Kressler was signed to a three-year entry level contract by the Leafs in October 2021, after he impressed during their rookie development camp and NHL training camps. Kressler is an undersized yet dynamic and highly competitive forward who went undrafted in the NHL Draft, but stood out during the Leaf camps for his hard-nosed play and versatility. Unfortunately, Kressler’s following two seasons in junior were marred by injuries and he played only 75 games during that stretch. Last season however, he played a full 65 game OHL regular season between Flint and Ottawa, scoring 74 points overall, and then added 8 points during a 10 game OHL playoff run.
Strengths:
- Skating and Agility
Kressler is an exceptional skater, displaying quick acceleration and agility that allows him to navigate through tight spaces effectively. His stride is fluid, and he uses strong ankle flexion to generate speed despite his size. His edge work is another key asset, enabling him to evade defenders and maintain balance in battles along the boards. Kressler’s mobility is crucial in his transition play, as he can turn defensive stops into offensive rushes with ease.
- Playmaking and Hockey IQ
One of Kressler’s defining traits is his high hockey IQ. He sees the ice very well, often making smart decisions with the puck under pressure. Kressler excels in creating plays by holding onto the puck long enough to draw defenders before distributing it to open teammates. His patience and vision allow him to make deceptive, creative passes, making him an offensive asset. This intelligence extends to his defensive game, where he positions himself well to support his defensemen.
- Work Ethic and Grit
Despite being undersized, Kressler compensates with a relentless work ethic and willingness to engage physically. He competes hard in every shift, showing a willingness to go into the dirty areas of the ice, whether it’s fighting for pucks along the boards or driving to the net. His energy and determination help him stand out, especially when he faces larger, more physical opponents. This grit and perseverance are qualities that coaches and scouts value highly, particularly for players aiming to transition into bottom-six NHL roles.
Weaknesses:
- Size and Physical Limitations
At 5’9″ and 174 lbs, Kressler’s smaller frame limits him when playing against larger, more physical opponents. His lack of size means he sometimes struggles in board battles and is occasionally overpowered by bigger defensemen, particularly in the AHL where the competition is stronger. To thrive at the next level, he will need to continue building strength and find ways to mitigate these challenges.
- Top-End Offensive Potential
While Kressler is an effective playmaker with solid offensive instincts, he lacks the elite-level offensive production that could secure him a top-six role at higher levels. His shot, while deceptive, is not a major threat, and his scoring consistency has yet to reach the level of a primary offensive contributor. This means he is more likely to fit into a bottom-six role, providing energy, secondary scoring, and defensive responsibility, rather than being a top-tier offensive force.
Conclusion:
Braeden Kressler is a promising prospect with notable strengths in skating, playmaking, and grit. His high hockey IQ and relentless work ethic make him a valuable player, though his smaller size and lack of elite offensive upside may limit him to a depth role at the NHL level. If he can continue to develop physically and refine his scoring touch, Kressler has the potential to become a versatile, energy-providing forward in the professional ranks.