Logan Hensler
Team 2024-25: University of Wisconsin (NCAA)
Date of birth: October 14, 2006
Place of birth: Woodbury, Minnesota, USA
HT: 6 feet 2 wt: 196 lbs
Shooting: Right
Position: Defender
NHL Draft Qualification: Qualifications in 2025
Ranking
Logan Hensler has made significant improvements in his game since his freshman year at the University of Wisconsin. It took him a while to get used to the pace of NCAA levels to improve, but as Elite Prospects scout Daniel Gee noted, he now shows greater confidence in his skills and has increased stocks since his average performance on the world junior in 2025.
“I’m shocked by Hensler’s progress this season. It’s a more confident player who has adapted to the pace of NCAA games that he uses his tools to come up with effective shifting speeds at a high level. First, Hensler’s search game has evolved – positive contact habits, quick decisions canceled; you’re even a little bit crafty between your legs. His skating is so high-end – at least 6.5-7. Four-way liquidity will keep bringing benefits throughout his career…”
(From February 15, 2025 – University of Wisconsin and Ohio State University, Elite Prospects Scout ReportDaniel Gee, 3/5/25)
Related: THW’s 2025 NHL Draft Guide
Hensler has only 2 goals and 12 points in 32 games this season, but he has shown a flash of offensive skills in his solid defensive habits. His biggest advantage lies in his skating and mobility, two key things to the success of the NHL today. He also has a great stick in defense, often breaking games with outstanding interceptions and skills in the rush and his area.
Hensler’s shot was also described as an advantage, but the goalkeeper rarely had to stop it because it was often blocked or failed because he couldn’t find the shooting lane. If he could find a way to use his mobility and awareness to go some along the blue line and change the angle of the shot, he might get more shots and increase his targets as a result.
Hensler relies heavily on his firm defense, which can sometimes be a problem with players being elite hockey successors. In this case, he may be more physically, and although he won’t shy away from physically, the Scouts noticed a lack of consistency in the field. As mentioned at the top, he does show a flash of offensive potential, but most of the time he chooses to play safely rather than take risks. While this is usually a good thing for the defenseman, his elite skating and mobility could be a two-way threat if he uses his already fixed sense of consciousness and hockey to attack more opportunities.
Other draft information
Logan Hensler – NHL draft prediction
All in all, Hensler has all the tools the scouts look for in moving two-way defenders. With his size, habit, elite mobility and awareness, he will be sought after in the 2025 draft. From seventh (Dobuber’s prospect) to 26th (Craig Button), he’s everywhere, so it’s hard to say where he will eventually go when draft day comes. I don’t expect him to fall below the top 20, considering the coveted big right-handed shot defender of the skating guy in today’s NHL.
quotation marks
“Hensler’s biggest strength is his emergency defense, which is easily the best in the class. He proactively breaks up in neutral zones and pinchs. Hensler has a very timely defensive stick that closes the gap in a smooth, controlled way.” – Luke Sweeney, Dobber’s prospect
“Hensler is a big body that moves. He is a two-way defender with some basic offense. Hensler is able to walk the offensive blue line to open the shooting and go through the lane. He is also a big body that can play both sides of the ice. Defenders like Hensler are worthy of the gold weight at the NHL level once they develop fully.” – Jason Bukala, Sportsnet
“His two biggest strengths are his skating and awareness of ice. We noticed that his calmness and calmness are the power of the past, which is why his world junior is so frustrated. He has a ruthless motor that he has always wanted to ruin his opponent’s game.” – Hannah Stuart, Stand Report
“The defenders in this class rarely get the puck and Logan Hensler into trouble. He’s smart enough to get out of the puck and be strong on top to make up for the gap with opponents and power mistakes, then use great jumps, fast sticks and high speeds to burst out ice quickly. But he’s not the North-South driver you expect to have this kind of support. Hensler goes out of his way and knows how to get blue and then cut into space in the middle, or tilt to create extra time. This patience makes him a great organizer, but he has the car into the net and ends the game to reveal opponents who are too high to pass.” – Gabriel Foley, recruit reconnaissance
Advantages
- ice skating
- flexibility
- pass
- consciousness
- Stick check
- Rush defense
- engine
- Two-way game
Under construction (improved)
- More consistent body
- There are more opportunities for offense; most of the time, he stays safe
- Shooting force/accuracy and launching it to the network
NHL Potential
There is no doubt that Hensler’s skating, defensive awareness and active sticks will be the reason he entered the NHL. He has high-end skills in these areas and may even be a back who matches one day. He won’t be a lethal angle producer like Quinn Hughes or Cale Makar, but he might find a best Charlie McAvoy-type defender who hit the 50-point threshold at his peak and leans on in all cases.
Risk and Reward Analysis
Risk – 4/5, Reward – 4/5
Fantasy Hockey Potential
Offense – 7/10, Defense – 8/10
Awards/Achievements
Hensler is a member of the 2025 World Youth Team winning the gold medal in the United States. He also won a silver medal at the 2024 U18 World Hockey Championship.
Interview/profile link
Logan Hensler Statistics
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