Carlos Handel, born on March 31, 2007, is a German defenseman currently playing for the Halifax Mooseheads in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Eligible for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, Handel has garnered attention from NHL scouts due to his strong skating, puck-moving abilities, and overall two-way potential. He stands at 6'1" and weighs around 174 lbs, shooting right.

Handel's journey to the QMJHL involved playing for various teams in Germany, including his youth team, Höchstadter EC, and later Malmö Redhawks J20 in Sweden. His international experience includes representing Germany at the World Junior Championships (WJC) and U18 World Championships, providing him valuable exposure and experience against top-tier competition.

In the QMJHL, Handel has shown promise as a rookie defenseman. In the 2024-2025 season with the Halifax Mooseheads, he recorded 3 goals and 23 assists for 26 points in 52 regular-season games. While his plus/minus rating was -22, his offensive contributions and potential have made him a notable prospect. According to NHL Central Scouting's second rankings of the season, Handel was ranked 66th among North American skaters.

Scouting reports describe Handel as a raw but strong skater who competes every shift. As he matures, he will need to make adjustments and process the game quicker, but his foundation is solid. Elite Prospects notes his ability to attack gaps, provide support, and initiate plays. He controls the puck well and can draw in defenders to create higher-value plays. His game excels in open space, where he can develop attacks, spot teammates, and utilize his mobility.

Strengths:

• Skating: Handel is a strong and fluid skater, allowing him to cover ground effectively in all zones.
• Puck-Moving Ability: He excels at transitioning the puck out of the defensive zone and contributing to the offense. He is an excellent puck-mover who will add dynamism.
• Hockey Sense: Handel displays good hockey sense, making smart decisions with the puck and positioning himself well.
• Two-Way Potential: He shows promise in both offensive and defensive aspects of the game. He is a diligently responsible defender who covers the ice well.
• International Experience: His experience playing for Germany in international tournaments has exposed him to high-level competition.

Weaknesses:

• Physical Play: There are concerns about his ability to handle physical play at the NHL level. He needs to add strength to his frame.
• Consistency: Handel needs to improve his consistency and dominate against inferior opponents.
• Defensive Zone Coverage: Needs to process the game quicker at times in the defensive zone.

NHL Potential:

Carlos Handel projects as a potential bottom-pair defenseman in the NHL. His offensive skills and skating ability could make him a valuable asset on the power play. However, he needs to improve his physical strength and defensive consistency to reach his full potential. Some scouts believe he could develop into a power-play quarterback with continued development.

Draft Projection:

Carlos Handel is projected to be drafted somewhere in the top 75 of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Some scouting reports suggest a potential for being drafted in the second round. A recent article suggested that the Toronto Maple Leafs could potentially target Handel with the No. 64 pick at the 2025 NHL Draft. His raw talent and potential make him an intriguing prospect for NHL teams looking to add a skilled, puck-moving defenseman to their prospect pool.