With the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaching fast, POHO and GM Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins have their work cut out for them.
Since the Penguins have a total of 30 picks over the next three drafts, including 11 this year - which could reduce to 10 if the conditional first-round pick from the New York Rangers defers to 2026 - there will be plenty of opportunity for the Penguins to add impact players. Of their 11 picks in 2025, six of them are in the first three rounds.
After the results of the draft lottery on May 5, the Penguins will officially select 11th overall, dropping down two spots from where they originally were at ninth. As such, we have compiled a list of potential draft prospects that should fall around the Penguins' selection.
We recently profiled center Jake O'Brien, forward Victor Eklund, defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson, center Brady Martin, center Roger McQueen, and right wing Justin Carbonneau. Next up? Right defenseman Logan Hensler.
Penguins Drop Two Slots In NHL Draft, Will Pick 11th OverallIn past draft lotteries, the Pittsburgh Penguins have seen their fair share of luck.
Logan Hensler
DOB: Oct. 14, 2006 (Age 18)
Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Right
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 196 pounds
Team: University of Wisconsin (NCAA)
In most mock drafts and projections, the defense position isn't particularly deep this year. However, that doesn't mean there aren't some hidden gems right around where the Penguins will be drafting at 11.
And Logan Hensler should be one of the names on their wishlist.
The right-side defender's stats may not jump out on the scoresheet - he registered just two goals and 12 points in 32 games with the University of Wisconsin Badgers in his rookie season - but he's certainly got all of the tools to become a threat on both sides of the puck.
Logan Hensler's draft stock is sliding lately, but his NHL upside is still real
— Derek Neumeier (@Derek_N_NHL) December 20, 2024
He's a smart, consistent and reliable defender. Much better off-puck than on. Solid gaps, positioning and disruptions
Here are some clips from two games against #1 ranked Michigan State (#6 white) pic.twitter.com/eqyQsYVz0A
Logan Hensler (ranked 11th on Bob McKenzie's board) is a mobile RD who can play an effective shutdown style but hasn't overly explored his offensive game in the past years.
— Sebastian High (@high_sebastian) January 23, 2025
Flashes of on-puck skill are apparent in rushes like these where he uses his feet to create entries: pic.twitter.com/tYLMQklEyd
He's got size at 6-foot-2, 196 pounds. He's mobile, agile, and smart with the puck. He defends well, he skates well, and he's good with his stick.
Even though there are some question marks around his offensive production, Hensler's defensive game is already quite rounded out, and it's something that should earn him a role at the NHL level as a shutdown defender, at the very least. His gap control, stick work, and ability to get the puck out of danger in the defensive zone are all pluses.
Hensler played for Team USA in the World Junior Championship this season alongside Cole Hutson, and the Woodbury, Minn. native notched an assist in seven games leading up to Team USA's gold medal at the event.
Logan Hensler (#2025NHLDraft) found himself on the 2nd pair in his WJC debut and thrived with Cole Hutson.
— Nathan "Grav" Murdock (@NathanGraviteh) December 26, 2024
Here is every clip of his eventful puck touches. Hensler finished with 15:55 TOI and a +3 rating in his debut. pic.twitter.com/tC17iLDTud
Even though his name may not be as big as others like potential no. 1 pick Matthew Schaefer, and, even, Kashawn Aitcheson, Hensler projects as a reliable shutdown defenseman at the least, which is something the Penguins need. And there is potential for a much higher ceiling because of his mobility.
There are still ways for him to improve his game in terms of physicality and offensive zone awareness, but nonethless, he's a reliable defender. The only potential trouble with the Penguins selecting Hensler at 11th overall is that he reads as more of a "safe" option. While "safe" isn't necessarily a bad thing, there are other talents around this area that could reap higher reward.
While Hensler's floor is low, the chances of him reaching his ceiling - despite all the tools being there - are a bit lower. So, if he is available at 11, the Penguins should consider risk v. reward.
Penguins Draft Prospect Profile: Kashawn AitchesonWith the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaching fast, POHO and GM Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins have their work cut out for them.
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