Rylan Fellinger (D, R, 6’3″, 199, Flint Firebirds, 05/16/2007)
Rylan Fellinger is a physically mature, stay-at-home right-shot defenseman with size that matches NHL standards. At 6’3”, 200 pounds, he already carries the frame of a pro blueliner and plays a reserved, defense-first game. Fellinger’s role in Flint has been limited to third-pairing and penalty kill usage, with virtually no power play time or offensive zone sheltering, averaging just 9 seconds of PP time per game.
Statistical Snapshot (2024–25 Season):
GP G A P PIM +/- TOI PPT SHT PIA PID
64 3 4 7 23 -8 15:08 0:09 1:23 6:19 6:50
Per-Game Metrics:
Hits Given (H+): 0.5
Puck Battles Won: 58% on 8 battles/game
Pass Completion: 88%
Giveaways (GA): 2.6/game
Takeaways (TA): 4.75/game
Shot Blocking: 0.78/game
Scoring Chances: 0.15/game at 10% conversion
Reasons to Draft:
Pro Frame with Defensive Mindset: Fellinger has NHL size and plays within his means. He’s not a flashy player, but he keeps a tight gap, uses his length to contain puck carriers, and consistently positions himself between the puck and his net.
Puck Battle Efficiency: Winning 58% of his 50/50 puck battles is above the OHL average and shows his competitiveness down low and along the wall.
Safe, Efficient Puck Distributor: His 88% pass completion rate is high for a player with limited offensive instincts — he plays a simple, effective first-pass game out of his own zone which translates to success at higher levels.
Reliable Defensive Zone Usage: Fellinger’s 6:50 average in the defensive zone per game is among the highest on his team, and his usage on the penalty kill shows the coaching staff trusts him defensively.
Low-Penalty Risk: With only 23 penalty minutes on the season despite playing a physical role, he maintains discipline and doesn’t cost his team with unnecessary infractions. We also view this as a negative as we would like a player with his physical traits to play with a mean streak.
Reasons Not to Draft:
Limited Puck Movement Under Pressure: His 2.6 giveaways per game indicate real challenges under sustained forecheck pressure. He needs to process the game quicker and handle the puck more confidently when facing heat.
Lack of Offensive Impact: Just 7 points in 64 games with only 0.15 scoring chances per game reinforces the idea that his upside is limited to a shutdown role. His limited pre-shot passes (0.09/game) suggest minimal puck-driving ability.
Below-Average Mobility and Pace: Fellinger can be beat wide or exposed on quick transition plays. His straight-line foot speed is average, and his pivoting under pressure can lag, particularly against fast or agile forwards.
No Special Teams Versatility: Not used on the power play and only a second-unit penalty killer, his impact is confined to 5-on-5 defensive zone coverage. Lack of multi-situation usage limits his utility as a depth NHL option.
Minimal Physical Edge for Size: At 0.5 hits per game and 0.57 hits absorbed, Fellinger is not overly assertive despite his physical frame. He’ll need to raise his engagement level to earn minutes at the pro level.
Projection:
Fellinger profiles as a low-event, third-pairing stay-at-home defenseman who can provide size and defensive zone presence. He may find a role as a depth option in the AHL with potential to grow into a 6/7 NHL defenseman if he improves puck management and closes quicker on faster opponents.
Draft Recommendation:
Late 7th Round Pick / Priority Free Agent
If an organization values size, defensive reliability, and projects upside in a structured system with strong player development resources, Fellinger may warrant a late-round selection. However, his limited puck skills, average skating, and narrow role make him a long-term project with a capped ceiling. If undrafted, he should be tracked as a potential AHL contributor.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images