Whether that be through breakout passes or rushing the puck up the ice, Fiddler’s efficiency and quickness have improved.

When Fiddler has the puck in the offensive zone, he succeeds at creating open lanes for his teammates and getting the puck to the house. Blake is incredibly active and does it in a way that doesn’t risk an odd-man rush the other way. His puck skills are above average, which helps him make plays at the blueline. There’s some deception in his release, and he’s shown the ability to score on curl-and-drag shots, but overall, more refinement is needed before he can become a true offensive threat from the back end.

Defence and Skating

Fiddler’s size is of significant advantage to his defensive game. In the defensive zone, he often shuts down attackers by angling them toward the boards and finishing with a physical edge. He has a noticeable wingspan, which aids in his ability to get his stick in lanes and control his gap. He’s a fantastic rush defender. Fiddler uses an active stick and superb awareness that come together to give him the ability to kill the rush. On the penalty kill, he is frequently relied upon to close space. Blake takes advantage of his strength and positioning to protect the slot and win net-front battles.

Over the past year, there have been noticeable improvements in Fiddler’s mobility—specifically with refinements in his footwork and transitional play. Scouts have observed advantages at both ends of the ice due to his enhanced agility and balance, especially during transitions. Fiddler’s long strides allow him to cover a lot of ground, while his improved edgework, combined with his long reach, makes him difficult to beat one-on-one. Now that his size and mobility are in sync—usually difficult for a player of his stature—a crucial dimension has been added to his game.

Comparisons and Projections

The player that comes to mind when watching Blake Fiddler is Brandon Carlo (Toronto Maple Leafs). Both players are big, mobile, right-shot defenders known for their defensive zone coverage, penalty killing, and quiet effectiveness. Much like Carlo, Fiddler isn’t expected to produce a staggering amount of offence. What he will do is be a physically reliable, minute-crunching defender who will anchor a second or third pairing.

Overall, Fiddler projects as a second- or third-pair defender with top-pairing potential. You can expect to see him leading a shutdown pair rather than producing points on the first powerplay. His combination of reach, skating, physicality, and improving puck movement gives him a strong foundation. If he can sharpen his offensive instincts and refine his reads under pressure, he could become a well-rounded two-way blueliner capable of playing 20+ minutes a night. Expect to hear Blake Fiddler’s name called in the 20-30 range at the 2025 NHL Draft.