Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

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Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen

2024-25 Team: University of Michigan (NCAA)
Date of Birth: Dec. 18, 2006
Place of Birth: Northville, Michigan
Ht: 6-feet Wt: 181 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: Defenseman
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2025 first-year eligible

Rankings

A familiar last name in hockey, the Rhéaume name is synonymous with Manon Rhéaume, the first woman to suit up in an NHL game. But the last name could be heard in the NHL in the coming years with Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen (Manon’s son) making his way to the professional ranks. He does not play in the net like his mother did, but he became one of the University of Michigan’s more solid defensemen in his freshman season. The offensive numbers were as expected for a freshman, but overall, his offensive game is a work in progress at this stage of his development.

Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen Michigan Wolverines
Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen, Michigan Wolverines (Photo credit: Michigan Wolverines Athletics)

It begins with the puck on his stick, where he tends to rush, giving it up before realizing he has more time and space to make a stronger play. He seemed to gain more confidence with the puck as the season progressed, which will continue with more experience and time on the ice. Where he has found success with the puck has been from his point position in the offensive zone. He will not blow anyone away with a booming shot, but is strong at placing it in the right spot to stay away from blocked shots and keeps his shots low to help with rebounds or to find his spot on the net.

Related: THW’s 2025 NHL Draft Guide

Rhéaume-Mullen’s game stands out the most defensively. At this point in his development, he is more of a defensive defenseman with great mobility. He has no issue taking time and space away from his opponents when they possess the puck. When being challenged on a rush, he has great gap control on his opponent and works well with his stick to get in tight. Away from the puck defensively, he shows a constant wherewithal to scan for opponents trying to cut into open ice for a pass or shot attempt and has his head on a swivel.

Other THW Draft Profiles

Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen – NHL Draft Projection

With Rhéaume-Mullen’s upside and his defensive skillset already developed, there is a strong chance he hears his name called towards the middle of the second round of this year’s draft.

Quotables

“Rheaume-Mullen was never in the spotlight with the USNTDP, but he’s looking good in the NCAA. The defensive defender is an excellent skater and is almost always one of Michigan’s best players in his own zone. He’s best when defending against skilled players trying to make quick, skilled moves because he never seems to fall for flash and pizzazz.” – Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

“Despite being a freshman, he has earned the trust of his coaching staff, playing on the first pairing in critical matchups against high-level competition. That said, there are areas for growth. Rheaume-Mullin sometimes backs out of the offensive zone too quickly, fearing he might get beat in transition. Improving his confidence in holding the blue line would help maintain offensive zone control.” – Kohen Willis Dengler, Future Considerations

Strengths

  • Active defensively on and off the puck
  • Mobile from the backend of the ice
  • High IQ with the puck on his stick at the point in the offensive zone
  • Strong skater
  • Defensively sound and does not “bite” on head fakes and moves

Under Construction – Improvements to Make

  • Patience with the puck, especially on breakouts and in transition
  • He has a strong low shot from the point; developing his overall shot will help take his offensive game to another level.
  • His overall offensive game needs development. Having more confidence and experience will help with this.

NHL Potential

If he can continue developing and working on his offensive game and with the puck on his stick, Rhéaume-Mullen could turn into a second-pair defenseman. He can be a shutdown third-pair defenseman at worst if his offensive game does not catch up.

Risk-Reward Analysis

Risk: 2/5 Reward: 4/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Offense: 5/10 Defense: 7/10

Awards/Achievements

  • 2023 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge Gold Medal (USA)
  • 2024 Under-18 World Junior Championship Silver Medal (USA)

Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen Stats

Videos

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