Blake Fiddler is an intriguing blue-line option in the 2025 draft class
A towering defenseman with NHL bloodlines, Blake Fiddler will no doubt be a name to watch as the 2025 NHL Draft draws closer, especially after starting the season strong for Team USA at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Fiddler may not be a perfect prospect, but his intangibles and potential are undeniable.
Let’s get to know him better.
WHO IS BLAKE FIDDLER?
Fiddler is already built like an NHL defenseman. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 207 pounds at just 17, he’s likely to draw attention from NHL teams on size alone. In the WHL, he’s a man among boys, and NHL teams will always factor size into draft considerations, particularly for defensemen — a positive sign for Fiddler.
Currently projected to go in the second or third round, and slotted No. 42 in FCHockey’s Preliminary ranking for the 2025 draft, Fiddler could easily rise into late first-round territory with a strong season with Edmonton in the Western Hockey League, especially among teams looking to add size to their blue line.
BLAKE FIDDLER’S PATH SO FAR
As a dual citizen of Canada and the United States, Fiddler has played across both countries throughout his career. He began in Canadian high school hockey before moving to the Dallas Stars Elite AAA club in America. Fiddler was eventually selected No. 1 in the 2022 WHL US Prospects Draft by Edmonton, but continued with the Dallas Stars Elite AAA team for the 2022-23 season, posting 21 points (six goals, 15 assists) in 53 games.
Last season, Fiddler made the jump to the WHL, joining Edmonton for their full campaign. He suited up for 63 of the team’s 68 games. Known more for his size than his offensive game, Fiddler added 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) in 63 contests, though he posted a challenging -31 rating on the season.
Internationally, Fiddler has represented both Canada and Team USA. Last year, he competed for Canada White at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and captained the United States at the Under-17 Five Nations Tournament. Most recently, he captained Team USA at the Hlinka, where the Americans placed fourth. Fiddler’s four points (one goal, three assists) ranked second in scoring among American defensemen.
Now set for his second WHL season, Fiddler is entering his D+0 year and appears
ready to take on a larger role with an Oil Kings roster that hopes to show improvement. He’s logged six points (two goals, four assists) in 13 games.
BLAKE FIDDLER’S STRENGTHS
Fiddler isn’t likely to dazzle with skill or offensive instincts, but he will challenge opponents’ top players nightly with his size, while also driving the puck up the ice in transition. His combination of size and effort level makes him a workhorse on the ice—a coach’s dream on the back end.
Fiddler has worked to improve his footwork, enhancing his overall impact with a more well-rounded style.
“The improvements he’s made in refining his footwork and balance, particularly during transitions, have added an extra gear to his game,” FCHockey scout Donesh Mazloum said. “His mobility now aligns with his size and work rate, resulting in a more cohesive performance at both ends of the ice.”
Despite what his size might suggest, Fiddler is not just a big, stay-at-home defender. He’s capable of moving the puck up the ice and contributing in transition, a skill essential for any modern NHL defenseman. While he still has room to grow in this area, the strides he has made over the past year have significantly boosted his effectiveness on both ends of the rink.
With his improved mobility, combined with his size and reach, he’s become an effective presence when pushing forward and excels at finding and utilizing gaps in opposing defenses.
“His reach as a puck handler allows him to drastically change the point of attack and create angles he can exploit,” Mazloum said.
It’s a concern for opponents anytime a 6-foot-4 defenseman moves well, and Fiddler is bringing more of that mobility into his game as he matures. It’s easy to forget he doesn’t even turn 18 until next July.
Now, shifting to the defensive side of the puck — which is undoubtedly his bread and butter — Fiddler is a challenge for attacking players to handle.
“On the defensive end, he excels as a rush defender, engaging early by leading with his stick and angling attackers toward the wall before finishing with physicality,” Mazloum said.
Fiddler holds a substantial advantage over his WHL peers, often closing out attackers with his sheer size and reach. Yet, it’s not just his physicality; it’s the way he leverages that size to maximize his effectiveness as a defender.
BLAKE FIDDLER’S AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT
Fiddler has the size, strength and intangibles every team looks for, but several areas of his game need refinement if he hopes to break into the first round of the draft in July. In particular, his defensive-zone play could improve, as he sometimes gets caught watching the play. Against quick, possession-oriented offenses, his weaknesses become more apparent.
“He’s slightly less effective at recognizing passing threats behind him compared to when the play is in front,” Mazloum said. “At times, he can overextend and get caught out of position against a crisp, puck-moving offense, leading to moments of scrambling in his own zone.”
With limited offensive upside, Fiddler must improve defensively to maximize his value. He’s unlikely to be a high point-producer, so his defensive skills will be crucial to advancing to the professional ranks. Fortunately, his physical tools and continued coaching suggest his defensive game will strengthen with experience.
Currently, his size and effort often help him recover from mistakes, but this won’t always be enough at the pro level. Consistency will be key to making him a safer pick in the draft.
“His effort level and size often mask many of his mistakes,” Mazloum said. “He lacks the consistency seen in top-tier players, which is an area for growth.”
BLAKE FIDDLER’S OUTLOOK
There’s no denying the tools Fiddler brings to the table. A hulking defenseman at just 17 years old, he’s likely to continue growing stronger. His size alone will draw NHL interest as the 2025 draft approaches, but that’s not his only asset. His ability to effectively use his size on both ends of the ice makes him an especially intriguing prospect.
He’s a raw player, doesn’t offer elite skill, and is far from a lock to become an NHL regular, but his overall toolkit is hard to ignore. Defensemen standing 6-foot-4 don’t come around often, especially ones with Fiddler’s mobility. With a strong season in Edmonton, he could find himself in first-round territory before long.