Logan Hensler Selected in First Round of the NHL Draft

Photo by David Romuald

Logan Hensler’s journey to the NHL hit new heights Friday night as the Woodbury native was selected 23rd overall in the 2025 NHL Draft by the Ottawa Senators. Known for his poise, reliability, and high hockey IQ, Hensler’s steady development through Minnesota High School Hockey, the U.S. National Team Development Program, and a standout freshman season at Wisconsin has made him one of the most trusted blue line prospects in this year’s class.

Hensler is the type of defenseman scouts covet and coaches trust. He’s reliable, mobile, and plays with maturity beyond his years. The 6’2”, 196-pound right-shot defenseman brings a smart, structured game, built on strong positioning, clean breakouts, and smart puck decisions.

A product of Hill-Murray, Hensler made a name for himself in Minnesota high school hockey before joining the U.S. National Team Development Program for two seasons. He committed to Wisconsin early and made an immediate impact as a freshman in 2024–25, skating in all 32 games and recording 12 points. His performance earned him a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team.

Though not flashy, Hensler’s game is defined by efficiency and poise. He defends with purpose, uses his edges well, and shows strong stick detail and defensive awareness. While his offensive ceiling is still developing.

This selection reflects the NHL’s growing emphasis on intelligent, mobile defensemen who can log difficult minutes, kill penalties, and make the right plays under pressure. Hensler checks all those boxes, and his best hockey is still ahead.

Minnesota continues to produce top-tier blue line talent, and Hensler is the latest to add his name to the ever-growing list of first-rounders from the State of Hockey.