Kaiden Guhle is a dependable defenseman who can also contribute offensively for his teams. Guhle played for Prince Albert in the Western Hockey League the last three years, becoming someone they relied on since the 2018-19 season when he played 65 games. In that season, Guhle helped his team capture the WHL Championship.
This most recent season, Guhle played 64 games and contributed 40 points (11-29) for the Raiders. According to his NHL Prospect Profile, Guhle not only has a strong one-time shot, but he likes to join odd-man rushes, both of which would explain his offensive success as a blue liner.
His NHL Prospect Profile also credits Guhle's skating saying he's "an excellent skater with quick acceleration, who is mobile and elusive when defending. [Guhle] can be very physical with big open ice hits." When comparing Guhle's skill and play to current NHL players, the league's scouting report compares him to Cam Fowler of the Anaheim Ducks.
With his size and height, Guhle has an impact in the defensive zone, and would be a solid option for a team looking to add a strong defensive prospect. He ranks eighth out of all North American Skaters and most draft rankings have Guhle picked somewhere between 14th overall and 25th overall.
If he is still available, the Devils could look to pick Guhle as a prospect that could bring defensive consistency and size in the future. The team has holes in the back end after free agency, and holds three first round picks. Will the Western Canadian be the defensive prospect the Devils are looking for? We'll find out in October.
