Ryan Chesley

June 2025 – Chesley was given the “C” in what turned out to be his final year in the NCAA with the University of Minnesota. He was relied upon more for his offense than in previous seasons, resulting in 20 points in 40 games. Chesley also managed to set a career high in penalty minutes with 48. After his season finished he signed a three-year ELC with the Capitals that is set to begin in 2025-26. He finished the 2024-25 campaign on an ATO with the Hershey Bears, where he produced three points in four regular-season games, but did not play in the postseason. Chesley has a high probability to make the NHL, but it may take time to get there as the Capitals let the prospects stew in the Bears’ system as long as possible. Pat Quinn

May 2024 – While being on a good NCAA team, Chesley plays a solid shut-down and two-way transition role for the team. He somehow regressed in statistical numbers, going from 10 points to eight points in a handful more games. While Chesley can produce, with his role on this team it is hard to see. Coaches will love a player like Chesley as he can play any role you need, but perhaps is not the best suited to run a power play. Pat Quinn

January 2024 – Chesley was again on Team USA for the World Junior Championship as the team won gold at the tournament. Chesley was one of the teams’ top defensemen and registered four points in seven games. Pat Quinn

October 2023 – Chesley will return to the University of Minnesota for 2023-24, and is once again an option for Team USA at the World Junior Championship. Chesley will hope to improve on his 10 points in 36 games last season. Chesley still looks like a future NHLer but his scoring ability for fantasy may be in question, unless he shows progress soon. Pat Quinn

February 2023 – The University of Minnesota is a team chalk full on NHL draftees and with most being older Chesley is used more in a middle to bottom pairing defenseman role. He only has seven points in 30 games, and had just one assist in seven WJC games, but that is not overly indicative of his future offense potential but more a product of where he is used. His offense potential is not through the roof or anything but if he was allowed more ice time, and played more in the offense zone, he would have better numbers. Chesley still projects as a very solid two-way defenseman in the future. Pat Quinn

September 2022 – Chesley will play for the University of Minnesota in the NCAA for 2022-23 where he figures to be a future top defenseman on that squad. Pat Quinn

July 2022 – The Washington Capitals have selected Chesley in the second round of the 2022 NHL Draft, 37th overall. Nick Richard

September 2021 – Ryan Chesley rose through the ranks at Shattuck St. Mary’s where he played for three seasons in which he put up plenty of points from the back end. After his final and most productive season, he joined the USNTDP U17s where he effortlessly transitioned and saw more success. He tallied 34 points in 37 games with the U17s before earning his call up to the U18s. In a dozen games with them, he tallied just a pair of points before the end of the season. Chesley also represented Team USA at the U18 World Championships, scoring one goal during the tournament. Chesley will spend his draft year playing with the USNTDP’s U18 squad and is committed to the University of Minnesota for the 2022-23 season.

Chesley is a mobile right-handed shooting defenseman who is adept at starting the breakout with his passing or skating ability. Standing at 6-0 and weighing 187 pounds, Chesley brings a sturdy frame and good size to the table, looking comfortable in his body. He has good speed, uses his edges well, and does a good job to force players to the outside when he is a step too slow. While he shows a knack for the offensive side of the game, he doesn’t show any glaring deficiencies on defense. He positions himself well while using his stick to maintain gaps and fights hard along the boards to tie up opponents. He is not afraid to use his body to block a shot or to throw a big hit. When playing with a more offensive-minded partner, he is capable of assuming the defensive role on the pairing and establishing his physical presence. On offense, Chesley is capable of building up a head of steam and being a one-man breakout with his end-to-end rushes. He shows good offensive instincts in the zone by creeping down low or getting himself into the slot when the opportunity presents itself. He likes to shoot the puck and has a heavy shot that sees him set up on the powerplay as the one-time option along the half boards. His vision and passing ability are solid and he is able to catch his opponents sleeping by delivering a quick pass to dangerous areas of the ice. Ryan Chesley shows his offensive abilities when given the freedom but is responsible and capable of being the stay-at-home man on his pairing. He is a well-rounded two-way defenseman who should be one of the first blue liners selected on draft night. Alexander Annun