Logan Hensler (D, R, 6’2″, 192, University of Wisconsin, 10/14/2006, Wisconsin)
Logan Hensler is a smooth-skating, two-way defenseman with a highly projectable frame and strong foundational skills. His mobility, size, and poise with the puck make him a potential top-15 draft pick for the 2025 NHL Draft. While he is already excelling in key areas, further consistency in his decision-making and defensive scanning or pre-reads could elevate him into a potential top-10 selection. Hensler’s performance at the World Jr. Championships and his half to the season at the University of Wisconsin will be scrutinized as he continues to transition from a USA Program standout to a potential NHL impact player.
Strengths:
Skating and Mobility:
Hensler’s skating is one of his strong traits. He moves effortlessly for a defenseman of his size, demonstrating smooth lateral mobility, balance, and an effective / efficient stride.
Although he does not produce consistent points, his ability to extend possession and walk the offensive blue line with poise creates shooting and passing lanes.
His stride and power allow him to close gaps defensively and transition quickly up the ice when exiting the zone.
Two-Way Game:
Hensler is highly effective in transition, using his feet and hockey IQ to generate clean breakouts and line-rushes.
He plays with intelligence in all three zones, showing an understanding of when to join the rush and when to prioritize defensive responsibilities.
His net-front play and board battles are strengthened by his physical presence and reach.
Puck Handling and Offensive Awareness:
Hensler excels at using his feet to open up passing and shooting lanes. His ability to pull pucks off the walls and transition them to offensive transition or scoring opportunities is a reliable offensive asset.
His 89% pass completion rate and ability to generate scoring opportunities (0.76 passes per game leading to shots) show his value as a puck-moving defenseman.
Despite modest shot volume (1.35 shots on goal per game), his shot placement often creates rebounds and secondary opportunities.
Defensive Positioning and Stick Work:
Hensler defends primarily through skating and body positioning, relying on strong gap control, smart defensive routes and an active stick to disrupt plays.
His anticipation and 8 takeaways per game highlight his ability to read plays effectively and win battles through intelligence and timing.
Composure Under Pressure:
Hensler is calm and confident with the puck, showing poise in transition, with the potential to quarterback a second power play unit that relies on shooting.
His willingness to take hits (1.47 hard checks received per game) to make plays underscores his competitive edge, maturity and physical strength.
Areas for Improvement:
Puck Management and Decision-Making:
Hensler occasionally holds onto the puck too long, particularly under pressure, which can lead to turnovers on the defensive side of the redline(4.5 giveaways per game).
Improving his ability to make quicker, smarter decisions will enhance his reliability in high-pressure situations and increase his potential as a power play contributor.
Offensive Production and Shot Selection:
Despite his offensive instincts, Hensler generates only 0.29 grade “A” scoring opportunities per game. Increasing his shot volume and refining his ability to shoot through traffic will make him a more complete two-way threat.
His shots being blocked at a rate of 0.94 per game is too high for a player with his skill-set.
Physical Play:
Hensler averages just 0.29 hard checks per game, confirming his reliance on positioning rather than physicality. While effective, adding a more physical edge will round out his defensive game and make him harder to play against.
Defensive Awareness and High-Stakes Situations:
While positionally sound, Hensler occasionally struggles to anticipate and defend layered line rushes, leaving him vulnerable to not reading potential one-timers and royal road passing options. Consistent scanning and quicker reads will improve his overall defensive impact.
Special Teams Role Development:
With limited penalty-kill usage at Wisconsin (0:10 per game), Hensler needs to improve his defensive details to become a trusted all-situations defenseman, particularly if he projects as a top-pairing option at the National League level.
Recent Performance Highlights:
2024/25 NCAA Season:
Averaging over 17 minutes per game with a balanced role, including 1:47 on the power play.
Strong puck-moving metrics, including an 89% pass completion rate and 1.31 loose puck recoveries per game.
Demonstrating two-way reliability with a 56% success rate in 50/50 puck battles.
Projection:
Hensler projects as an NHL defenseman with the potential to play on a top pairing role versus his opponent’s top offensive unit. His size, skating, and strength give him the tools to succeed at the professional level. With continued development in his puck management, physicality, and improved defensive scanning or pre-reads, Hensler has the potential to be a top-pairing defenseman for an NHL franchise.
Draft Outlook: Top-15 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Player Comparison: Charlie McAvoy — A smooth-skating, intelligent defenseman who excels in all zones and is reliable.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images