Brady Peddle, born on May 23, 2007, is emerging as a notable prospect for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. The Antigonish, Nova Scotia native is a left-shooting defenseman currently playing for the Waterloo Black Hawks in the United States Hockey League (USHL). Standing tall at 6-foot-3 and weighing in at approximately 203 pounds, Peddle possesses the coveted size and physicality that NHL teams often seek in a defenseman.
Peddle's 2024-2025 season with the Black Hawks showcased his capabilities as a two-way defenseman with a strong emphasis on the defensive side of the puck. In 62 regular-season games, he recorded 3 goals and 7 assists, contributing to a total of 10 points. While these numbers might not be considered flashy, his impact extends far beyond offensive statistics. He maintained a plus-12 plus/minus rating, which demonstrates his reliability in his own zone and his ability to limit scoring chances against. Notably, two of his three goals were game-winners, highlighting his clutch performance ability.
Where Peddle truly shined was during the USHL Clark Cup Playoffs. In 15 playoff games, he tallied 1 goal and 9 assists, amassing 10 points and helping the Black Hawks reach the Clark Cup Final. Although Waterloo ultimately fell short in a hard-fought Game 5 against the Muskegon Lumberjacks, Peddle's performance significantly elevated his draft stock.
Scouting reports paint a picture of a defenseman who thrives on physicality and defensive responsibility. Eliteprospects.com notes that opponents are well aware when Peddle is on the ice, as he delivers crushing hits and engages aggressively in battles. His game is characterized by quick rotations, frequent communication, and aggressive step-ups, making him a formidable presence in all three zones.
Neutral Zone highlights Peddle's size, reach, and defensive acumen as key reasons why he should be drafted. His 6'3" frame allows him to effectively disrupt plays, and he demonstrates a strong ability to win puck battles. He also excels as a penalty killer, showcasing sound defensive zone awareness and a knack for blocking shots. While not yet a punishing hitter, he brings a controlled physicality to his game, using his body and stick to defend effectively. He averaged 17:30 of ice time per game, with over two minutes spent on the penalty kill, indicating the trust his coaches place in his defensive abilities.
However, scouts have identified areas for improvement in Peddle's game. Neutral Zone notes that his lateral quickness and edge control could be improved to better defend against faster forwards. Additionally, his passing accuracy and decision-making under pressure need refinement to enhance his reliability against structured forechecks. Despite these areas for growth, his strengths and potential have earned him a spot on NHL Central Scouting's rankings of North American skaters, where he is placed at 86th. Eliteprospects.com ranks him at 82nd, while McKeen's Hockey has him at 165th.
Looking ahead, Brady Peddle is committed to playing college hockey at Michigan State University. Developmentally, it is projected that he will spend additional time in the USHL focusing on offensive consistency before transitioning to the NCAA. After his college career, a stint in the AHL may be necessary to further refine his skills and understanding of his role at the professional level. Overall, Brady Peddle projects as a potentially valuable defensive defenseman with the size, physicality, and defensive instincts to carve out a role at the NHL level.
