Ryan Chesley

Chesley’s transition decisions are immediate, and he’s usually making the best play. Manipulates forecheckers, steps inside, goes cross-ice for breakout passes. It’s been years since a draft-minus-one NTDP defender showed this much creativity and consistency on the breakout. His breakout passes consistently create space for his teammates. When he leads the rush, he manipulates pressure then dekes around them, before finishing his off-puck route. Just so involved and refined. And he’s quite physical defensively to go with an instinctual break-up-focused game, risk-mitigating footwork, and controlled stick work. -EliteProspects 2022 NHL Draft Guide