Luke Vlooswyk (D, R, 6’5″, 200, Red Deer Rebels, 01/09/2007)
Luke Vlooswyk is a physically imposing, right-shot defenseman with above-average mobility for his size and flashes of puck-moving upside. A regular top-four contributor for Red Deer, he logged over 20 minutes per game this season, including penalty kill and limited power play minutes. While not a high-end point producer (17 points in 68 games), Vlooswyk’s value lies in his reach, physical presence, and ability to move the puck efficiently under pressure. At his best, he plays a composed, shutdown game while making timely, high-percentage passes.
Statistical Profile – 2024/25 Season
68 GP | 3 G | 14 A | 17 PTS | 45 PIM | +8
TOI: 20:27 | PPT: 1:06 | SHT: 2:50
PIA/PID: 7:56 / 9:36
Hits (H+/H-): 1.04 / 0.77
Shots (S/S+/SBL/S-): 3.8 / 1.64 / 1.35 / 0.77
SC/SC%: 0.2 / 14%
Puck Battles (C/C%): 10 / 58%
Passing (P%/PSP): 86% / 0.33
TA/GA: 8 / 5.2
BL: 2.1
Reasons to Draft
Pro Frame with High Battle Efficiency
At 6’5”, 200 pounds, Vlooswyk meets NHL size thresholds and uses his length effectively. He won 58% of his puck battles and is difficult to get around in defensive-zone coverage. His reach allows him to disrupt plays and his timing on physical engagements is generally sound.
Reliable Defensive Contributor
Vlooswyk averaged nearly three minutes per game on the penalty kill and blocked over two shots per night. He showed commitment to defensive zone play, regularly holding the blue line and forcing opponents wide with a tight gap and smart stick placement.
Efficient First Pass and Transitional Awareness
With an 86% pass completion rate and a tendency to move pucks quickly under pressure, Vlooswyk is a reliable breakout option. He can hit wingers on the wall or stretch the ice through the middle, especially when forecheck pressure is light.
Ice Time and Usage
He was trusted with over 20 minutes per game on a competitive Red Deer team, playing in all situations except for top-unit power play. Coaches clearly viewed him as a steady, dependable presence capable of anchoring the defensive group.
Reasons Not to Draft
Inconsistent Pace and Urgency Retrievals
Despite his mobility, Vlooswyk can be casual retrieving pucks. He often slows his pace unnecessarily on dump-ins, allowing forecheckers time to close. When pressured, his decisions can become more reactive, decreasing puck-moving efficiency.
Gap Control and Rush Defense
He struggles with lateral agility against speed. On multiple Neutral Zone viewings, he gave too much space defending the wall and was beaten cleanly on the outside. At higher levels, this lack of close-out ability on entries will be targeted.
Limited Offensive Upside
While he walks the blue line well and occasionally activates, Vlooswyk had just 17 points on the season and averaged only 0.2 scoring chances per game. His shot from distance lacks deception and is frequently blocked (1.35 per game). There’s not enough offensive creativity to project power play usage beyond junior hockey.
Skating Mechanics and Playoff Pace Concerns
For his size, his mobility is passable, but he lacks fluidity in tight turns and lateral movement. His stride can break down under pressure, particularly when trying to reset angles or escape on retrievals.
Projection & Draft Recommendation
Projection: Bottom-pair shutdown defenseman with PK value
Development Path: One more WHL season → AHL development (2–3 years)
Draft Range: Late 4th Round
Verdict:
Luke Vlooswyk has NHL size, defensive awareness, and strong battle results, making him a viable long-term depth option as a physical, penalty-killing defenseman. However, his limitations defending speed and lack of dynamic puck skills cap his ceiling. He profiles best as a structured, low-risk RD who can provide support minutes and shot suppression. He is worth drafting in the later rounds if a club is looking to develop a right-side penalty killer with size and safe decision-making.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images