Blake Fiddler (D, R, 6’4″, 210, Edmonton Oil Kings, 07/09/2007)
Blake Fiddler is a physically imposing, mobile, two-way defenseman with significant pro potential. His size, skating, and physical presence make him a true National League prospect.. Fiddler’s future lies in his defensive game, particularly his ability to stifle rushes, protect the net-front, and deliver crisp breakout passes when given time and space. Offensively, he must improve his decision-making under pressure, puck-handling and first-touch consistency, and offensive execution to fully realize his potential as a top-pairing NHL defenseman.
Strengths
Physical Presence and Defensive Play:
Fiddler leverages his 6’4″, 210-pound frame effectively, using his reach to disrupt passing lanes and defend the rush with stick checks and physicality.
He is willing to engage in battles along the boards and clear the net-front with strength and assertiveness.
Strong gap control, particularly in transition, where he uses his size and mobility to contain opponents.
Skating Ability:
Displays a powerful, long stride that allows him to cover the ice efficiently.
Edge work that enables him to pivot smoothly and create space for himself in tight situations.
Despite his size, Fiddler is mobile and capable of joining the rush when the opportunity arises.
Puck Movement and Transition Play:
Reliable puck-mover who can execute hard flat breakout passes when under moderate pressure.
Demonstrates vision and poise, particularly when given time to scan the ice and identify options.
Has shown flashes of offensive potential, particularly when cutting into space at the blue line to open shooting or passing lanes.
Physicality and Engagement:
Can play with an edge, regularly finishing checks and making opponents pay a price in high-traffic areas.
Effective at using his body to protect the puck and box out opponents.
Areas for Improvement
Decision-Making Under Pressure:
Struggles to make quick, accurate decisions when under intense forechecking pressure, leading to turnovers in his own zone.
Can force plays at the offensive blue line, resulting in unnecessary giveaways.
Puck Handling and Offensive Execution:
While Fiddler has shown offensive flashes, he needs to improve his consistency in handling the puck and making plays under a heavy forecheck.
His shot selection could use refinement, as he has shot attempts blocked or misses the net (1.36 blocked and 1.26 misses per game).
Discipline and Composure:
At times, he has taken undisciplined penalties, such as roughing or retaliatory actions. While we certainly like the intimidation Fiddler can provide he is still learning the time and place to take his shot.
Still developing the footwork and agility to shutdown faster, more skilled opponents.
Skating Explosiveness:
While his overall mobility is strong, his first-step quickness and top-end speed are still developing to handle NHL-caliber forwards effectively.
Key Development Goals
Improve Decision-Making Under Pressure: Work on puck management and making quicker, smarter plays when pressured in his own zone.
Develop Offensive Tools: Focus on shot accuracy, deception and decision-making at the offensive blue line to maximize his contributions.
Enhance Explosiveness: Strengthen his first-step quickness and overall skating speed to handle faster opponents and recover effectively.
Increase Composure: Maintain discipline and composure in high-stakes situations to minimize penalties and mental lapses.
Projection
Blake Fiddler projects as a top-four, two-way defenseman at the NHL level, with potential to excel in a shutdown role. His size, skating, and defensive instincts are valuable assets, particularly on the penalty kill and in defensive assignments. If he can improve his first touch, his puck skills and decision-making, Fiddler has the potential to evolve into a complete defenseman who can contribute on both ends of the ice.
Draft Outlook
We currently have Fiddler as an early-second round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft. Teams will covet his size, mobility, and defensive capabilities, but his offensive upside and consistency will determine whether he can rise into the first round.
Player Comparison
Brandon Carlo: A big, mobile, and defensively responsible defenseman who can play a shutdown role while occasionally contributing offensively.
Final Assessment
Blake Fiddler possesses the size, skating ability, and defensive instincts to thrive at the NHL level. His physicality, active stick, and ability to move the puck efficiently out of his zone make him a reliable presence on the blue line. While his offensive game and decision-making require refinement, Fiddler’s ceiling as a shutdown, two-way defenseman with top-four potential makes him a highly desirable prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images