Smart. Smooth. NHL Ready. Logan Hensler is Built for the Modern Game
By TheProspectDon
At just 18 years old, Logan Hensler has carved out a key role on a veteran-heavy Wisconsin Badgers blueline. The freshman defenseman has become a mainstay in the top four, logging heavy minutes and playing in all situations — a testament to both his composure and maturity well beyond his age.
But what makes Hensler such a compelling prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft isn’t just what shows up on the stat sheet. It’s the blend of elite skating, high-end hockey IQ, and a natural calmness under pressure that separates him from the pack.
“My skating for sure. I am very gifted with that and blessed with it, you really can’t measure with a stat,” Hensler told me when asked what part of his game stands out the most beyond analytics.
At 6’2” and nearly 200 pounds, Hensler has the frame of a shutdown defenseman and the mobility of a puck mover. His stride is effortless. He covers ground quickly and efficiently, rarely needing to scramble. Whether it’s closing a gap, recovering in transition, or pushing the puck up ice, his feet are often what tilt the ice in his team’s favor.
“Smooth skating defenseman that can move the puck very well, push the pace north, and has smooth breakouts…” — that’s how Hensler imagines scouts would describe him. And he’s not wrong.
The Mind Behind the Game
While his physical tools jump off the screen, Hensler’s brain might be his most valuable asset. He’s methodical in how he studies the game — not just in practice, but away from the rink.
“I’m big on film,” he said. “I just like watching it and digesting it, kinda learning from it… that’s a big thing I’ve picked up — learning from it instead of taking it to heart.”
He applies that mindset especially when evaluating the parts of his game he wants to round out.
“The defensive piece — using my frame and skating to close those plays and not let that person beat me back to the net… those little things.”
It’s clear Hensler doesn’t just want to be a dynamic player — he wants to be a complete one. When asked who he models his game after, he didn’t hesitate:
“I think the main one is [Jake] Sanderson. The two-way game, how simple he is with the puck. He’s not too flashy. He gets the job done night in and night out. He’s reliable — it’s special to watch him.”
That comparison tracks. Like Sanderson, Hensler doesn’t chase highlight plays. Instead, he thrives in the details — clean breakouts, efficient transitions, strong positioning, and a reliable stick in the defensive zone.
“Not forcing too many plays, having a really good stick and positioning overall can benefit my game and really make me grow as a player,” he added.
What’s Next?
Logan Hensler’s floor is exceptionally high, he is the kind of player NHL teams win with — dependable, coachable, and deceptively dynamic.
He still has room to grow offensively, but the foundation is already there. With continued development at Wisconsin, and possibly a few U.S. National Team nods on the way, Hensler is positioning himself as a top 15 selection in this year’s draft — and one of the most NHL-ready defensemen available.
“Building those connections and those special bonds, winning games together — that’s my favorite part about hockey,” Hensler said.
It’s that mix of humility, team-first attitude, and pro-ready habits that make Logan Hensler a name to remember come June.