Game played on 12/13/2024.
Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen (D, L, 6’0″, 181, Michigan, 12/18/2006, Michigan)
Grade: B
Comments: Like his former NTDP teammate and opponent on the night #6 Hensler for Wisonsin, Rheaume-Mullen is a late ’06-birthdate playing in the NCAA ranks in his NHL Draft season. The left shot blue liner played a solid game overall as he moves well and shows good puck handling skills. He was also steady with puck decisions as made outlet passes or knew when to just clear the zone. He played on the penalty kill which is big as a freshman and while he was steady, there were a few times his awareness could have been better in tying up opposing forward away from the puck on a potential developing play. His best play came in the 1st period as he defended a 2v1 rush to a tee, as he smartly forced a pass yet took it away at the last second with good stick positioning killing the Wisconsin drive and then turning the puck quickly up ice. Rheaume-Mullen most likely will not be a 1st round pick like Hensler, though has a good opportunity to be a mid-round selection.
Logan Hensler (D, R, 6’2″, 195, Wisconsin, 10/14/2006, Wisconsin)
Grade: B
Comments: Hensler is a good-sized, strong, solid-skating, mobile, puck-handling and moving, right-handed defenseman. The late ’06-birthdate defender is getting plenty of eyes on his game at Wisconsin and soon at the U20 WJC in Ottawa for the 2025 NHL Draft. He is an efficient skater with solid, 2-way style, and while his offensive skills are not as prominent as the younger years, he is able still to get pucks to the net and quickly transition the puck up ice for scoring chances. While he does quarterback Wisco’s 1st power play unit, he shows a calm, poised, puck distributing presence more than anything. He picked up a secondary assist in the 1st period. Defensively he was sound as he uses his body and stick positioning on opposing forwards. He gaps well and played physical when needed. Like many young defenseman, can at times be puck gazing off the rush or extended plays in the defensive zone. Hensler was given a 5-minute grabbing facemask and 10-minute misconduct penalties late in the game after a roughing altercation with Michigan defenseman. Overall, Hensler should project into a top two pairing in the NHL.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images