Senators trade up with Leafs to select Tyler Kleven 44th overall

The Ottawa Senators took defenseman Tyler Kleven with the 44th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft.

Ottawa traded up to get the 44th pick from the Toronto Maple Leafs, exchanging the 59th and 64th overall selections.

Position: Defense
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 201 lbs
Age: 18
Club: U.S. National Team Development Program
Nationality: American

(Stats source: EliteProspects.com)

Kleven is known for using his towering frame to his advantage, as the 6-foot-4 rearguard has a reputation for playing a gritty, hard-hitting game. The fact that he led the USNTDP with 63 penalty minutes through 45 contests is a testament to his physical presence.

He's very steady in the defensive end and can be relied upon in a shutdown role but draws criticism for his shoddy puck skills and lack of offensive ability. Kleven likely won't blossom into a blue-chip, top-pair defenseman but could deepen a club's blue line with his reliable and consistent play.

What they're saying

"Kleven is a bit of a throwback, playing a heavier game that really challenges opposing forwards. He's so defensively sound with good positioning and the ability to close gaps," ESPN's Chris Peters wrote.

"When an NHL coach gets their hands on him they're going to love him. He's so hard to play against, he's mobile, moves it OK, has a big shot. I think he's going to play for a long time," an anonymous scout said, according to The Athletic's Corey Pronman.

Highlights