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The 2025 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup was once again a showcase of elite young talent, and while goals and assists grabbed the headlines, the real measure of impact often came from the backend. Defensemen not only produced offensively, but also dictated tempo, played tough minutes and swung momentum in ways that don’t always show up on a scoresheet. Using InStat data compiled by Neutral Zone scouts, this evaluation highlights the defenders who stood out for more than just their point totals
The Hlinka-Gretzky Cup is often remembered for highlight-reel goals and point leaders, but the real story runs deeper. Success at this level comes just as much from the details—who controls the puck, wins battles, makes plays under pressure, and tilts the ice in their team’s favor. Using InStat tracking and Neutral Zone’s scouting data, we looked past the scoresheet to uncover which players truly drove play.
Played on Jul 31, 2025 Canada National Teams Game Played in Sixteen Miles Sports Complex Scout: Andrew DeGroot Carter Esler (G, L, 5’10”, 166, Spokane Chiefs, 11/28/2008) Comments: Gave up 3 goals…
As we dive into the 2025 NHL Draft class, it's essential to evaluate prospects through the lens of today's game, where size, while still a factor, is no longer the defining trait it once was. The modern NHL demands speed, skill, and intelligence at every position. However, physical benchmarks remain part of the projection process. With the average NHL player standing at 6'1.5" and weighing 206 pounds—and the average NHL All-Star only slightly smaller—teams continue to value players who combine ability with a frame that can withstand the rigors of the pro game and the NHL playoffs.
As we dive into the 2025 NHL Draft class, it’s essential to evaluate prospects through the lens of today’s game, where size, while still a factor, is no longer the…
Drew Schock (D, L, 6’0″, 178, NTDP U18, 02/07/2007, Michigan) Schock is a reliable, mobile two-way defenseman with strong instincts, leadership traits, and a polished puck-moving game. Serving as an…
Ashton Schultz (RW, R, 5’11”, 180, Chicago Steel, 10/03/2006, North Dakota) Ashton Schultz is a right-shot forward with offensive instincts, pace, and a heavy perimeter shooting mentality. He was tied…
Tanner Lam (RW, R, 5’9″, 156, Kitchener Rangers, 07/17/2007) Tanner Lam is a 5’9″, 155-pound right-shot right wing playing for the Kitchener Rangers in the OHL. In 67 games this…
Artemi Nizameyev (LW, R, 5’10”, 191, Tri City Storm, 11/20/2005, Miami (Ohio)) Artemi Nizameyev is a skilled, pace-driven right shot forward who produced nearly a point per game in the…
Garrett Lindberg (D, R, 5’11”, 190, NTDP U18, 03/08/2007, North Dakota) Garrett Lindberg is a right-shot defenseman who brings maturity, defensive intelligence, and high-level puck distribution to the U.S. National…
Robert Cowan (RW, R, 5’11”, 176, Madison Capitols, 06/12/2006, Western Michigan) Bobby Cowan is a 5’11”, 178-pound right-shot winger who can also play center. In his 2024–25 season with the…
Jasu Mensonen (LW, L, 5’11”, 186, Lukko U20, 01/12/2007) Jasu Mensonen is a competitive, athletic two-way winger who played a key role this season for both Lukko U20 in Finland’s…
Richard Baran (D, L, 6’1″, 188, Des Moines Buccaneers, 10/24/2005, Arizona State) Richard Baran is a mobile, puck-moving left-shot defenseman with strong transition ability and a consistent two-way profile. In…
Julius Saari (D, L, 6’3″, 187, Jokerit U20, 03/07/2007) Julius Saari is a physically imposing, defense-first left-shot defenseman with international leadership experience and a clear identity as a shutdown presence….
Alexander Filippov (D, R, 6’2″, 176, Krasnaya Armiya Moskva, 09/26/2006) Alexander Filippov is a long, mobile, right-shot defenseman who has played a consistent depth role on a strong CSKA MHL…
Daniil Kuzmin (D, L, 6’3″, 201, Loko Yaroslavl MHL, 01/22/2007) Daniil Kuzmin is a physically mature, left-shot defenseman playing in Russia’s top junior league (MHL) for Loko-76 Yaroslavl. He brings…
Xavier Lebel (RW, R, 5’11”, 176, Quebec Remparts, 03/25/2007) Xavier Lebel is a gritty, competitive winger who emerged from relative obscurity as a 7th-round QMJHL pick to earn a meaningful…
Tommy Lafreniere (C, R, 5’11”, 172, Kamloops Blazers, 01/16/2007) Tommy Lafreniere is a skilled, versatile forward who plays in all situations for Kamloops, including both special teams. Despite a minus-33…
Will Reynolds (D, L, 6’3″, 190, Acadie-Bathurst Titan, 08/11/2007) Will Reynolds is a mobile, rangy left-shot defenseman who shows clear two-way potential. At 6’3”, he possesses the size NHL teams…
Quinn Kennedy (C, L, 5’10”, 171, Halifax Mooseheads, 02/06/2006) Quinn Kennedy is a cerebral, competitive, two-way forward who blends high-end hockey sense with a versatile offensive toolkit. After starting the…
Aaron Obobaifo (C, L, 5’10”, 185, Vancouver Giants, 02/13/2007) Aaron Obobaifo is a compact, powerful winger with a sturdy build and a direct north-south play style. Despite an injury-shortened 2024–25…