Warren’s defense continues to improve as he’s become better accustomed to defending professionals and moving pucks under pressure. He can leverage his skating and size to be a suffocating defender with reach and range few players have. Warren is a hitting machine, and in leagues where blocks and hits are of particular value, he could be someone to look at. He is continuing to trend as a serviceable NHL defenseman with PK duties and more defensive deployment. Valuable to NHL teams, not very valuable in most fantasy leagues.

Warren completed his first professional season with the San Diego Gulls and looked comfortable from day one. He brings three elements to his game: skating, defensive, and sheer physicality. His NHL projection is clear: Warren’s on track to become a bottom-pairing, defense-minded blueliner. He still needs more AHL seasoning to refine his defensive reads against the faster competition and improve his puck management. His passing and possession game must take a step forward to reduce turnovers under pressure. Within the Ducks’ system, Warren is in direct competition with Drew Helleson for the long-term bottom-pairing right-shot spot. Warren holds the edge in size and mobility, while Helleson offers more reliable puck skills. It will take some years before that competition is settled. For fantasy managers in formats that reward hits and blocks, Warren is a name to keep on the radar.

Warren benefited from a change of scenery in his D+2 season as he was a new member of the Victoriaville Tigres. He saw a decrease in offensive production, scoring 13 points in 50 games; however, he logged top-pairing minutes and continued to demonstrate his incredible defensive ability. He flourished in the postseason, where he put up eight points in 14 games and was a crucial piece during the Tigres’ playoff run. Turning 20 years old on July 15th, Warren will probably begin his pro career with the San Diego Gulls in the 2024-25 season.

The Anaheim Ducks have selected Warren in the second round of the 2022 NHL Draft, 42nd overall.

Warren has steadily climbed the ranks in public draft circles this year, due in large part to his NHL-ready frame and refined defensive game. He produced at a moderate rate for a draft-eligible defenceman, tallying five goals and 19 assists through 62 games with Gatineau in the QMJHL. Still, he was a consistently positive contributor on the other side of the puck.