Nathan Behm (C, R, 6’1″, 195, Kamloops Blazers, 04/18/2007)
Nathan Behm is a power forward prospect with an NHL-ready frame and a versatile offensive toolkit. Behm demonstrates strong puck-protection skills, a quick release, and an ability to create offensive opportunities for himself and his linemates from below the goal line. His blend of size, skating, and skill gives him potential at the professional level, but his consistency, defensive effort, details and willingness to engage physically are areas that need to be there every shift for him to maximize his impact.
Strengths
Size and Frame:
At 6’1″, 195 lbs, Behm has a sturdy build suited for a professional power forward role. His ability to shield the puck and hold off defenders in tight spaces is an asset that NHL General Managers and coaching staffs crave.
He uses his frame effectively to protect the puck along the boards and in the corners, creating space for his teammates.
Puck Skills:
Behm’s puck-handling ability is excellent in tight spaces. He can settle bouncing pucks, pull them off the wall, and maintain control through traffic.
Sometimes he forces his passes, leading to him completing just 83% of his passes, but while rolling off the wall when cycling his passes lead directly to 1.55 grade “A” scoring chances per game.
Offensive Instincts and Scoring Ability:
A natural shooter’s posture with a quick release, Behm averages 3.5 shots on goal per game and generates 2.3 grade “A” scoring chances.
He is particularly effective as a royal road middle-lane driver, pushing defenders back to the top of their crease and creating chaos in the slot.
Behm is also dangerous in transition, using his skating to exploit space and create offensive opportunities.
Skating and Agility:
Behm’s skating is a highlight, particularly his smooth, powerful stride. He moves fluidly in open ice and is quick to accelerate, making him effective on the rush and in transition.
His agility and edgework allow him to escape pressure and maintain possession in tight areas.
Offensive Zone Awareness:
Behm positions himself well in the offensive zone, making himself an option for passes, downhill tips and finding open space around the net.
He has a knack for creating passing lanes and executing quick give-and-go plays that lead to high-danger chances.
Areas for Improvement
Physical Engagement:
Despite his size, Behm averages just 0.42 hard body checks per game.
He could be more assertive in using his frame to dominate physically, intimidate and create turnovers.
He takes 1.33 hard body checks per game, which raises concerns about whether he positions himself optimally to avoid unnecessary contact and whether he has the reputation as being a big body who is a target.
Defensive Consistency:
While Behm shows flashes of defensive awareness, his engagement in his own zone can be inconsistent.
He occasionally lacks the urgency needed to be used in key defensive situations, particularly away from the puck.
Improving his defensive work rate and positioning will help him become a more complete player.
Puck Management:
Behm averages 8 giveaways per game, which is fine if those giveaways are well placed soft chips into space that allow puck pursuit, soft plays in the grey areas will come back as goals against in the National League.
While his passing is generally strong, he needs to be more deliberate in high-pressure situations to reduce turnovers and ensure puck security.
Net-Front Play:
Behm’s ability to attack the net with power is evident, but he needs to be more consistent in driving into the slot and maintaining his net side position throughout contact.
Adding a layer of aggression and intimidation to his net-front play, such as tipping pucks and cross-checking or pushing off for rebounds, will increase his offensive impact.
Overall Intensity:
Behm can appear to “ramp up” his intensity only in offensive situations, which leaves his overall game feeling uneven.
Maintaining a consistent compete level throughout all three zones will be crucial for his development and to maximize his physical gifts.
Key Development Goals:
Increase Physical Engagement: Use his size more effectively in puck battles, along the boards, and in net-front situations.
Improve Defensive Consistency: Focus on maintaining high effort and urgency in his own zone, particularly away from the puck.
Consistency in Decision-Making: Limit giveaways by making quicker, smarter decisions under pressure.
Strengthen Net-Front Presence: Initiating contact prior to tips, screens, and second-chance opportunities to enhance his unit’s offensive impact.
Develop Leadership: Behm has the tools to be a leader on the ice; showcasing a consistent, team-first mentality will help him develop shift to shift consistency.
With his size, skill set, and potential to grow into a more physical and complete player, Behm has all the tools to become a reliable contributor at the NHL level.
Projection
Nathan Behm projects as a middle-six power forward with the potential to fill a top-six role if he can consistently harness his size, skating, and physical skill set. His ability to generate offense, combined with his strong puck protection and transition game, make him an intriguing prospect. However, his long-term NHL success will hinge on improving his physical engagement, defensive consistency, and decision-making in the grey areas.
Draft Outlook
We currently have Behm projected as a late first-round to early second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Teams will value his size and offensive potential, but his selection will depend on consistency and urgency throughout the remainder of his draft year.
Player Comparison
Timo Meier – A power forward with a strong blend of size, skating, and offensive ability. Like Meier early in his career, Behm needs to develop a more consistent physical edge and defensive awareness to maximize his impact at the NHL level.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images