The Seattle Kraken used their second-round pick (36th overall) in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft to select Blake Fiddler, a right-handed defenseman with an ideal size and skill set that coaches desire. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 209 pounds, the 17-year-old Fiddler has a strong shutdown defender physique comparable to Adam Larsson, but he brings more than just size to the game. He skillfully uses his body for protection without over-relying on it.
Fiddler is praised as an excellent skater capable of initiating quick transitions from behind the net with his explosive rear crossover. Elite Prospects describes him as a player who “skates out of his hands,” highlighting his defensive impact and ability to create advantages by positioning his body well to intercept opponents and neutralize threats effectively.
This season, Fiddler showed offensive promise, tallying 10 goals and 33 points over 64 games, proving he is a versatile two-way defender despite his heavy defensive role. Though already a strong skater for his size, Fiddler acknowledges room for improvement and believes the Kraken’s development team will help him elevate his skating to an elite level.
After previously selecting four forwards in the first round across drafts, the Kraken surprised some by drafting center Jake O’Brien first before picking Fiddler in the second round without trading up, despite expectations that Fiddler might go in the first round.
The Kraken also welcomed their 2025 draft picks to the development camp at the Iceplex, an event that gave fans a first glimpse of these future players now donning the Kraken logo.
Fan Take: This pick underscores Seattle’s commitment to bolstering their defensive core with a player who combines size, skill, and skating ability—qualities that could make a significant impact in the NHL. For hockey fans, Fiddler’s development promises exciting potential for the Kraken and adds depth to the next generation of defensemen who can influence the game on both ends of the ice.
