Earlier, we released our annual predictions for the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. Among the candidates was Henry Brzustewicz as a potential right-shot defender. The aforementioned blueliner has skills more geared towards providing offense, while our next candidate brings stronger defensive acumen and mobility to the role.
Logan Hensler
Vitals
Date of Birth: October 14, 2006
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 196 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: Defense
2024-25 Season
Hensler spent the 2024-25 season playing for the NCAA’s University of Wisconsin. In 32 games, he had 12 points (2 G, 10 A).
Getting Hammered
Hensler has had some familiar experiences with current Kings prospect Hampton “Hammer” Slukynsky. Both were teammates when representing Team USA for the 2025 World Junior Championship, where they won gold together.
Witnessing the Badger
Wisconsin has turned out some notable NHLers, and there’s a lot of history on their side. Some big names include: Joe Pavelski, Tony Granato, Dany Heatley, Chris Chelios, Brian Rafalski, Jake Gardiner, Dylan Holloway, Cole Caufield, Curtis Joseph, and Brian Engblom, among many others.
Want to Feel Old?
Sarah McLellan of the Star Tribune wrote a fantastic piece on the native of Woodbury, Minnesota. Hensler was quoted as saying Zach Parise was his favorite player, but also remarked he loved Brent Burns. He added “but he was before my time, so I watched a lot of YouTube of him when he was on the Wild.”
Draft Combine Results
Hensler attended the NHL Combine, and these are the categories in which he was ranked in the top-25:
Fatigue Index: 45.2 (14th)
Wingspan: 77 inches (tied for 24th)
No Arm Jump: 18.11 inches (22nd)
Bench Press 50% of body weight – Power: 6.74 watts/kg (17th)
Rankings by Independent Scouting Services
Ranked No. 27 by Future Considerations: “Hensler is a mobile, two-way defenseman whose game is anchored by strong skating, intelligent positioning, and transitional reliability. His most defining asset is his mobility, featuring fluid edgework, quick acceleration, and lateral agility that allow him to move efficiently in all directions and maintain tight gaps on opposing forwards. He consistently pushes the pace with well-timed, accurate passes and executes controlled breakouts, often initiating offensive movement with quick decisions that maximize time and space. His long stick and above-average reach complement his skating to disrupt plays in transition and maintain defensive structure. Hensler plays a clean, low-risk game with reliable puck touches and rarely forces plays that lead to turnovers. He provides consistent defensive support and carries himself with a mature on-ice demeanor, allowing partners with offensive instincts to activate more freely. He is trusted in a variety of game situations, including penalty kills and defending leads, offering a steady presence with the puck under pressure. While not overly physical, he engages in battles along the wall and has enough strength to win puck races and dislodge opponents. His transition game is enhanced by smart scanning habits and pressure recognition, allowing him to move pucks decisively and evade forecheckers with subtle deception. Offensively, he contributes through puck movement and low, accurate shots from the point that can create tips and second-chance opportunities. However, his offensive-zone involvement is somewhat passive, as he often remains near the blue line instead of joining the cycle or supporting plays deeper, which limits his scoring impact.”
Ranked No. 17 by Elite Prospects. “Hensler’s evolved habits and tools also created a multidimensional defending game to further his profile. Gap control, angling, surfing across laterally to close space – he pushes attackers outside until there’s no space left. If the aggression fails, his explosiveness and impressive stop-start ability add adaptability to recover off the turnover. In tandem with his aggressive step-up game, he uses a disruptive stick and physical elements like stick lifts, clamps, and perimeter seals.”
Ranked No. 17 by Hockey Prospect. “Hensler had a solid freshman season at Wisconsin and also played for Team USA at the World Junior Hockey
Championship. He projects well for the NHL as a defenseman who can log tons of ice time because of his mobility and two-way game. He can move pucks at a good level and his play in his own zone will translate to play in a top-4 role at the NHL level. The foundation of his game is based around his skating ability, which blends excellent mechanics with considerable power and he’s not done physically developing by a long stretch. His skating gives him a lot of versatility as an advanced puck retriever and puck mover. We felt his transitional rush defense improved overall as he continued to adapt to College and there’s some secondary offense here as well. He can think the game, but there were times where he would make loud errors. If he reduces his error rate with the puck and refines his offensive game, then he can have a long career as a versatile and multi-faceted defenseman.”
See For Yourself
Video of Hensler vs. Notre Dame in the NCAA:
Final Comments
Wisconsin’s blueliner is a solid, responsible defender who leverages his mobility and size to cover a lot of ice. Because of his maneuverability, reach, and spacing, Hensler does a superb job of keeping rushing opponents to the outside, often forcing them to try chipping the puck around him. What’s also impressive about the Minnesota-born blueliner is his conscientiousness in trying to get the inside position on attackers.
Offensively, there are some concerns about translatability. There are certainly qualities that will carry over, most notably his willingness to take low shots to generate rebounds or to allow tips. As he elevates his play to higher levels, the offense can evolve and be more dynamic with smart pinches down low; more often than not, even on the powerplay, he roams the blueline. Whether or not Hensler grows into a powerplay quarterback or more offensively reliable defenseman is contingent on puck management.
How well he manages the puck defensively also has some points to consider. Hensler sometimes shows a low-panic threshold, where he will move the puck away when under pressure. If the mobile blueliner uses his skating more proactively to buy himself more time, his transition potential will be that much higher.
The good news with any college-committed prospect is his schedule allows for him to improve his physique further. At worst, he has high potential of developing into a mobile, physical, shutdown defender — perhaps similar to somebody like Mikey Anderson.
Chat with David: You can find him on Twitter @Davidenkness to talk more hockey.
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