Luka Radivojevic (D, R, 5’10”, 161, Orebro HK J20, 01/03/2007)
Luka Radivojevic stands out as a potential top-ten selection in the 2025 NHL Draft due to his elite skating ability, high hockey IQ, and offensive creativity. Though undersized at 5’10” and 165 pounds, Radivojevic compensates with his agility, puck-moving skills, and fearlessness on the ice. Here’s a detailed breakdown of his strengths and the areas NHL scouts will be watching for improvement during the 2024/25 season and beyond.
Strengths:
- Skating Ability:
- Radivojevic is an exceptional skater with quick feet and fluid edge work. His ability to change direction and accelerate with the puck allows him to evade forecheckers and join the rush as a dynamic two-way defenseman. His agility is especially impressive for a player of his age, enabling him to transition smoothly between offense and defense.
- Puck Handling and Offensive Instincts:
- Known for his skilled hands and patience with the puck, Radivojevic can create separation from opponents through quick stickhandling and well-timed passes. He’s confident carrying the puck up ice, making intelligent decisions to either set up teammates or create his own scoring opportunities. His vision and playmaking abilities make him a valuable asset on the power play, where he moves the puck efficiently and accurately.
- Hockey IQ:
- Radivojevic demonstrates a high level of hockey sense, both in his offensive and defensive play. He pre-scans well before retrieving pucks, making calculated decisions under pressure. His ability to recognize open passing lanes and quickly execute stretch passes shows his strong understanding of the game. This high hockey IQ allows him to manage the flow of the game from the back end.
- Compete Level:
- Despite being one of the younger players in high-level international tournaments, Radivojevic’s compete level is notable. He isn’t afraid to engage physically, even against larger opponents, and he consistently battles hard in puck retrieval situations. His ability to tie up sticks in front of the net and his willingness to stand up for himself when challenged show that he has the heart and toughness needed to succeed at the next level.
- Defensive Prowess:
- Radivojevic has shown flashes of strong defensive play, particularly with his active stick and positional awareness. He’s adept at breaking up plays with poke checks and tying up opposing forwards in high-danger areas. While still refining his defensive game, his ability to win puck battles and transition quickly to offense is a strength.
Areas for Improvement:
- Physical Development:
- At 5’10” and 165 pounds, Radivojevic’s size is one of the few areas of concern. He struggles at times in physical battles, especially against larger opponents in the defensive zone. NHL scouts will be watching to see if he can add strength and muscle mass to better handle the rigors of NHL competition. Improving his physicality will be crucial for his development as a top defenseman.
- Defensive Consistency:
- While Radivojevic is strong offensively, his defensive game is still a work in progress. Scouts will be looking for him to improve his positioning and decision-making in the defensive zone. He can be overly aggressive at times, leading to missed poke checks and gaps that result in scoring chances for the opposition. Focusing on consistency and improving his decision-making without the puck will be important for his overall development.
- Shot Development:
- Radivojevic has a decent wrist shot, but it lacks the power and unpredictability needed at the NHL level. During power play opportunities, his shots can be predictable and are often blocked by opposing defenders. NHL teams will want to see him develop a more effective release and improve the velocity of his shot to become a bigger threat from the point.
- Pacing and Game Management:
- While Radivojevic’s quick decision-making is usually a strength, there are times when he rushes plays or forces passes under pressure. Learning to slow the game down and make more calculated decisions when needed will help him maximize his offensive contributions while minimizing turnovers. This will be an area of focus as he gains more experience and matures as a player.
Conclusion: Luka Radivojevic’s combination of elite skating, offensive creativity, and high hockey IQ make him a legitimate contender for a top-ten selection in the 2025 NHL Draft. His ability to move the puck with confidence and create plays from the blue line sets him apart from many of his peers. However, to solidify his status as a top defenseman prospect, Radivojevic will need to continue developing his physicality, defensive consistency, and shot power during the 2024/25 season. With the right development, he has the potential to be an impactful top-four defenseman at the NHL level, providing valuable offense and puck-moving ability from the back end.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images