Brady Peddle (D, L, 6’3″, 191, Waterloo Black Hawks, 05/23/2007, Michigan State)
Brady Peddle is a physically imposing left-shot defenseman who brings legitimate size, mobility, and competitiveness to the back end. In his first full USHL season, he logged 62 games with Waterloo and showed steady growth in his shutdown role. Peddle averaged 17:30 TOI per game, with 2:11 SH TOI and minimal power play usage, anchoring his value on reliable defensive play. His offensive production was limited (3G, 7A, 10PTS), but his +12 rating reflects his effectiveness in even-strength play.
Why Peddle Should Be Drafted
1) Size, Reach, and Defensive Edge Winning Ability
At 6’3″, 192 lbs, Peddle already meets NHL size standards and uses his length well to disrupt plays. He averaged 9 puck battles per game, winning a strong 61%, and showed strong anticipation with 3.7 loose puck recoveries after shots per game. His reach and competitiveness allow him to separate opponents from the puck without relying on overly physical or reckless play.
2) Reliable Penalty Killer With Strong Defensive Zone Awareness
Peddle averaged 2:11 short-handed time per game — earning strong trust from his coaching staff. He consistently positioned himself well in defensive zone off-puck coverage, blocked nearly one shot per game, and maintained good spacing to angle puck carriers away from the middle of the ice.
3) Physical Presence Without Being Undisciplined
While not yet considered a punishing hitter, he brings physicality and an edge that will only continue to grow, averaging 1.7 hits per game with only 36 penalty minutes across 62 games. He plays with control and intent, defending with his body and stick rather than relying on unnecessary aggression.
4) Straight-Line Skating and Offensive Transition Potential
Though his agility and east-west movement are still developing, Peddle owns a long, efficient stride that allows him to skate pucks out of pressure and retrieve pucks with pace. He’s shown flashes in transition and completes a solid 84% of his passes, even if his puck skills are still raw.
Why Peddle May Not Be Drafted
1) Limited Offensive Toolkit
Peddle’s offensive zone impact is minimal at this stage. He generated only 0.37 Grade A scoring chances per game, with just 0.62 pre-shot passes per game. His shot is often blocked (0.64 SBL/game) or misses the net (0.68 missed shots/game) — poor shooting decisions, mechanics and /or manipulations of shooting lanes. His passing is safe but not creative.
2) Agility and Lateral Movement Need Work
While his straight-line skating is effective, Peddle’s lateral quickness and edge control limit his ability to close gaps against faster forwards. Improving balance, core strength and coordination are essential to increase his effectiveness defending against speed or operating under heavy forecheck pressure.
3) Inconsistent Puck Management Under Pressure
He completes a slightly below average percentage of passes overall (84%) and earlier Neutral Zone scouting reports cite issues with panic decisions, bobbled receptions, and rushed outlets under pressure. When time and space diminish, his decision-making can falter, and it limits his reliability against structured forechecks.
4) Lack of Power and Strength at NHL Level
Despite being 6’3″, Peddle is still rangy and needs to add strength to handle heavier matchups down low. He isn’t yet a dominant physical force, and his frame will need to mature to be effective against stronger, more experienced competition in college or pro hockey.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: Bottom-pair NHL defenseman with penalty-killing value and shutdown potential
Development Track: 2 additional years in the USHL focusing on increasing offensive consistency, 2 years NCAA, followed by seasoning in AHL to hone in on developing and understanding of his role. Needs to round out mobility and offensive awareness to earn NHL minutes.
Draft Range: 6th Round
Verdict: Peddle projects as a defensive defenseman who, with continued physical development and mobility refinement, could become a trusted depth bottom-pairing defender at the NHL level. His length, battle strength, and defensive reliability are NHL-aligned traits. While the offensive upside is limited, his commitment to defending, ability to kill penalties, and size make him a justifiable late-round draft pick for an organization looking to build organizational depth on the blue line.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images