Joshua Glavin (D, L, 6’2″, 200, Saginaw Spirit, 09/24/2006)
Joshua Glavin is a big-bodied, defensively inclined defenseman who plays a straight-line, low-risk game and shows value as a penalty killer and shot suppressor. His tools—size, competitiveness, and discipline within structure—are translatable, but the ceiling is capped by his lack of puck skill, poor shot generation, and average skating. He projects as a potential bottom-pairing stay-at-home defenseman at the pro level if his footwork and mobility continue to develop.
Why Joshua Glavin Should Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Pro-Ready Frame and Physical Presence
At 6’2″, 200 lbs, Glavin plays to his size. He finishes checks, engages in 50/50s, and logs meaningful PK minutes (3:07 SHT/game). He’s not an overly aggressive hitter (0.81 hits given per game) but positions himself well and uses his body to separate players from pucks. He draws more penalties (0.49 PEA/game) than he takes — he plays with edge but doesn’t put himself before the team.
2) High-End Defensive Reliability on PK
Glavin is a primary penalty killer for Saginaw and logs consistent hard minutes in the defensive zone. He blocks shots (0.86 BL/game), shows a detailed stick, and anticipates well (1.22 puck recoveries after shots/game), allowing him to close space without overextending. Coaches trust him in critical moments when a clean clear or defensive zone faceoff is needed.
3) Efficient First Pass and Low-Risk Style
While not dynamic, Glavin is a high-percentage passer (87% pass completion) who plays within himself. He doesn’t overhandle or force pucks through traffic. His 3.4 giveaways per game are modest for a defender with top-four minutes (16:44 TOI), reflecting a low-risk decision-making approach. Even if he is not joining the rush his outlet passes allow his forwards to play fast through the neutral zone.
4) Plays With Structure and Compete
Glavin’s average puck battle win rate (54%) is solid and reflects a mindset rooted in compete and defensive responsibility. He plays hard, understands coverage responsibilities, and is rarely caught freelancing. His details—stick positioning, gap control, angling—are consistent shift to shift.
Why Joshua Glavin Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Limited Offensive Ceiling
Glavin simply does not generate much offense. He finished the season with 0 goals and 15 assists in 67 games, and his shot volume (1.79 shots/game) results in a very low impact in the offensive zone or on the scoresheet. His 0.19 scoring chances per game underscore his limited ability to activate, get pucks through to the net, or create from the blue line. His 0.22 pre-shot passes/game tells us he’s not much of a distributor, either.
2) Poor Shooting Mechanics and Shot Selection
Glavin’s shots are often blocked (0.63 SBL/game) or miss the net (0.41 S-/game), showing a lack of deception or adjustment to shooting lanes. He has a tendancy to shoot without being a scoring threat, which often ends offensive sequences rather than extending them.
3) Skating Concerns, Especially Defensively
He can be exposed in transition when defending pace. He struggles to pin smaller, quicker forwards to end the cycle and is often half a step behind on recoveries or when trying to gap up in the neutral zone. Though he compensates with angles and positioning, he’ll need to continue improving his agility and foot speed to hold up at higher levels.
4) Not Yet Physically Dominant Despite Frame
Though physical, Glavin doesn’t yet impose himself on games the way someone with his frame and edge should. He’s more reactive than assertive in net-front or corner battles. A 0.81 hits/game is modest for a defenseman his size and mindset. With added strength and urgency, he could bring more intimidation into his game.
Projection & Fit
Player Type: Defensive defenseman / Penalty kill specialist
NHL Projection: No. 6/7 shutdown defenseman who can kill penalties and play low-event hockey
There’s no flash to Glavin’s game, but there’s functional value in a player who plays heavy, limits mistakes, and can be trusted to play a high percentage game. He projects as a depth NHL defenseman who can contribute on a third pair and kill penalties. He is likely a long-term project but could offer value to organizations seeking structure-first defenders with character, edge, and a defined role.
Draft Recommendation: Round 6–7
Glavin’s value lies in his defensive predictability, maturity, and positional detail, but the lack of offensive upside and skating limitations limit his ceiling. He’s the type of player an NHL development staff might want to draft late or invite to camp, knowing he has a chance to fill a depth role if he develops in the right system. Not a flashy pick, but a low-maintenance, high-trust defenseman.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images