Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen – 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

In the Frozen Four semifinal against the Denver Pioneers, the defensive defenseman played third-pairing right defenseman alongside Asher Barnett, showing trust from the coaching staff in a high-level game. However, the Wolverines came up just short but will definitely be back next season.

His sophomore season showed clear development. He became more defensively sound while adding more offensive touch to his game. After putting on muscle over the offseason, he looked stronger in battles and more confident physically.

He plays a disciplined game with just 20 penalty minutes in 40 games and relies on his hockey IQ and skating to stay efficient. He is at his best defending against skilled players who try to make quick and flashy moves, as he rarely bites and stays in position.

NHL Draft Projection

Ranked 168th in the NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings, Rhéaume-Mullen has not appeared on many other outlets’ lists. As an overage prospect, it will be tough to be drafted, but his development this season gives him a chance. If he is drafted, a sixth or seventh-round selection is most likely.

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Quotables

“The first re-entry option on this list, Rhéaume-Mullen, received plenty of attention last year. Scouts were worried the six-foot defender was too small last year, but he looks physically stronger than in his freshman year at Michigan. We even saw his production nearly double while earning a spot on USA’s World Junior team, too.” – Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

“DRM is best when defending against skilled players who try to make quick, flashy moves, because he never seems to fall for them. His game with the puck isn’t great, though, which has hurt his stock a bit this year. The ceiling isn’t high here, but Rhéaume-Mullen plays strong enough defensively to take a chance on him as a re-entry prospect.” – Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

Strengths

• Hockey IQ
• Disciplined
• Versatility
• Defensive Positioning
• Skating
• Simple Breakout Passes

Under Construction/Improvements to Make

• Two-Way Game
• Physicality
• Creativity with puck on stick

NHL Potential

His role will increase further next season with Michigan once again expected to be a contender for the national championship. Ice time should go up, and playing in the Big Ten will continue to help his development against high-end competition, especially with the influx of Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players into college hockey.

I see him potentially becoming an everyday depth NHL defenseman or a top defenseman at the American Hockey League (AHL) level, one day.

Risk/Reward Analysis

Risk – 2/5, Reward – 3.5/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Defense – 7/10 , Offense – 6/10

Awards/Achievements

• U17 WHC Gold Medal (2022-23)
• U18 WJC Silver Medal (2023-24)
• NCAA B10 Champion (2025-26)

Interviews/Links

• From the stands to skates: Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen and his hockey DNA

Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen Statistics

Videos