Drew Helleson

June 2025 – To say it’s been quite a season for Helleson is a gross understatement. Coming into the year, he had completed two AHL campaigns with the San Diego Gulls, where he showed glimpses of NHL readiness but had serious struggles with consistency. That changed twelve games into the season, when injuries to Cam Fowler and Urho Vaakanainen gave Helleson a chance to fill in. That opportunity was all Helleson needed, he hit the ground running in the NHL, playing a reliable defensive game with a subtle touch of playmaking we haven’t even seen in the AHL. He never looked back and remained with the Ducks for the rest of the season, playing regularly on the third pairing and second penalty kill unit. Helleson has flipped the script and broken into the NHL. His goal for next season will be to solidify that role and continue growing as a reliable defensive presence. For Fantasy Managers, his value depends on the league format. He ranked 21st among defensemen in hits per game, with ok contributions in blocks. In deeper leagues that reward hits, Helleson is definitely someone to keep an eye on. With Radko Gudas aging, the Ducks will need a new physical, defense-first blue-liner, and right now, that role is Helleson’s to lose. Markus R  

March 2022 – Helleson has been traded to the Anaheim Ducks in the Josh Manson deal. Helleson is actually a potential Manson clone, so it fits. – Dobber

January 2022 – After a breakout 2020-21 season, Helleson has kept the momentum going with 14 points in 17 NCAA contests and earning himself a spot with Team USA at the Olympics. He remains an under-the-radar prospect but that won’t last forever if gets into the regular blueline rotation in China. Hayden Soboleski

April 2021 – Helleson was named to the Division I All-American 2nd Team, the Hockey East First All Star Team, and named Hockey East Best Defensive Defenseman. Hayden Soboleski

March 2021 – Helleson was not expected to hit as many highlight reels as he did in 2020-21 and fantasy owners should be thrilled. The traditionally reserved Helleson came into his sophomore year with more confidence carrying the puck and as a result he led Boston College’s defense with 15 points in 22 games while also putting up over 2 SOG per game (after < 1/game as a rookie) and a plus-24 rating (ranking third in the entire NCAA). The modern NHL requires even the match-up/shutdown d-men to be able to move the puck with confidence and be dangerous in the other team’s end and Helleson is demonstrating the skills much more than he did as a rookie. His stock is on the rise, let’s see if he can maintain these numbers while playing even bigger minutes next year as a junior. Hayden Soboleski

January 2021 – Helleson has won gold with Team USA at the 2021 WJC. His 4 points (including an assist on the final game-winner) were good to see, but his value was shown most when he was used on the penalty kill and consistently in the final minutes of Team USA’s games. He was trusted up until the final minutes, defending the lead when it mattered most. Despite having fewer offensive tools than his peers on the squad, his defensive prowess still stood out which is a strong sign for the prospect. Hayden Soboleski

December 2020 – He’s only 2 games into his sophomore season at Boston College, but Helleson’s 5 SOG and powerplay goal are not stats we may have expected after a quiet, defense-first rookie campaign. He probably won’t remain a point-per-game player as the season rolls on, but having the confidence to shoot more and being a trusted as a more all-situations blueliner would be excellent progressions if this continues all year long. The 19-year-old has been included on Team USA’s roster for the upcoming WJCs – this would be his first international U20 appearance if he makes the cut. Hayden Soboleski

May 2020 – Helleson’s freshman year at Boston College was quiet. He wasn’t high on the depth chart of the defense corps, but he did just fine in the time he got as a defense-first rearguard. He isn’t a significant scorer, shooter, blocker, or penalty-taker, which is all fine when waiting on a minute-munching shutdown player but not great news for fantasy owners. Hold off drafting for the time being, and see if he evolves into a more well-rounded producer as his role increases in Boston. Expect at least two more years of NCAA play before turning pro. Hayden Soboleski

June 2019 – The Colorado Avalanche selected Helleson with the 47th-overall pick of the 2019 NHL Draft. This was roughly his projected draft location.

Paired with fellow second-rounder Alex Vlasic, Helleson helped form a towering shutdown unit. His size is an obvious advantage, especially at his age, but he is mobile enough to be versatile. He hasn’t demonstrated enough offense to be considered a good fantasy bet yet outside of multi-category leagues, but by no means is his future set in stone already. Lots of room to develop and potentially carve out a less traditional big-rearguard role while at Boston College this fall. Hayden Soboleski