Brandon Gorzynski (C, L, 6’2″, 187, Calgary Hitmen, 03/12/2007)
Draft Year: 2025 (First-Year Eligible)
Strengths: Why Gorzynski Should Be Drafted
- Strong Two-Way Potential with Size and Reach
At 6’2″, 185 lbs, Gorzynski has a projectable NHL frame – room for additional strength and power.
His +23 rating – strong even-strength play and reliability defensively.
Has taken limited face-offs but has won 55% – he could develop into a capable two-way center with more reps and added strength. - Significant Offensive Growth from Last Season
Has already quadrupled his offensive output from last year (9 points in 42 games in 2023/24 → 34 points in 57 games in 2024/25).
Ranks in the top 7 on his team in goals, assists, and points, showing steady development and increased role within the lineup.
Generates 1.93 grade “A” scoring chances per game – he gets into high-danger areas with consistency. - Reliable Transition Player and Forechecker
3 shot attempts per game with 1.81 shots on goal – he gets pucks on net consistently, though his finishing ability must improve.
Strong loose puck anticipation (1.20 recoveries after shots per game)- high-end hockey IQ and strong puck-tracking instincts.
Engages in 12 puck battles per game, winning 48% – he is active but needs to improve strength and leverage. - Defensive Zone Responsibility and Positional Awareness
Logs 6:00 of defensive zone time per game – he is trusted by the coaching staff in defensive situations.
0.39 penalty kill time per game – he is beginning to develop as a detailed defensive forward with two-way upside.
He delivers 1.03 hits per game, showing some physicality but room for more engagement.
Weaknesses: Why Gorzynski Might Not Be Drafted
- Lack of Elite Finishing Ability
Only converts on 9% of his Grade “A” scoring opportunities, which is far too low for a player projected to be an NHL two-way forward.
Must improve his release, deception, and ability to one-time passes from imperfect passes.
Shot selection needs improvement, as 0.53 of his shots per game are blocked and 0.53 miss the net. - Passing and Puck Distribution Must Improve
83% passing accuracy is far too low for a player receiving 2:02 of power play time per game.
Only 0.71 passes per game lead to a teammate’s shot – he is not consistently creating or generating offensive chances for linemates.
4.9 giveaways per game is a red flag—he must improve his decision-making and puck security. - Not Playing with Enough Physical Edge for His Size
Only 16 penalty minutes in 57 games—he needs to use his size to intimidate opponents and increase his physical engagement.
0.21 penalties drawn per game shows he is not consistently engaging defenders to force mistakes.
Needs to play with more intensity in board battles and assert himself physically, especially if he is to be considered for a bottom-six NHL role.
Final Verdict: Draftable or Not?
Projected Late-Round Pick (6th-7th Round) / Priority Free Agent
Why Draft Him?
Big frame, two-way potential, and improved production.
Reliable defensively and trusted by his WHL coaches in important situations.
Has shown rapid year-over-year development, meaning he still has upside.
Why Not Draft Him?
Finishing ability is below NHL-caliber—must improve shot deception, release and one-timer ability.
Lack of physicality is a concern for a player of his size.
Puck management issues (low passing accuracy and high giveaway rate).
Projection:
Best-Case NHL Upside: Third-line, two-way checking forward with penalty-killing potential.
Most Likely Path: Likely remains in the WHL for another season, could earn a pro contract in the AHL or ECHL before potentially making the NHL as a late bloomer with a longer development path.
Draft Range: 6th-7th Round / Undrafted Free Agent with development upside.
Conclusion:
Brandon Gorzynski is a big-bodied forward with solid two-way instincts and defensive reliability, but his lack of finishing ability, lack of physical edge, and puck management issues could prevent him from being drafted. His steady offensive growth and size make him intriguing, but unless he adds more strength, improves his shot, and becomes a more physical presence, he may be a better candidate for an AHL/ECHL development route rather than an immediate NHL draft selection in his first year of NHL draft eligibility.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images