Henry Brzustewicz (D, R, 6’1″, 204, London Knights, 02/09/2007)
Henry Brzustewicz is a physically imposing defenseman who brings size, strength, and mobility to the blue line. At 6’01” and 205 pounds, his physical attributes have historically separated him from his peers, particularly his ability to win puck battles along the boards and in front of the net. Brzustewicz thrives in physical confrontations, consistently using his body to his advantage by closing gaps with the ability to deliver punishing hits. His long reach helps him disrupt plays in the defensive zone and angle opponents to the perimeter on zone entries.
Brzustewicz is effective in making a strong first pass to start breakouts and is capable of skating the puck out of his zone when under pressure. His lateral mobility along the offensive blue line allows him to keep plays alive, and his shot from the point, while not always accurate, has notable power and velocity. Offensively, he shows flashes of being an active presence, jumping into the rush and getting involved in the play when the opportunity arises.
2023/24 Statistics with the London Knights (OHL):
52 games played, 2 goals, 4 assists, 6 points, 20 penalty minutes
Average TOI: 9:20 per game, not used on the power play or penalty kill
0.38 hits per game, 1.44 shot attempts per game, 53% win rate in 50/50 puck battles
Completed 84% of his passes
His stats show that Brzustewicz was not an offensive contributor during the 2023/24 season, as his primary focus appeared to be on getting pucks below the goal line rather than generating scoring chances. His 53% win rate in puck battles demonstrates his strength in physical confrontations, but the low offensive production will be a point of emphasis for NHL scouts moving forward. His passing completion rate of 84% suggests he was often content to make safer plays off the boards rather than attempting to move the puck into high-danger areas. Considering 2023/24 was his rookie OHL season we view this as a positive.
Strengths:
- Size and Physicality: Brzustewicz uses his 6’01”, 205-pound frame effectively, winning puck battles and delivering hard hits. His strength is particularly noticeable along the boards and in front of his net.
- Mobility: He skates well for his size, showing good straight-line speed and the ability to carry the puck out of the defensive zone.
- First Pass and Puck Protection: His firm, accurate first pass helps facilitate clean breakouts, and he protects the puck well when under pressure.
- Defensive Presence: His reach, gap control, and physicality make him a tough defender to play against, particularly in the defensive zone.
Areas for Improvement:
- Offensive Production: With just 6 points in 52 OHL games, Brzustewicz will need to make a significant jump in offensive contributions. Scouts will be watching to see if he can generate more from the blue line and be more active in creating scoring chances.
- Decision-Making: At times, Brzustewicz has been prone to turnovers, particularly high in the defensive and neutral zones. He will need to improve his puck management and decision-making under pressure.
- Agility and Quickness: While his straight-line skating is solid, Brzustewicz can be caught flat-footed or out of position due to a lack of lateral quickness. Improving his agility and reaction time will be critical as he faces faster, more skilled competition.
- Consistency: His performance can fluctuate, with moments of dominance followed by lapses in judgment or overextending himself. Establishing a consistent, reliable game will be essential for his NHL potential.
Brzustewicz has the physical tools and raw ability to be a top-three-round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft. If he can improve his offensive output, puck management, and overall consistency, he has the potential to be a solid two-way defenseman with top-six upside at the professional level. The 2024/25 season will be crucial for his development and draft positioning.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images