As we continue to explore potential candidates for the Kings to possibly select at the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, we’re going to move a little outside the box now. Considering Los Angeles currently has players like Brandt Clarke, Jordan Spence, Otto Salin, etc. in the pipeline, adding another right show defender could be viewed as an unconventional pick. However, given that this featured player is likely several years away from joining the NHL, it may be worth taking a further look.
Blake Fiddler
Vitals
Date of Birth: July 9, 2007
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 209 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: Defense
2024-25 Season
Fiddler spent most of the 2024-25 season playing for the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings. In 64 games, he has 33 points (10 G, 23 A).
Two Tourneys
The rangy defender had an unusual experience this year with international play compared to most US-born players. Generally, the States send high school, USHL, and a variety of other players to the Hlinka Gretzky tournaments. For the U-18 World Junior Championship which takes place in May, Team USA is primarily comprised of prospects from the US National Team Development Program.
In Fiddler’s case, he played in both, acting as captain for the Hlinka Gretzky team.
Fiddler in the Roots
The Nashville-born blueliner has previous ties to the NHL, as his father was Vern Fiddler. He played for Nashville, Phoenix, Dallas, and New Jersey.
Everything and Everywhere All at Once
Fiddler has worn many jerseys over the past few years. As mentioned, Vern’s son played for Team USA this year on the international stage along with less than a dozen games for the US National Team. He represented Canada in the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge the year prior. Of course, both seasons also included playing for the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings.
NHL Combine Results
Fiddler attended the NHL Combine, and these are the categories in which he was ranked in the top-25:
Pro Agility – Left Time: 4.35 seconds (tied for 16th)
Wing Span: 79.75 inches (tied for 6th)
Left Hand Grip: 158 lbs (tied for 5th)
Right Hand Grip: 162 lbs (tied for 5th)
Rankings by Independent Scouting Services
Ranked No. 32 by SFuture Considerations: “Fiddler is a physically imposing, right-shot defenseman whose game is grounded in structure, poise, and defensive acumen. He brings a commanding presence to the ice with his reach, strength, and willingness to engage physically, frequently using his frame to separate opponents from the puck. His rush defense is a standout element, marked by excellent gap control, smart angling, and a consistent ability to force plays wide using an active stick and sharp positional instincts. Fiddler’s skating, particularly in straight lines, is above average for his size, and while his edgework and lateral agility are less dynamic, they remain functional enough to allow him to stay with plays and escape pressure during retrievals. He is poised under duress and displays strong anticipation, using his reach and understanding of angles to maintain control in defensive-zone coverage. Offensively, Fiddler keeps things relatively simple but effective. He excels at the top of the offensive zone, where he uses subtle fakes, lateral movement, and a quick, powerful release to get pucks through traffic. His point shot is one of his best tools, combining accuracy and velocity to generate chances from the blue line. Though he may not be a primary power-play option, he has the instincts and tools to support the attack as a secondary wave, contributing to sustained offensive pressure. Defensively, Fiddler thrives when play is in front of him, using early engagements and body positioning to shut down threats. He handles physical play well and shows willingness to block shots and battle along the wall, though his net-front urgency can be inconsistent. He has a calm presence with the puck on breakouts, able to make the first pass or use his legs to transition the puck safely, though there are times he opts for too much finesse, leading to avoidable turnovers.”
Ranked No. 26 by Scott Wheeler’s March Rankings. “One of the standouts at last summer’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Fiddler captained Team USA and had a couple of the better games of the tournament. That strong play then spilled into a step forward with the Oil Kings — where he played 22 minutes per game in all situations to strong two-way results (it also resulted in an invite to USA Hockey’s selection camp for the World Juniors). The son of Vernon Fiddler, he’s a big, right-shot D who defends at a high level with a developing game on the puck. He’s smart in the defensive zone. He defends the rush well with good gaps and a good stick. I don’t think his offense is as natural as it looked in some moments at the Hlinka, but he moves well for a 200-plus-pound teenager and he has shown some poise in possession and a willingness to transport. His decision-making and reads still need some refinement but have also come along step-by-step and there’s clearly a strong foundation and a projectable role for him in the NHL as a two-way five-on-five D with length. Fiddler’s game is primarily about his ability to take up ice, defend the rush and break up plays in-zone but progress made in other areas and his confidence in involving himself in the play offensively has elevated him into this range and could give second-pairing upside (he should become a third-pairing guy at minimum). He’s also a summer birthday, so there’s hope that this is the start of a steep trajectory and that there will be more offense next year. He’s not a sexy prospect but he’s an effective player who is on an NHL track and I thought about ranking him a couple of spots higher here.”
Ranked No. 19 by Hockey Prospect Radio. “Distinguished by his raw talent and young age, as he won’t turn 18 until after the draft. Initially considered for a power forward role due to his physical attributes, Fiddler is now viewed as a shutdown defenseman with secondary offensive capabilities. While his retrieval rates remain a concern, improvements in physicality, spatial awareness, and late-season performance highlight his potential. His youth offers a long developmental runway, with up to four seasons in the WHL before transitioning to college or the AHL, positioning him as a potential impact player in the future.”
See For Yourself
Video of Fiddler vs. Swift Current in the WHL:
Final Comments
As previously mentioned at the start, a right-shooting defenseman is one of the more plentiful prospects Los Angeles has in their cupboard. However, drafts are meant to acquire future assets, so the existence of a few pieces now shouldn’t dissuade them from a blueliner.
Fiddler himself covers a lot of ice with his size and mobility, showing the hallmarks of a great future defensive defenseman. He doesn’t play dirty or lay out big hits, but can separate players from the puck with a well-placed check. His reach also allows him to neutralize attackers, even if they manage to maneuver around him.
Offensively, the numbers are a little misleading. Scoring half a point-per-game in his draft year suggests the potential upside of being a two-way defender. The shots are more effective at finding their way through traffic, yet they aren’t as heavy as they could be from a player Fiddler’s size. There’s a technique issue, and without improvement, chances will be limited.
Passing also poses some problems. While getting power play opportunities, Fiddler is effective at moving the puck at closer ranges. However, stretch and bank passes often miss their mark. These are correctable issues, yet ultimately suggest a lower ceiling than one would hope.
Any team drafting Fiddler should feel confident in his upside of becoming a top-four defenseman who can eat minutes and be responsible defensively. Anything more than that is a bonus. With Los Angeles, he would certainly be a slow boil, taking him a few years to get NHL playing time.
Chat with David: You can find him on Twitter @Davidenkness to talk more hockey.
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