RYAN CHESLEY

Defense
6’0/187
Right
US National U18 Teams/USDP & USNTDP Juniors/USHL

Related: Elias Salomonsson

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. In the 2020-21 season, Chesley joined the USNTDP U17s, where he tallied 34 points in 37 games and even played a dozen games with the U18 team as well. 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. He has the makings of a potential top-four defenseman at the NHL level.

Size/Strength Good
Skating Great
Shot/Scoring Great
Puckhandling Great
Physical Play Great
Offensive Play Great
Defensive Play Great
Hockey Sense Excellent
Competitiveness Great

Strength

1. Chesley is a mobile two-way defenseman whose shot and vision make him a threat when operating on the powerplay.
2. He is a physical defender who will throw a big hit if challenged on his side of the ice.
3. Excellent sense and awareness in all situations on both sides of the puck.

Areas of Improvement

1. Does not have the offensive production that other high end defensive prospects have.
2. Can muscled off the puck by bigger and stronger forwards along the boards.

Scouting Report:

Chesley is a mobile right-handed shooting defenseman who is terrific at starting the breakout with his passing or skating ability. At 6’0/187, 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. 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. He is a well-rounded two-way defenseman who should be one of the first blueliners selected on draft night.

Skill: Two-way defenseman with excellent mobility, a heavy one-timer from the point, and is a physical defender

NHL Comparison: Charlie McAvoy

NHL Potential: Top 4 Defenseman

Season	Team	League	GP	G	PTS
2020-21	US National U17 Team	USDP	37	11	34
	USNTDP Juniors	USHL	27	6	14
2021-22	US National U18 Team	USDP	21	1	4
	USNTDP Juniors	USHL	6	0	1