Stanley’s third season of college hockey at Cornell was nearly a carbon copy of his second campaign. The 21-year-old totaled 15 points in 34 games with 33 PIMs. Stanley skated in his six professional games, scoring once in six games for the Belleville Senators (AHL). Learning how to effectively use his size (6-3, 201 pounds) at the pro level is the next bend in his learning curve heading into next season.

Stanley’s offensive results did not meaningfully improve in 2024-25, posting 13 points in 36 games compared to 10 points in 35 games in 2023-24. He did, however, register more penalty minutes, which could indicate he is learning that his path to professional hockey might be more effective if he physically imposes his 6-3 frame on the opposition. As he is also a right shot defensemen who skates well, Ottawa likely has a top four AHL defensemen at the very least for the years to come. Time will tell if Stanley has what it takes to stick in the NHL. Projecting his upside as a bottom pairing NHL defenseman in four to five years seems realistic.

The 18-year-old Stanley should be with Cornell in 2023-24 after just 67 games in the BCHL with Victoria. He will need to improve on his options in the opposition zone and use his body a little more especially entering into college hockey. As it stands, he will be the youngest defenseman at Cornell this season, so playing time will need to be earned.