Fiddler already looks like he belongs on an NHL blueline. Standing 6-5 and weighing 220 lbs, he would already be in the upper echelon of size among defenders in the NHL, squeezing right between Kraken incumbents Adam Larsson and Jamie Oleksiak. The style of game Fiddler will play at the NHL level will fit right along their lines as well. While he isn’t without his offensive tools, where his bread is buttered is along the defensive skills of a modern NHL defenseman. Not just a shot blocker and body checker, Fiddler’s ability to read the play, anticipate routes and fill them with his body and carry the puck out of trouble before feeding a rushing teammate will earn him looks at the NHL level. He will need to hone these skills and prepare them to be used against the best players in the world, but Fiddler possesses a strong projection to an NHL role, it will just take some time to develop. Fantasy poolies will need to assess if his archetype is suited for their league settings.

Selected at thirty-sixth overall, Blake Fiddler is now a member of the Seattle Kraken .

Fiddler got a lot of attention early thanks his size, his smooth skating, and his solid play at the Hlinka tournament over the summer. While still likely a first rounder, Fiddler’s inconsistent play in the WHL has cost him some fans. He uses his reach and skating to close gaps on the rush and demonstrate some physicality, though it is his play with the puck that is less assuring. Fiddler makes some questionable decisions offensively and causes some frustrating turnovers through poor handling. Nevertheless, there is still room for Fiddler to iron out these details and progress into a solid NHLer. –

Final Rankings – Fiddler is an intriguing though inconsistent defenceman. He has high-end skating at his size and a developed rush defence game for his age, though his offensive game is still a work in progress. His decision making and vision with the puck can be questionable, especially when he tries to do more than he’s asked. All-in-all, the package that he brings is worth a shot, even if the offence never develops.—