The Los Angeles Kings selected defenseman Henry Brzustewicz with the 31st overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The draft was held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

Trade Details

The Kings originally held the 24th overall pick but traded it to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for the 31st overall pick and the 59th overall pick. With the 24th pick, the Penguins chose Will Horcoff. The Kings, without a second-round pick initially due to a previous trade, gained valuable draft capital by moving down.

About Henry Brzustewicz

Henry Brzustewicz is a right-shot defenseman, standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing around 194 pounds. He was born on February 9, 2007, and hails from Washington, Michigan.

Scouting Report

Brzustewicz is considered a two-way defenseman with a strong 200-foot game. He is a mobile and strong skater, known for his ability to transition quickly between offense and defense. He possesses a good first pass and protects the puck well under pressure.

• Offense: Brzustewicz has a heavy one-timer and a powerful point shot, making him a threat on the power play. He displays good vision and passing skills, with the ability to make tape-to-tape passes to set up scoring chances.
• Defense: He maintains excellent gap control, forcing attackers to the outside and away from prime scoring areas. Brzustewicz is willing to play physically and battles hard on the boards and in front of the net.
• Skating: He is a strong, mobile skater with an explosive first step and very good acceleration in both directions. His agility and edgework allow him to keep attackers in front of him and open up passing and shooting lanes.

Expert Opinions

• Corey Pronman of The Athletic notes Brzustewicz's strong skating and offensive creativity, stating that he "can make plays through opponents, hit seams in the offensive zone, and can create offense on the move". He also praises Brzustewicz's defensive reliability and edge.
• Sam Cosentino of Sportsnet highlights Brzustewicz's trustworthiness defensively and his overall compete level. He appreciates Brzustewicz's size, strength, and attention to detail.
• Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff describes Brzustewicz as an all-around defender without many notable flaws, projecting him as a potential second-pairing defenseman.

2024-25 Season

Brzustewicz played for the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). In 67 games, he recorded 10 goals and 32 assists for 42 points. During the Knights' Memorial Cup-winning playoff run, he contributed 1 goal and 4 assists in 17 games. Brzustewicz's role increased this season, reflecting in his point totals compared to his rookie campaign. He played alongside San Jose Sharks prospect Sam Dickinson, further developing his defensive game.

Potential

Brzustewicz has the potential to become a solid two-way defenseman with top-six upside at the professional level. Scouts believe he could develop into a second-pairing defenseman with further refinement of his own-zone play. His combination of skating ability, size, and hockey sense makes him a valuable asset.

Family Connection

Henry Brzustewicz's brother, Hunter Brzustewicz, is also a defenseman who was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the third round of the 2023 NHL Draft and later traded to the Calgary Flames.

The Los Angeles Kings' acquisition of Henry Brzustewicz is seen as a strategic move to bolster their defensive prospect pool. His well-rounded skillset and potential for growth make him a promising addition to the organization.