Kolten Bridgeman (D, R, 6’4″, 220, Regina Pats, 10/28/2006)
Case for Kolten Bridgeman as an NHL Draft Pick
- Prototypical NHL Size and Strength
At 6’4″, 220 lbs, Bridgeman possesses ideal size for an NHL shutdown defenseman.
He is a physically dominant player, averaging 1.14 hard hits per game and winning 61% of his 50/50 puck battles.
Uses his strength effectively in net-front battles and along the boards, making it difficult for opposing forwards to establish position. - Reliable Defensive Play and High PK Usage
Averages 3:18 of penalty kill time per game, showing that coaches trust him in key defensive situations.
Strong defensive awareness, reflected in 7 takeaways per game and 1.6 loose puck recoveries after shots—he reads the defensive game well and disrupts plays effectively.
Doesn’t get beat physically, and his long reach allows him to break up plays and close lanes efficiently. - Mentally Tough, Hard-Working Player
Undrafted in the WHL Bantam Draft but earned his spot through persistence, showing mental toughness and a strong work ethic.
Has been relied upon in a shutdown role, and his commitment to the defensive side of the game is evident.
Low penalty minutes (28 PIM in 49 games) for a physical defenseman – he is disciplined and doesn’t take unnecessary penalties.
Case Against Kolten Bridgeman as an NHL Draft Pick
- Very Limited Offensive Upside
0 goals in 109 career WHL games and only 4 assists this season—he provides almost no offensive value.
Averages just 0.68 shots on goal per game, and only 0.12 of his offensive plays result in grade “A” scoring chances.
Limited puck-moving ability—while he can make simple, safe outlet passes, he lacks the vision and execution to jump into the rush or create offense. - Below-Average Mobility and Puck Skills
Only completes 84% of his passes, which we would like to see higher for a defenseman with limited offensive expectations.
His mobility is a concern—he can struggle against smaller, quicker forwards and gets caught flat-footed when forced to pivot in transition.
Struggles to contribute in transition, which limits his ability to drive play out of his own zone. - Poor Plus/Minus and Defensive Challenges
-14 rating on the season is middle of the road for Regina (team worst is -28, best is +2).
While he is effective in physical battles, his gap control and ability to defend the rush still need work.
Final Verdict: Draftable or Not?
Unlikely to Be Drafted – Potential AHL/ECHL Free Agent Signing
Why Draft Him?
Elite size and strength—hard to find shutdown defensemen with his frame.
Committed defensive player who excels in penalty-killing situations.
Mentally tough, hard-working, and coachable.
Why Not Draft Him?
No offensive upside.
Limited puck-moving ability and below-average mobility.
Questionable impact at even strength, as indicated by his poor plus/minus rating.
Projection:
Best-Case NHL Upside: Third-pairing shutdown defenseman and PK specialist.
Most Likely Path: Finishes WHL career → Earns AHL/ECHL contract → Depth defenseman at pro level.
Draft Range: Undrafted or a late 7th-round flyer for a team looking for a big, physical shutdown D. The team must believe in their player development staff, while having the time to let him develop by moving slowly through their minor league system.
Conclusion:
Bridgeman’s size, physical play, and defensive commitment are intriguing, but his lack of offensive skill and below-average puck-moving ability make him a long shot for an NHL draft selection. If he can improve his skating, work on his transition play, and develop some offensive touch, he could carve out a role as a depth defenseman in the AHL or a bottom-pairing NHL player. However, at this point, he is more likely to go undrafted and sign as a free agent if he continues to develop.
Logo Courtesy of Regina Pats