Newly Drafted Kraken Defenseman Named To Team USA's World Junior Summer Showcase Roster

Seattle Kraken defensive prospect Blake Fiddler has been named to Team USA's 2025 World Junior Summer Showcase roster. 

Each summer, USA Hockey hosts the World Junior Summer Showcase, a key evaluation camp for players from the United States, Canada, Sweden, and Finland, and this season, Team USA's roster will feature a Kraken prospect.

Fiddler was selected in the second round (36th overall) in the 2025 NHL Draft, after the Kraken traded up with the Philadelphia Flyers. Fiddler was expected by many draft analysts to land in the first round, and when the Kraken snatched him up, the early consensus was that the Kraken got a steal.

The 18-year-old is listed at 6-foot-4, 209 pounds, possessing smart playmaking instincts, great skating mechanics and solid understanding of how to use his imposing frame to his advantage defensively.  

Fiddler is the son of a long-time NHL player, Vernon Fiddler, who played 877 NHL games. Blake claims that growing up in the NHL environment was an advantage for him, and he'll be hoping to use his experience to make a strong impression at this year's World Junior Summer Showcase. 

“Growing up, I pretty much lived the (NHL) lifestyle, too,” Fiddler said. “I was just a little version of him. I was constantly surrounded by it all, and I think that helped me growing up. I know what it takes to make the NHL and what’s going to help get me there.”

Fiddler has represented Team USA at the U-17s and the U-18s, winning gold and bronze medals. 

Kraken Prospect Blake Fiddler Has The Size and Skating Of A Modern Day Defenseman, But Is Striving For ImprovementsThe Seattle Kraken used their second-round pick (36th overall) in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft to select defenseman Blake Fiddler, a right-handed shot with size and tools coaches dream of.