David Bedkowski (D, R, 6’5″, 216, Owen Sound Attack, 12/07/2006)
David Bedkowski is a physically mature, hard-nosed right-shot defenseman who plays a simple, no-frills shutdown game. At 6’5″, 215 pounds, he brings NHL-ready size and a willingness to play through contact, block shots, and engage in physical battles. He was relied upon as a top-four minute-muncher (19:47 TOI) for Owen Sound, with significant usage on the penalty kill (3:01/game) and occasional secondary power play time (1:03/game), primarily to utilize his heavy point shot.
Statistically, Bedkowski excels in defensive zone coverage, shot blocking (1.63 BL/game), and loose puck recovery (1.98 puck recoveries after shots/game), while his elite takeaway count (7.0 TA/game) underscores a stick that is more active than expected for a player labeled as a stay-at-home defender. However, his passing accuracy (85%) and lack of offensive deception (0.42 pre-shot passes/game) reveal clear limitations in puck-moving and offensive zone reads.
Why Bedkowski Should Be Drafted
1) Pro-Ready Size and Physical Edge
Bedkowski is a physically dominant presence at the junior level. He gives 1.51 hits per game and consistently plays through contact. His 56% puck battle win rate and willingness to engage in high-contact areas give him NHL shutdown potential.
2) Elite Defensive Zone Detail
He logs over 9 minutes/game in the defensive zone, handles primary penalty kill duties, and blocks shots at an elite rate. His 1.63 BL/game and elite takeaway numbers (7.0/game) reflect a defender who wins net-front battles, clogs lanes, and uses his size and very stick effectively.
3) Hard, Heavy Shot from the Point
While not a dynamic puck mover, his 18% scoring chance conversion rate and willingness to shoot (3.3 S/game) make him a valid option as a second-unit PP shooter. When he hits the net, he can create rebound chaos and secondary opportunities.
4) Competes and Wins in Tough Areas
He consistently engages in 9 puck battles per game and wins the majority. He doesn’t avoid contact, plays physically without recklessness, and draws 0.37 penalties/game by keeping his feet moving and using body leverage effectively.
Why Bedkowski May Not Be Drafted
1) Below-Average Puck Management and Playmaking
With an 85% pass completion rate and just 0.42 pre-shot passes/game, Bedkowski struggles to move pucks efficiently under pressure or with pace. His passes are often basic and predictable, and he lacks deception or offensive creativity.
2) Inefficiency in Shot Attempts
Despite a willingness to shoot, his 1.65 shots on goal per game are undercut by 0.98 blocked and 0.72 missed — over 50% of attempts are wasted. For a defenseman logging second power play minutes, this inefficiency is a limiting factor in offensive impact at higher levels.
3) Skating Agility and Transition Play
Although he handles defensive zone coverage well, Bedkowski is a straight-line, heavy-footed skater who can be exposed by speed and lateral puck movement. His ability to handle forechecking pressure or recover against transition attacks at the pro level is in question and must be developed.
4) Offensive Ceiling is Capped
With only 7 points in 37 games and limited vision or creativity, Bedkowski is unlikely to develop into a transition driver at higher levels. His offense is opportunistic, not driven, and his role is almost exclusively defensive.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: Shutdown defenseman or PK specialist
Development Track: 2 years in the OHL to develop in game puck skills, then 2–3 years in the AHL to develop footwork, pacing, and puck decisions
Draft Range: 6th–7th Round
Verdict: Bedkowski is a legitimate late-round option for a team seeking to develop a physical, defensive-minded right-shot defenseman. While his puck game may never project to more than occasional offense, his size, compete, PK utility, and shot-blocking habits give him a real chance to earn NHL games in a specialized role — particularly in heavy matchups or penalty-killing scenarios.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images