Noah Jenken (D, L, 6’3″, 191, Guelph Storm, 03/08/2007)
Noah Jenken is a raw but steadily developing two-way defenseman with prototypical NHL size, improving mobility, and a growing level of confidence with the puck. After starting the 2024–25 season in a limited role with the London Knights, Jenken was traded to Guelph, where his game expanded. Across both clubs, he recorded 16 points in 53 games, including 2 goals and a greater willingness to activate in the offensive zone. He is beginning to round out as a dependable defender who can move pucks, defend with length, and contribute to the offensive transition game.
Statistical Profile (2024–25)
Combined OHL Stats: 53 GP | 2 G | 14 A | 16 PTS | 27 PIMs | +1
London: 30 GP | 0 G | 7 A | +5
Guelph: 23 GP | 2 G | 7 A | -4
Single-Game Averages
TOI: 14:50 | PPT: 0:46 | SHT: 1:04
PIA/PID: 6:16 / 6:38
Hits (H+/H-): 0.54 / 0.8
Shots (S/S+/SBL/S-): 2.2 / 0.93 / 0.69 / 0.57
SC/SC%: 0.28 / 7%
Puck Battles (C/C%): 7 / 56%
Passing (P%/PSP): 88% / 0.48
TA/GA: 4.4 / 3.9
Blocked Shots (BL): 0.94
Reasons to Draft
Pro Frame & Physical Maturity
At 6’3″, 190 pounds, Jenken already possesses an NHL-caliber frame. He leverages his size to maintain inside body positioning and uses his reach effectively to keep opponents outside the dots. He absorbs contact well and is comfortable battling along the wall, finishing the season with a solid 56% puck battle win rate.
Steady Development Curve
Jenken’s game has trended in the right direction throughout the season. After being sheltered in London, he earned a more expansive role in Guelph, showing improved confidence in handling the puck. He began to walk the line more comfortably, open lanes with fakes, and even slide into the slot when space was available.
Passing and Breakout Efficiency
He completes passes at an 88% clip and showed signs of becoming a reliable first-pass defender. His PSP metric (0.48 per game) indicates growing offensive awareness—particularly his ability to lead into scoring sequences off puck retrievals or simple north-south plays. His ability to absorb pressure and use the boards smartly under duress was also noted consistently by Neutral Zone scouts.
Mobility Trending Up
While not a natural burner, Jenken’s mobility has shown notable improvement. He’s smoother on pivots and more confident moving east-west at the offensive blue line. As his footwork continues to develop, his skating may evolve from a concern to a strength.
Reasons Not to Draft
Limited Offensive Ceiling
Jenken’s offensive tools—while improved—still project as secondary. He doesn’t consistently generate high-danger scoring chances (only 0.28 SC/game, 7% SC%) and isn’t yet a reliable puck-mover off the rush. His shot volume is moderate (2.2 per game), but many are from low-danger locations, often blocked or off-target.
Low Ice Time & Special Teams Usage
He averaged just under 15 minutes a night, including limited special teams usage (0:46 PP, 1:04 PK), even after the move to Guelph. His coaching staffs still viewed him more as a depth option rather than a trusted top-four defenseman.
Still Raw in Transition and Under Pressure
Despite good puck protection habits and wall play, Jenken can be turnover-prone under pressure when asked to make more dynamic plays. His decision-making with the puck, particularly on retrievals and breakout reads, still lags when tempo increases. His 3.9 giveaways per game outweigh his takeaways and highlight a need to sharpen his processing speed.
Modest Output
Jenken’s offense puts added emphasis on his projection path. With only 16 points in 53 games and no international experience, his production doesn’t separate him from peers. He remains a long-term project who may need extended OHL development before earning a pro contract.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: Middle-pairing AHL defenseman with NHL call-up potential
Development Path: 2 additional seasons in the OHL as a top-four, 2 seasons on an NCAA environment developing athleticism and a shutdown role mentality before turning pro as a depth AHL defenseman
Draft Range: Round 7 / Priority Camp Invite
Verdict:
Jenken’s size, improving mobility, and upward trajectory make him a draftable long-term project. He defends with reach and intelligence, shows improving composure with the puck, and has begun to contribute modestly in the offensive zone. However, his ice time, pace, and current output suggest he’s still finding consistency in his game. If he continues to build confidence and physical maturity, there’s a potential path to becoming a serviceable depth defenseman with penalty-killing upside. He’s a reasonable late-round target for teams with multiple picks or looking to add size and structure to their blue line pipeline.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images