Richard Baran (D, L, 6’1″, 188, Des Moines Buccaneers, 10/24/2005, Arizona State)
Richard Baran is a mobile, puck-moving left-shot defenseman with strong transition ability and a consistent two-way profile. In 2024–25, he logged heavy minutes for Des Moines, posting 30 points (4 goals, 26 assists) in 54 games while averaging 21:24 TOI per game, including over three minutes on the power play. His production came on a struggling team, evident in his -21 rating. Still, his offensive zone time (10:44 PIA/game) and clean puck movement (90% pass completion) highlight his importance in driving transition and creating pace from the back end.
Baran played in all situations at the USHL level and was used in a depth role at the 2025 World Juniors for Slovakia, averaging 10:19 TOI and showing flashes of his puck retrieval, battle compete, and breakout effectiveness. While he didn’t record a point in the tournament, he finished +1 in four games and showed good off-puck details, skating mechanics, and recovery tracking.
Statistically, Baran excels in puck control and first-pass exits. He averages 2.6 shot attempts per game, 0.79 pre-shot passes, and 1.96 puck recoveries after shots which highlights his puck anticipation and ability to drive possession, while committing just 4.4 giveaways per game relative to his high possession rate. Defensively, he wins 54% of puck battles and uses his awareness well to break up plays (0.79 blocks/game), though he isn’t a physical presence (0.48 hits/game) and can struggle under sustained forecheck pressure.
Why Baran Should Be Drafted
1) High-End Skating and Puck Transition Ability
Baran is one of the smoother-skating defenders in the USHL draft class. He moves effortlessly through the neutral zone, gains the offensive blue line with control, and can create clean breakouts through either skating or passing. His ability to carry and distribute under pressure is NHL-caliber.
2) Offensive Minded but Responsible
With 30 points and over 3:00 PP TOI/game, Baran can generate offense without playing recklessly. His 90% passing accuracy and 0.79 pre-shot passes per game point to a calm puck distributor who plays with his head up and processes options well.
3) Effective Stickwork and Gap Control
Baran’s defensive game is rooted in structure and positioning. He doesn’t chase hits but uses his active stick and reach to close taking away time and space. He’s particularly effective in rush defense and was consistently first on loose pucks thanks to his anticipation.
4) Projects as a Modern Two-Way Defenseman
Baran blends size, mobility, and puck-moving intelligence. His game translates well to today’s NHL where pace and retrieval-to-attack sequences are key. He doesn’t need to be a top-pairing defenseman to provide value as a puck-moving #4–6 with secondary power play ability.
Why Baran May Not Be Drafted
1) Below-Average Physicality and Defensive Zone Pressure Response
While Baran is reliable with the puck, he doesn’t consistently engage physically or assert himself along the boards. At 6’1″, 187 lbs, he has the frame but must improve his physicality to handle pro-level forechecking.
2) Minus-21 Rating and Team Context
Despite being a top-pairing defender, Baran finished -21 on the season (2nd worst on the team) — a reflection of team struggles but also a sign that his defensive impact at 5v5 still needs focus, especially in zone coverage and post-turnover recovery.
3) Limited Impact at World Juniors
While serviceable, Baran did not stand out during the WJC. He was used in a depth role, logged limited minutes (10:19 TOI/game), and didn’t register a point. His puck battle rate was strong (57%), but his passing dipped to 78%, and he had no standout shifts under pressure.
4) Offensive Ceiling May Be Capped
Baran’s production is driven by transition and puck movement, not high-end creativity or deception. He’s not a dynamic power play quarterback, and his shot is average — only 9% of his scoring chances are converted.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: Bottom-pairing NHL defenseman with transition value and PP2 usage
Development Track: 2 more seasons in the NCAA with focus on strength, physical engagement, and defensive zone timing. Followed by 2–3 seasons in AHL to improve play under pressure and expand offensive impact.
Draft Range: 4th–6th Round
Verdict: Baran is a solid mid-to-late round draft target for organizations valuing and needing modern puck-moving defenders with plus skating, and smart retrieval-to-transition play. He must develop his physical game and assertiveness in-zone to round out his projection, but his clean puck habits, structure, and mobility give him a strong foundation to build into an NHL contributor in a support-pairing role.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images