The Ottawa Senators selected defenseman Logan Hensler with the 23rd pick in the 2025 NHL Draft on Friday.
The Senators moved down from No. 21 in a trade with the Nashville Predators that netted them picks No. 23 and 67.
It's the second straight year in which Ottawa has drafted a right-shooting defenseman in Round 1 after taking Carter Yakemchuk seventh overall in 2024.
Hensler was one of two draft-eligible skaters - along with James Hagens - to crack the United States' roster for the 2025 World Junior Championship. Though he only managed one assist, Hensler suited up in all seven games en route to a gold medal.
The University of Wisconsin product isn't flashy, and he doesn't specifically stand out at either end of the ice. But his impressive hockey sense and mobility should allow him to carve out a lengthy NHL career.
What they're saying
"Hensler is an excellent skater. His agility allows him to pivot in small areas to front opponents defensively and walk the offensive blue line to open up shooting and passing lanes," Sportsnet's Jason Bukala wrote. "It's a heavy lift for young defensemen at the NCAA level and Hensler went through some growing pains this year, but he's a right-shot defender with size and decent poise with the puck on his stick. It will take time but he has some Brandon Carlo to his game."
"At his best, his offensive touch can stand out, and I've seen him break games open," The Athletic's Corey Pronman wrote. "That player has shown up inconsistently, though, over the years. His defending is OK. His length and feet will allow him to make stops and retrieve effectively in the NHL, but he's not a super-hard-to-play-against type."
