Nathan DiChiara (D, R, 6’1″, 180, Kent School, 04/12/2007)
Nathan DiChiara is a right-shot defenseman with Division 1 NCAA upside and the foundational tools to develop into a legitimate NHL prospect over the next several seasons. He combines size, athleticism, physical competitiveness, and a calm puck game. While he currently plays at a level that is a step down from top-tier junior hockey, his habits, decision-making, and physical tools are translatable, and his steady year-over-year progression is noteworthy. DiChiara plays an efficient, calculated brand of hockey with room to grow in terms of offensive involvement, tempo, and consistent engagement shift to shift.
Why Nathan DiChiara Could Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Size, Frame, and Physical Tools
At 6’1″, 180 lbs, DiChiara fits the physical mold of a modern two-way defenseman. He uses his frame well, especially in defensive-zone wall play, where he angles opponents off and delivers clean contact. He engages assertively without chasing hits and consistently forces plays wide. His reach and body control help him contain rush chances without overcommitting.
2) Intelligent, Low-Risk Puck Mover
DiChiara excels at first touches. He makes crisp, accurate outlet passes, supports play with calculated reads, and does not overhandle the puck. His puck decisions are poised and intentional — rarely rushed, rarely forced. He showed flashes of creativity in transition and displayed vision by drawing coverage and feeding into seams. On the offensive blue line, his lateral mobility and ability to walk the line allow him to shift lanes and generate pucks on net, albeit conservatively.
3) Mobility & Skating Foundation
He moves well for his size. DiChiara displays above-average edge control and fluid pivots, with the ability to spin off pressure and skate pucks into space when necessary. He’s not a dynamic skater, but his mobility allows him to stay composed in retrievals, recover off reads, and maintain good gaps through the neutral zone. The movement base is solid enough to project upward with development.
4) Defensive IQ & Maturity
DiChiara plays with a mature mindset. His shifts are clean and structured. He’s calm under pressure, maintains tight spacing in coverage, and uses stick positioning to disrupt passing lanes. He recognizes when to hold the blue line and when to back off — showing trust in his reads. While his style isn’t flashy, he consistently minimizes mistakes and keeps the game in front of him.
Why Nathan DiChiara Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Limited Impact vs. Top Competition
In a few showcase settings, DiChiara was described as “quiet.” While he made smart, steady plays, he didn’t impose himself on games the way other top defensemen at the prep level did. He was solid, but not dominant. Scouts saw reliability, but not necessarily game-changing upside or a top-end gear.
2) Offensive Ceiling May Be Capped
Though he has a heavy shot and can change angles at the point, his offensive zone puck play remains more safe than assertive. He does not often activate into the rush or take over possessions. His grade “A” chance creation was minimal, and he primarily plays off the perimeter. For a player with size and smarts (especially in prep hockey), we’d like to see more assertive offensive instincts and a stronger push to be a factor on power plays or odd-man opportunities.
3) Not Yet Battle-Tested at a Higher Pace
The NEPSAC level, while strong regionally, is not equivalent in pace or pressure to the USHL, CHL, or high-end international play. DiChiara’s ability to play a structured game in Prep is clear — but it remains to be seen how he reacts to quicker forechecks, faster gaps, and stronger opponents. His puck management, skating, and strength will all be tested more once he is at higher levels.
Projection and Outlook
Player Projection: Middle-pair two-way defenseman at the NCAA level with upside to become a depth NHL defender (bottom-pairing/PK specialist) with added strength, explosiveness and assertiveness.
Long Development Path: 1 more year NE Prep → 2 years junior hockey → 2 years NCAA (Top 4 defender, 2nd unit PP/PK) → AHL → NHL depth role
Development Focus Areas
Continue to build strength: Add lean mass and improve ability to absorb contact and win net-front/board battles at higher levels
Push pace with the puck: Look to join rushes more frequently and identify when to jump into space with the puck
Improve deception at the point: Utilize more fakes, head movements, and feet to manipulate defenders
Play with more consistent assertiveness: Take games over, especially against lesser competition
Draft Recommendation: Priority College Free Agent
Nathan DiChiara is a mature, steady, right-shot defenseman with size, hockey sense, and an upward trajectory. He’s still raw compared to others in top junior leagues, but his foundational tools — IQ, positioning, mobility, physical frame — warrant attention or a priority watch list slot as a long-term development project. If he continues to trend upward through college, he could be a depth NHL defender who provides value with simplicity, structure, and consistency.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images