Ottawa is hungry for new talent after falling to Toronto four games to two in the first round of this year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs, a fact evident in Friday’s NHL Draft in Los Angeles.
The Senators were mainly on the lookout for offensive depth, but also needed a strong right-shot defender. They checked that blue line box straight away in the first round, but it wasn’t the initial plan.
With the 23rd overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, Ottawa selected Wisconsin freshman Logan Hensler.
“You watch your draft list unfold, but this was a really good player sitting there with Hensler at our pick,” Ottawa general manager Steve Staios said. “I guess if it’s a toss-up between maybe a winger and a right-shot defenseman, you’d probably lean towards that just because of the value and how hard it is to find.”
A product of the Hill-Murray School in Maplewood, Minnesota, Hensler recorded 12 points (two goals and 10 assists) in 32 games for the Badgers. The 6-foot-2 blue liner ranked fifth on the team in blocks (30) and second among defenders in shots (50).
Prior to Wisconsin, Hensler skated in 61 games for the US U18 National Team, tallying 32 points on four goals and 28 assists. He’s a young player with developable talent, and he’s thrilled to be with the Senators.
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“I’m ecstatic,” Hensler said at the Draft Friday night. “Great organization. I’m pumped to get started with them, long journey ahead but I’m super excited it’s with them. It’s always been a dream of mine and to be drafted by Ottawa, it’s amazing. I’m grateful, I’m thankful for the opportunity and I'm excited to get started.”
Ottawa rounded out their selections with forwards Blake Vanek, Dmitri Isayev and Bruno Idzan, and goaltenders Lucas Beckman and Andrei Trofimov. They were able to secure their right shooter with Hensler, add three to their offensive depth, and even extended their goaltending depth to six. The Senators have a solid in-net starter with former Bruin Linus Ullmark, but securing young talent at the position is never a bad idea.