Drew Schock (D, L, 6’0″, 178, NTDP U18, 02/07/2007, Michigan)
Schock is a reliable, mobile two-way defenseman with strong instincts, leadership traits, and a polished puck-moving game. Serving as an assistant captain for Team USA at the U18 World Championships, he finished with 7 points in 7 games and a +5 rating, showing poise and competitiveness against top international peers. Over the full 2024–25 season with the NTDP, he recorded 37 points in 66 games (including 17 points in 27 USHL games), logging 18:57 TOI per game and averaging nearly equal time in both offensive and defensive zone play. He is trusted in all situations and has contributed as a second-unit power play quarterback while also logging over two minutes per night on the penalty kill.
Statistical Profile:
Schock is a defenseman with high-end transition and anticipation ability. He posted 7 takeaways per game and recovered 1.43 loose pucks per game after shots, indicating advanced reads and efficient retrievals. He completed 87% of his passes but generated only 0.65 pre-shot passes per game — he prioritizes quick puck advancement over creating scoring chances. With 2.4 shot attempts per game and a 30% SC% on limited high-danger chances, he can score when jumping into the play, though he’s not dynamic in generating offense. His 4.8 giveaways per game are a concern and reflect a need to improve execution under pressure. Physical engagement is limited (0.2 hits per game), and he’s not a punishing defender, but his willingness to block shots (1.07/game) and net-front coverage are positives.
Reasons to Draft:
Schock is a dependable, intelligent defender who excels in zone coverage, especially below the dots. He keeps his body and stick positioned between the puck and the net and consistently keeps plays in front of him. His skating allows him to close quickly and manage entries effectively. Offensively, he advances pucks with composure and uses lateral mobility to manage the blue line. His approach is repeatable, his IQ is above average, and he rarely panics under pressure. The leadership role he held with the U.S. National Team is another indicator of his maturity and coach trust.
Reasons Not to Draft:
Schock’s ceiling may be limited due to lack of elite offensive deception or physical engagement. He isn’t creative off the rush and doesn’t manipulate defenders with his feet or eyes. His first few backward strides are inefficient, with too much upper body lean and imbalance that affects his agility in retrievals and small-area transitions. He doesn’t assertively break cycles with body contact and can be outmuscled by bigger forwards. The high giveaway count is another red flag for a player projected to manage minutes at higher levels.
Projection:
Two-way defenseman with second-unit special teams utility. Will need physical development and add layers of physicality to his game, but he has the hockey sense, structure, and transitional ability to play minutes in a support role.
Draft Recommendation:
6th-7th rounds
While his upside is modest, Schock brings translatable habits, maturity, and efficiency. If he improves his strength and first-step mobility, he can provide steady value in a structured defensive system.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images