
Ben Kevan (RW, R, 6’0″, 183, Des Moines Buccaneers, 01/03/2007, Arizona State)
Ben Kevan is a high-motor, pace-driving forward with excellent skating mechanics, strong offensive instincts, and puck skill. He owns a deceptive release, creative vision, and displays the ability to generate transition chances through speed and individual skill. He’s been leaned on as Des Moines’ primary offensive driver this season with significant power play usage. However, questions remain about his shooting efficiency, puck management, physicality despite size, and defensive consistency. Kevan projects as a potential bottom-six NHL winger with middle-six upside, but there are developmental holes that must be addressed.
Why Ben Kevan Should Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Skating and Puck-Carrying Pace
Kevan is among the fastest skaters in this class. His powerful stride, quick changes of direction, and ability to separate from defenders off the rush make him a constant threat. He excels in transition, driving play from zone to zone, often through traffic. His skating underpins his entire game—it allows him to beat defenders to pucks, escape pressure, and back off coverage to create space.
2) Creativity and Skill
Kevan is a confident puck handler who tries high-difficulty plays. He makes deceptive passes, consistently attempts creative maneuvers in tight, and showed advanced puck control at the Hlinka. His 0.77 completed pre-shot passes per game and 30 assists (team leader) highlight his offensive creativity.
3) Volume Shooter with a Motor
He averages 5.7 shot attempts and 3.5 shots on goal per game—elite usage numbers. He has a quick fluid release when given time and space. His high work rate and energy translate into consistent offensive zone time and possession creation. Kevan hunts pucks, closes quickly on forechecks, and works to create his own looks.
4) Competes in Tough Areas
He draws 0.28 penalties per game, gets to the net front, and competes well along the boards. At the Hlinka, he showed a willingness to battle, absorb contact, and re-attack plays even after getting knocked off the puck. He’s not shy physically and his pace can overwhelm slower defenders.
5) Shorthanded Impact and Special Teams IQ
Kevan’s shorthanded goal against Finland at the Hlinka showcased his anticipation, speed, and finishing ability. While only receiving limited SH time in Des Moines, he’s shown flashes of becoming a penalty kill threat at higher levels.
Why Ben Kevan Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick (Yet)
1) Scoring Efficiency is Well Below Expected
Kevan generates 2.4 Grade “A” chances per game but only converts 7% of them. That is well below the expected average (~15–17%) and reflects real concerns with finishing touch under pressure. He needs to develop more deceptive shot mechanics, improve his one-timer ability, and start creating more inside-lane looks. His game leans too perimeter-heavy.
2) Turnover and Decision-Making Concerns
With 7 giveaways per game Kevan forces plays too often. He holds onto the puck in hopes of making highlight-reel plays instead of taking simple options. His pass completion rate (85%) is below where it needs to be for a first-line power play player with 3.5+ minutes per night. He must learn to read risk-reward more effectively.
4) Physicality Is Inconsistent for Frame
He only averages 0.18 hits per game and wins just 42% of his puck battles. For a player with above average USHL size (6’0″, 185 lbs), he does not play heavy enough. While he’s not afraid of contact, he’s not consistently separating opponents from pucks or asserting himself defensively. His net-front game lacks bite.
5) Defensive Engagement Still Inconsistent
Kevan’s defensive compete remains a swing trait. At the Hlinka, there were signs of growth (pokes on McKenna, responsible backchecking), but in league play, his -18 rating (third worst on the team) is alarming given his offensive minutes. He needs to track harder, stop cheating for offense, and improve his off-puck positioning to earn trust at the pro level.
Projection and NHL Outlook
Projection: Bottom-six NHL winger with special teams utility
Development Focus:
Improve shot mechanics, release and one-timer for scoring efficiency
Refine puck decision-making and simplify at times
Increase battle win rate, particularly in corners/net front
Commit to consistent, reliable effort defensively
Draft Grade: Late 3rd – 4th round
Verdict:
Ben Kevan brings speed, creativity, and offensive confidence—qualities that cannot be taught. However, his production and usage are currently outpacing his efficiency. He is a volume creator who must learn to channel that energy into smarter, more effective plays. NHL teams should view Kevan as a long-term project with middle-six upside. His pace and offensive instincts are undeniable, but to reach his ceiling, he must clean up the defensive side of the puck, commit to finishing inside, and simplify his puck decisions. Kevan should be drafted—but to develop into an NHL regular, he’ll need structured accountability and a defined development track focused on rounding out his game.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images