Maple Leafs prospect Noah Chadwick's analytics among the best in the entire CHL

Now a standout for the WHL's Lethbridge Hurricanes, it seems odd that a 6-foot-4 blueliner with a high level of intelligence and a high compete level would have been available at pick #185 in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. But that's exactly where the Leafs got him.

Prior to the 2023 draft, Chadwick had come off of a 20-point season across 67 games. Not exactly eye-popping stuff. However, whatever the Leafs saw in him prior to selecting him in the 6th round has really come to the surface in a hurry. This past season, Chadwick nearly tripled his production playing big minutes in all situations for Lethbridge, posting 12 goals and 56 points in 66 games, signing his entry-level deal with the Maple Leafs just before Christmas.

Now officially on Team Canada's radar for the 2024-25 World Junior Championship tournament, Chadwick has really begun to make a name for himself. He may also become the next captain in Lethbridge this season as an added bonus.

Mitchell Brown, the Director of North American Scouting for Elite Prospects, has released Chadwick's player card from last year, showing his tremendous output at 5v5. With a 99 rating in both offense and transition, it's very clear that Chadwick knows how to not only distribute the puck, but skate with it as well. His 82 defensive rating is also very high, which bodes well for the Maple Leafs, who have been clamoring for big-bodied defensemen ever since Brad Treliving took over as GM in the spring of 2023.

Naturally, Chadwick is expected to resume his junior career this season, returning to the Lethbridge Hurricanes, but next season is interesting, as the sizable defenseman will become eligible to play in the American Hockey League.

If Chadwick can continue to improve as rapidly as he has, within 2-3 years time, we could see the Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native receive a look at the NHL level, which would be a huge win for the organization given where he was selected on the draft board.

Source: Hockey DB
Noah Chadwick player profile