Luka Radivojevic (D, R, 5’10”, 165, Muskegon Lumberjacks, 01/03/2007)
Luka Radivojevic is a dynamic, offensively gifted defenseman who combines elite skating ability, high-end hockey IQ, and an excellent compete level. Despite his smaller frame, Radivojevic’s skill set allows him to impact games in all three zones. His ability to pre-scan plays, make smart decisions under pressure, and create opportunities from the blue line make him a highly intriguing prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft. To reach his full potential, Radivojevic will need to address areas of his defensive game and add strength to compete against larger opponents.
Strengths
Skating and Mobility:
Exceptional skater with smooth edges, quick acceleration, and high-end agility.
Uses his mobility to evade forecheckers, join the rush, and create offensive opportunities.
Fluid in transitions, seamlessly moving between offense and defense.
Puck Skills and Offensive Instincts:
Excellent puck handler with quick hands, allowing him to create space and escape pressure.
Strong playmaker who completes 92% of his passes, including 1.2 per game leading directly to grade “A” scoring chances.
Effective on the power play, utilizing mobility and vision to generate scoring opportunities.
Hockey IQ and Decision-Making:
Reads the ice exceptionally well, scanning before puck retrievals to set up efficient breakouts.
Patient and composed with the puck, making high percentage plays to maintain possession.
Understands when to pinch, join the rush, or hold his position, minimizing unnecessary risks.
Compete Level:
Despite his size, Radivojevic consistently battles hard, winning 62% of his 50/50 puck battles.
Engages physically when necessary, tying up sticks and positioning himself effectively in front of the net.
Resilient and confident, showing leadership traits by playing significant minutes in high-pressure situations.
Offensive Creativity:
Creates scoring lanes using deceptive footwork and quick lateral movements along the blue line.
Generates 0.33 grade “A” scoring chances per game while maintaining a quick and deceptive release.
Areas for Improvement
Size and Strength:
At 5’10” and 165 pounds, Radivojevic struggles in physical battles against larger opponents.
Needs to add muscle and power to better handle the demands of professional hockey, particularly in board battles and net-front play.
Defensive Consistency:
While he demonstrates good defensive awareness, Radivojevic can occasionally overcommit, leading to missed poke checks and defensive breakdowns.
Needs to improve his positioning and decision-making in his own zone to limit turnovers and scoring chances against.
Shot Development:
His shot is accurate but lacks power and unpredictability, often resulting in blocks from opposing defenders.
Developing a more powerful and deceptive shot will enhance his effectiveness on the power play and at even strength.
Game Management:
At times, Radivojevic rushes plays or forces passes, leading to giveaways (4 per game on average).
Needs to improve his pacing and learn to slow the game down when under pressure to make more efficient plays.
Key Development Goals
Strength Training: Focus on building core stability and total-body strength to improve physicality and ability to handle larger opponents.
Defensive Awareness: Work on maintaining consistent positioning and reducing over-aggressive step-ups that lead to defensive gaps.
Shot Power: Improve the velocity and deception of his shot to become a more dangerous offensive threat from the point.
Puck Management: Focus on minimizing turnovers by slowing the game down and not forcing plays under pressure.
Projection
Radivojevic projects as a top-four, puck-moving defenseman with significant offensive upside. His elite skating, hockey IQ, and playmaking ability make him an attractive option for NHL teams looking to add mobility and creativity to their blue line. While he may never be a physical force, his intelligence and skill set provide a strong foundation for success at the professional level.
Draft Outlook
We currently have Radivojevic as an early second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. His size may raise concerns, but his skating, offensive instincts, and compete level are too valuable to overlook.
Player Comparison
Brandon Montour: Like Montour, Radivojevic is a smaller, mobile defenseman with elite skating and playmaking skills. While he may not reach Montour’s level of physicality, his style mirrors that of a modern-day puck-moving defenseman.
Final Assessment
Luka Radivojevic is an exciting prospect with the tools to thrive as a modern, offensive-minded defenseman in the NHL. His skating, puck skills, and high hockey IQ make him a game-changer in transition and on the power play. With continued development in his defensive game and physical strength, Radivojevic has the potential to become a cornerstone defenseman for an NHL team.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images