Blake FIDDLER

Defenseman
6’4/209
Right
Edmonton Oil Kings/WHL

Related: Kashawn AITCHESON

Blake Fiddler is a promising right-handed defenseman currently playing for the Edmonton Oil Kings in the WHL. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 207 lbs, he combines size, mobility, and defensive prowess, making him a strong NHL prospect. Fiddler’s blend of physicality, skating, and defensive acumen makes him a valuable asset for any team looking for a shutdown defenseman with room to grow offensively. Fiddler started the season off strong for Team USA at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and is having a strong season with the Edmonton Oil Kings in the WHL. There’s no denying the tools Fiddler brings to the table. A hulking defenseman at just 17 years old, he’s likely to continue growing stronger. His size alone will draw NHL interest as the 2025 draft approaches, but that’s not his only asset. His ability to effectively use his size on both ends of the ice makes him an especially intriguing prospect. He’s a raw player, doesn’t offer elite skill, and is far from a lock to become an NHL regular, but his overall toolkit is hard to ignore. Defensemen standing 6-foot-4 don’t come around often, especially ones with Fiddler’s mobility. As of right now, Fiddler looks like a late first round pick, but given teams tendency to draft towering defenseman with potential, it is possible for him to get drafted higher. He projects as a top 4 Shutdown defenseman with a little offensive upside in the future.

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

Strengths

1. Fiddler has excellent defensive skills and excels at shutting down rushes, protecting the net-front, and using his reach to disrupt plays.
2. Despite his size, he is a strong skater with smooth pivots and the ability to join the rush; is reliable in transition, delivers crisp breakout passes and shows flashes of offensive potential.
3. He effectively uses his size to clear opponents from high-traffic areas and win battles along the boards; blends physicality with intelligent reads and quality stick work.

Weakness

1. While he has offensive skills, refining his puck-handling and shot selection will enhance his impact.
2. Needs to improve under pressure to avoid turnovers.
3. Occasionally takes undisciplined penalties and is still developing composure in high-pressure situations.

Scouting Report

A big, right-shot defender who doesn’t try to be something that he’s not, Bladke Fiddler understands the nuances of the defensive game, and he blends his physicality with intelligent reads and quality stick work. The 6-foot-4 blueliner is a big-bodied defender who clears forwards away from his net and pushes opponents to the perimeter. Fiddler is averaging around 22 minutes a night this year and already looks good with the puck. He’s strong defensively, able to suffocate opponents’ chances on the rush, and he pairs that with very real offensive skill. He’s one of those players who is enjoyable to watch—but he’s also mistake-prone in some areas, and we’d like to see him improve his decision-making. He also skates quite well for his size. Fiddler closes on his checks quite well and gets up the ice efficiently. He competes well on the ice. I wouldn’t call him overly physical, but he works hard to win pucks and make defensive plays. Despite what his size might suggest, Fiddler is not just a big, stay-at-home defender. He’s capable of moving the puck up the ice and contributing in transition, a skill essential for any modern NHL defenseman. While he still has room to grow in this area, the strides he has made over the past year have significantly boosted his effectiveness on both ends of the rink. Fiddler isn’t likely to dazzle with skill or offensive instincts, but he will challenge opponents’ top players nightly with his size, while also driving the puck up the ice in transition. His combination of size and effort level makes him a workhorse on the ice—a coach’s dream on the back end. He has everything NHL teams value in a defenseman of his style, and he plays a premium position on the right side of the defense. Fiddler is a strong skater with great size, good on his pivots and a very effective defender. On the rush is where he shines the most. With limited offensive upside, Fiddler must improve defensively to maximize his value. He’s unlikely to be a high point-producer, so his defensive skills will be crucial to advancing to the professional ranks. Fortunately, his physical tools and continued coaching suggest his defensive game will strengthen with experience. Blake Fiddler is often compared to Brandon Carlo of the Boston Bruins. Both are towering, right-handed defensemen known for their defensive reliability, physical play, and ability to contribute in transition. His size alone will draw NHL interest as the 2025 draft approaches, but that’s not his only asset. His ability to effectively use his size on both ends of the ice makes him an especially intriguing prospect. He’s a raw player, doesn’t offer elite skill, and is far from a lock to become an NHL regular, but his overall toolkit is hard to ignore. Defensemen standing 6-foot-4 don’t come around often, especially ones with Fiddler’s mobility. Fiddler projects as a top-four defenseman in the NHL, with the potential to become a shutdown defender. While his offensive game is still developing, his size, skating, and defensive instincts make him a valuable asset for teams looking to bolster their blue line.

Skill: Physical, Shutdown Defenseman, with great Mobility and instincts

NHL Comparable: Brandon Carlo

NHL Potential: Top 4 Shutdown Defenseman

Season	Team	League	GP	G	PTS
2023-24	Edmonton Oil Kings	WHL	63	5	15
	Canada White U17	WHC-17	8	0	1
2024-25	USA U18 “C”	Hlinka Gretzky Cup	5	1	4
	Edmonton Oil Kings	WHL	59	8	29