Henry Brzustewicz Scouting Report: 2025 NHL Draft #31

Skating

Henry Brzustewicz is a very good skater. He has an explosive first step and very good acceleration in both directions. He also has very good speed. This allows Brzustewicz to join the rush, or pinch in the offensive zone and still get back defensively. His crisp pivots also allow him to transition quickly from offence to defence and vice-versa. Brzustewicz shows very good edgework and agility. He has very good side-to-side movement. This helps him to keep attackers in front of him. It also allows him to walk the line and open up passing and shooting lanes. He is strong on his skates and has good balance. This helps him to fight through checks and to win battles along the boards.

Offensive Game

During his rookie season, Brzustewicz played a very safe game. He was hesitant to attack the offensive end of the ice and hesitant to get himself out of position. This changed in his second year and he gained a lot of confidence. Brzustewicz is now willing to join the rush. He also looks to pinch in at the blueline, keeping the puck in the offensive zone, as well as helping to attack the front of the net. He gets down inside the circles where he is able to get off a strong, accurate wrist shot. Brzustewicz has a quick release, which also helps him to fool goalies. He is also able to make a quick deke to avoid a defender and get himself into a better shooting position.

Brzustewicz also shows good vision and passing skills. He handles the puck well and can transition the puck through the neutral zone. He also does a good job of identifying an open man and getting them the puck in transition. In the offensive end, Brzustewicz shows the poise and patience to extend plays and allow his teammates to get open. When they do, he can make a quick tape-to-tape pass to set up a scoring chance.

Defensive Game

Brzustewicz combines his skating ability and size to be an excellent defensive player. He has played big minutes, in all situations for a Knights team that featured Oliver Bonk and Sam Dickinson. He uses his lateral mobility and speed to maintain excellent gap control. Brzustewicz forces attackers to the outside and away from prime scoring areas. He is willing to play physical and battles hard on the boards and in front of the net, but is not a huge hitter. Brzustewicz is also strong positionally. He keeps himself between his man and the front of the net. He uses his quick stick to intercept passes and to poke-check opponents. Brzustewicz is also not afraid to block shots.

Brzustewicz also uses his speed and skating to get back quickly and retrieve dump ins. When a turnover is created he quickly gets on the puck and moves it up the ice. Brzustewicz can use his skating and stickhandling to move the puck out of the zone. He is also able to start the breakout with a strong first pass.

Projection and Comparison

The biggest issue Brzustewicz faces is that he must be more consistent. There are times when he looks like a top-15 pick. However there are other games when Brzustewicz really struggles. He can make bad giveaways or lose his man in defensive coverage and his decision making can be questioned. However at his best, Brzustewicz can be a game changer at the OHL level.

Henry Brzustewicz will need time to continue to develop his game and round out some rough spots as many young defenders do. However, given his obvious physical skills as well as being coached by some of the best in the junior game with the London Knights, it would not be surprising if he progresses quickly in the next two years. Add in a year in the AHL, and he could be an NHLer as early as the 2028-29 season. If he reaches his potential, he could become a top-four defender capable of contributing to the penalty kill as well as playing on second power play unit. His right-hand shot also makes him attractive come draft day. Brzustewicz’s game is reminiscent of Jonas Brodin, however this is a stylistic comparison only and not one based on skill and ability.