Brayden Klimpke is quickly becoming a key player for the Saskatoon Blades, showcasing his talent and leadership early in the 2025-26 WHL season. The 17-year-old defenseman, drafted by the Blades in the fourth round of the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft, is exceeding expectations and has earned the trust of the coaching staff and his teammates.
Klimpke's journey to becoming a prominent figure in the Blades' lineup began with a promising rookie season. He appeared in 13 games in the 2023-24 season, demonstrating his potential with a goal and two assists before returning to AAA hockey in Calgary. During the 2024-25 season, Klimpke solidified his position as a reliable top-four defenseman, contributing three goals and 26 points in 59 games. His performance ranked him third in points among the team's defensemen.
This season, Klimpke's role has expanded significantly. He was named one of the Blades' alternate captains, a testament to his leadership qualities and the respect he commands within the team. Coach Dan DaSilva expressed his satisfaction with Klimpke's inclusion in the leadership group, especially considering he is the youngest of the leadership team. Klimpke sees this appointment as a significant honor and an opportunity to influence his teammates.
Klimpke has already made his mark in the early stages of the 2025-26 season. In the home opener against the Prince Albert Raiders on September 20, 2025, he scored the overtime winner, securing a 3-2 victory for the Blades. Despite being "a little gassed" from a long shift, Klimpke capitalized on an opportunity, burying a rebound to seal the win. He has two points in the first four games of the season.
Growing up in Calgary, Klimpke was a Flames fan, attending games with his family and idolizing players like Matthew Tkachuk and Mark Giordano. He admires Tkachuk's grittiness and Giordano's steadydefensive play and leadership. Klimpke's playing style reflects these influences, as he is known for his mobility, reliability, and contributions at both ends of the ice.
Klimpke is focused on the team's success. He believes the team has bought into the "Blades hockey" mentality early in the season. Despite a loss to Medicine Hat, he saw resilience and commitment from his teammates.
The Saskatoon Blades have a mix of returning veterans and promising newcomers for the 2025-26 season. After qualifying for the 2025 WHL Playoffs with a young roster, the Blades are eager to build on their success. The team welcomes back nine forwards, four defensemen, and two goalies from last season. New additions include German forward Dustin Willhoft and Czech forward Dominik Petr. The Blades also acquired veteran defenseman Tristen Doyle.
As Brayden Klimpke continues to develop his skills and embrace his leadership role, he is poised to be a key player for the Saskatoon Blades in their pursuit of a successful 2025-26 season.
