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2025 NHL Draft Preview: Defenseman Sascha Boumedienne, Sweden

Our focus continues to remain on the blueline after looking at Blake Fiddler. However, we’ll switch back to the left side, which is a bigger hole in the Kings pipeline. There are some additional parallels that they have in common. Sascha Boumedienne Vitals Date of Birth: January 17, 2007Height: 6-foot-2Weight: 183 lbsShoots: LeftPosition: Defense 2024-25 […]

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Our focus continues to remain on the blueline after looking at Blake Fiddler. However, we’ll switch back to the left side, which is a bigger hole in the Kings pipeline. There are some additional parallels that they have in common.

Sascha Boumedienne

Vitals

Date of Birth: January 17, 2007
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 183 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: Defense

2024-25 Season

Boumedienne spent most of the 2024-25 season playing for the NCAA for Boston University. In 40 games, he has 13 points (3 G, 10 A).

The Freshest Man

The mobile defender played his freshman season this year; his numbers are all the more impressive, as he was the youngest player in men’s collegiate hockey this year.

NHL Roots

Much like the previously featured Blake Fiddler, whose father Vern played in the NHL, Boumedienne also has ties to the highest level of hockey, as his father, Josef, suited up for Washington, Tampa Bay, and New Jersey.

International Individual

Born in Finland, Boumedienne also has Swedish citizenship, which is who he represents in international competition. Most of his development has been in the United States, though.

Most recently at IIHF’s U-18 World Junior Championship, the lanky rearguard had an outstanding performance. While earning silver, he was awarded WJC All-star honors, best defenseman, most assists (both in tourney and among all defenders – 13), and most points by a defenseman (14).

NHL Combine Results
Boumedienne attended the NHL Combine, and these are the categories in which he was ranked in the top-25:
Horizontal Jump: 110 inches (15th)
Pro Agility – Left Time: 4.37 seconds (20th)
Vertical Jump: 22.85 inches (12th)
No Arm Jump: 20.05 inches (10th)
Bench Press 50% of Body Weight – Power: 6.72 watts/kg (19th)
Left Hand Grip: 150 lbs (tied for 12th)
Right Hand Grip: 161 lbs (tied for 8th)
Pull-Ups Consecutive: 14 (tied for 5th)

Rankings by Independent Scouting Services

Ranked No. 31 by Future Considerations: “Boumedienne is a mobile, offensively inclined defenseman whose game is anchored by elite-level skating, advanced puck-moving ability, and a consistent competitive edge. His straight-line speed and rapid acceleration allow him to close gaps quickly on defense and drive play in transition, while his edgework and lateral agility make him both elusive and dangerous as a puck carrier in tight areas. He uses his feet exceptionally well on retrievals, creating separation with quick turns, weight shifts, and deceptive movement before executing accurate breakout passes that facilitate clean exits. In the offensive zone, his instincts shine as he walks the blue line with confidence, finds shooting lanes, and releases pucks with both velocity and accuracy, particularly when operating on the power play. He possesses a quick-release wrist shot and a powerful one-timer, which he deploys from the point and as a trailer on the rush. His passing touch is another asset, capable of threading pucks through seams or connecting with teammates in high-danger areas, whether off the rush or during extended zone possession. His hockey sense is advanced for his age, demonstrated through his ability to scan, process, and react to plays as they unfold. Boumedienne’s comfort as a power-play quarterback is further high lighted by his well-timed movements away from the puck and his ability to shift into shooting positions fluidly. Defensively, he uses a long reach and decent stick positioning to break up passes and challenge entries, though his physical play and gap control vary from shift to shift. While he does not shy away from contact, he often relies more on stickwork than assertive body engagement, which can limit his effectiveness in board battles or in front of his own net. His decision-making under pressure has also led to costly pinches and turnovers, particularly in moments where he pushes the offensive envelope and fails to recover.”

Ranked No. 15 by Hockey Prospect Radio. “recognized for his ability to excel in the challenging NCAA environment as a 17-year-old freshman. His scouting report emphasizes strong puck-moving skills, high energy, and an excellent skating base, positioning him as a top-25 draft pick. Despite lacking specialization, Boumedienne’s secondary production and playmaking, combined with his adaptability in a structured college system, enhance his appeal as a safer pick. His potential World Junior appearances and ongoing development against older opponents underscore his high ceiling as a versatile, puck-moving defenseman.”

Ranked No. 30 by Smaht Scouting. “Boumedienne is a player whose stock has probably taken a hit over the season. Going into the year many projected him as a player who would go inside the top 20, while now? It seems a toss-up as to whether he will go in the first or second round. This season he made the step up to play College Hockey with Boston University, and while he has more than held his own playing around 18 minutes a night, his lack of top-end offensive skill and clunky edge-work have meant many NHL scouts have real doubts about his ability to be a difference maker at the highest level one day. Additionally, he has struggled with consistency, albeit his game has got better over the season. However, in terms of the positives he is a smooth passer, with solid straight-line speed, good size, solid defensive chops and a tenacious playing style. Furthermore, he is still growing into his frame, and throw several of the defensemen who will likely be drafted ahead of him into College Hockey? They would likely do worse than the young Swede has. Expect a jump in his production next season too when he gets some PP time for the Terriers, as this year he has rarely seen ice in man-up situations, and he excelled there in the USHL. He is an interesting player in a draft that is weak in terms of defensemen. If everything goes well you might get a good second pairing defenseman, and his floor is high enough to say that he should at worst play games in the NHL one day.”

See For Yourself

Video of Boumedienne versus Providence in the NCAA:

Final Comments

From the readings above, the general sense for Boumedienne is he was underwhelming for an offensive defenseman. In a vacuum, it’s a fair criticism. However, we here at Mayor’s Manor love the word “context.”

Many players his age don’t play college hockey. Even in Europe when playing against older competition, prospects get bounced around to play at varying leagues with different levels of difficulty. For this collegiate defenseman, he spent all season (minus time in tournaments). These were hard minutes for someone who turned 18 years old four months ago.

Without the puck, Boumedienne boasts a good-size frame with good mobility in all directions. Consequently, the Oulu-born blueliner can cover a lot of ice. Struggling to make the right defensive reads inhibit moving around effectively though. With coaching and experience, this can improve.

He sees the ice well, particularly in transition. The breakout passes find their mark, which allows for a dangerous attack against the opposition. The vision and puck movement capabilities also make for a good powerplay quarterback.

For a young skater, Boumedienne didn’t back down when challenged. He is more of a puck mover than a puck carrier, despite having good skating ability. From an offensive standpoint, there should be a lot of growth. If the consistency and defensive reads can improve, there is good potential for a top-four defenseman.

Chat with David: You can find him on Twitter @Davidenkness to talk more hockey.

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