Mania didn’t take the next step in his final year of junior hockey. His production increased, but only a little, and as a 20-year-old who is not a defensive stalwart, more production is needed (and expected). His bread and butter is his transition game, but he didn’t grow in that area. As such, the Kings elected to leave him unsigned, and he is now an unrestricted free agent. He has committed to playing at the University of Michigan for the 2025-26 season.

Matthew “Hulka” Mania was selected 150th overall by the Kings.

As his name would suggest, chaos ensues when Matthew Mania steps on the ice. He has a set of plus-level tools, which he leverages to create a consistent offense. He’s a very slot-oriented playmaker, consistently sending pucks from the boards to the middle, and his on-puck composure under heavy physical pressure is among the best in the class for defensemen. His mobility and handling enable him to solve problems practically and quickly change angles to access new passing lanes. His defensive game remains a work in progress, and he will likely never be the “shut-down” type, but there have been flashes of defensive progress in his game as the season progresses. He defends transition with composure and strong stick work, but he can falter when rushes necessitate physical intervention to stop them. His breakout game is also a strength; Mania generates a high rate of exits by attracting pressure and passing through forecheckers, allowing his teammates to attack the newly vacated space. As a whole, Mania has upside as a #4 defenseman, but will need to refine his game over the next 3-4 years to make the NHL as he remains very raw.

For reasons other than having the best name in the draft, Matthew Mania of the Sudbury Wolves is just so much fun. One of the premier transition defensemen in this draft, Mania uses his great puckhandling posture, quick feet and hands, and constantly swivelling head to gain bluelines and make defenders look silly. Mania’s gap control is an issue, but as an electric, 6’0 right-hander who’s 5th among draft-eligible D-men in points, his development could be one to watch.