Brady Peddle is Building a Pro-Ready Game, One Hit at a Time

Brady Peddle may not be a household name heading into the 2025 NHL Draft—but give it time. The 6-foot-3, 200-plus-pound defenceman had a steady season with the Waterloo Black Hawks, followed by a strong playoff push and an eye-opening performance at the NHL Combine. His game is trending in the right direction, and NHL teams have taken notice.

Peddle finished the USHL playoffs with 10 points in 15 games—impressive output for a defenceman known primarily for his physical edge. Waterloo didn’t capture the Clark Cup, but their postseason surge, and Peddle’s prominent role in it, raised his profile heading into draft season.

Notably, 10 NHL teams interviewed Peddle at the combine. That’s a far cry from the level of interest he saw before the season began, and it’s proof that he made the most of his draft year. His average of 1.58 hits per game is among the highest in this class, and he plays a plus game. When you add rising offensive numbers to that profile, it’s easy to see why teams are intrigued.

Peddle’s draft season began at the USHL Fall Classic, where he flew under the radar.

“Yeah, for sure. I thought I was just climbing throughout the year,” Peddle said. “Fall Classic was the first weekend, so I just kind of got my toes wet. I kept getting more comfortable, and then in the end, I was playing my best game.”

He plays a simple, effective style. He’s a good skater—something that should improve further—and is reliable in transition with a sharp first pass. He throws big hits, blocks shots, and leans into his role as a shutdown defenceman. He also tested well at the combine, finishing sixth overall in left-hand grip strength. That strength shows up on the ice, where he’s difficult to knock off pucks or beat in board battles.

Peddle also has tools that give him offensive upside. He has a heavy wrist shot and a one-timer that finds its way through traffic. While he’s unlikely to quarterback a power play at the next level, he may grow into a second-unit contributor.

His development path is still open. Michigan State holds his NCAA commitment, and he’s expected to arrive in 2026–27 alongside fellow prospect Shane Vansaghi. However, there’s also the QMJHL option. The Charlottetown Islanders acquired his rights, leaving the door open for a potential shift north of the border.

“They invited me down for a visit and I toured the school,” Peddle said of Michigan State. “I was kind of blown away. They have a great staff. They are really nice people too. It was kind of a no-brainer. I committed the next day.”

Originally from Nova Scotia, Peddle took the initiative to go the college route rather than pursue Canadian major junior right away. He hinted that there’s strong skill coming into Waterloo next season but remained tight-lipped.

“It’s good. I mean, there’s a lot of skill coming in. It will be fun,” he said with a big smile. Players know. We’ll see how it unfolds.

Every young player has areas to improve, and Peddle is no exception. He wants to add more offence to his game, and he believes it’s coming.

“Yeah, I’d take more offensive ability, a little bit,” he admitted. “I think I have that, but I wasn’t rolling too much this year. My shot is a part of my game that I think is pretty good. I will show that off next year.”

There’s also a family connection. His older brother, Tyler Peddle, played for the Saint John Sea Dogs and was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the seventh round of the 2023 NHL Draft. He may follow a similar route, perhaps even playing in Saint John if the QMJHL route opens up.

“Yeah, I just wanted to go the college route. It has a longer development cycle with a longer runway,” he said. “So, yeah, it sounds better for development, but I got to see colleges and I couldn’t turn down Michigan State.”

Still, there’s intrigue in the idea of Peddle shifting to the QMJHL for next season. The game is more open, and that could help showcase the offensive side he’s eager to develop.

As for the draft, Peddle may go late in the second or sometime in the third round. His playoff run gave him momentum, and his interviews reportedly went well. He carried himself with confidence, sounded prepared, and came off as a prospect who’s taken media training seriously.

Peddle has the physical tools and self-awareness to project as a reliable third-pairing NHL defenceman. And with continued development—especially on the offensive side—his ceiling could rise even higher. He’s not rushing the process, and that’s smart. Some players want to skip steps. Peddle is willing to earn each one.

And in a few years, he just might surprise some people.