Steven Ellis

Fantasy Summary

Mobile rush defender with the ability (though not always the inclination) to move the puck with his feet


Observations

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January 2025 – There was a lot of handwringing about Hensler’s lack of production to start the year. Even though he hasn’t changed into an offensive force, thanks in part to a steady performance at the WJC, we’re still high on his upside.

Hensler’s greatest strength is his rush defense, which is easily among the best in the class. He’s proactive in breaking up plays in both the neutral zone and when pinching. Hensler has a very timely defensive stick and closes gaps in a smooth, controlled fashion.

Standing at a lanky 6-2, what defensive areas Hensler does need to shore up can largely be accomplished by growing into his frame and building that strength.  As Hensler is such a strong defensive base to build on, we feel confident projecting him as a top four defender.

Luke Sweeney

Attributes
Fantasy Upside 6.5
NHL Certainty 7.0
Country USA
Position D
Roster Type Draft Eligible
Shoot/Glove Right
Date of Birth October 14, 2006
Height 6‘2”
Weight 196 lbs
Drafted No

Stats

 Season Team League GP G A TP PIM      Playoffs GP G A TP PIM 
 2020-2021 Minnesota Blades 14U AAA14U AAA13 1 910 -|        
  Woodbury Bantam AA15U AA- - -- -|        
  Draftday Hockey Selects U14 2WSI U14- - -- -|        
  Draftday Selects U15 WSI U159 4 610 -|        
 2021-2022 B15 - District 8 MNHP3 2 35 -|        
  Team Columbia USA-S154 0 00 4|        
  Minnesota Blades 15U AAA15U AAA- - -- -|        
  Hill-Murray SchoolUSHS-MN31 7 1724 17|        
 2022-2023 U.S. National U17 TeamNTDP60 5 2328 12|        
  USNTDP JuniorsUSHL38 5 1520 6|Playoffs3 0 11
  USA U17WHC-177 0 55 2|        
 2023-2024 U.S. National U18 TeamNTDP61 4 2832 26|        
  USNTDP JuniorsUSHL27 3 1316 6|        
  USA U18WJC-187 1 56 0|        
 2024-2025 Univ. of WisconsinNCAA19 1 78 19|        
  USA U20WJC-207 0 11 8|        

Highlights