Roberts Naudins #18 Penticton Vees
Left shot centre. 6.06 / 210
DOB: November 28, 2008
Naudins is a big-bodied two-way forward whose size and reach are defining assets. He moves well for a player of his stature, protecting the puck effectively and using his frame to maintain possession. He demonstrates quick, accurate puck movement and can make plays without holding onto the puck too long. His long wingspan provides advantages in puck protection and defensive coverage, while his compete level and decent face-off ability add value to his overall game.
To maximize his potential, Naudins could improve his defensive-zone man coverage and become more reliable in his positioning. He would also benefit from getting stronger on his feet and learning to use his size more effectively to establish leverage in battles and along the boards. Consistently imposing his physical advantages will be important to his development.
Roberts Naudins
#18 Penticton Vees. Center. 6.06. 210lbs
DOB: November 28, 2008
Naudins is a big center in his first year in the WHL. He is very responsible and trustworthy in the D-zone, getting down low and covering in front of the net to support the defenceman. When he is F2 or F3, he stays high, covers the high slot, and gets in shooting and passing lanes to stop cross-ice passes and point shots. In the offensive zone, he does well when he goes to the net, using his size to protect the puck and bang in rebounds.
He needs to use his size more and play bigger and more physically. Drive to the net more than taking shots from low-danger areas from the outside. Naudins should utilize his size more effectively and play a more physical game. He can improve his faceoff skills and work on leaning into opposing players to create turnovers. He can do this by playing more aggressively and using his strength to gain an advantage on the ice.
23 – Roberts Naudiņš (6’6″ | 212lbs | F | Penticton Vees | Latvia)
Standing at a staggering 6’6”, Roberts Naudiņš has tons of potential through his sheer physical presence alone. Pair that frame with soft hands and respectable mobility, and he projects as a sneaky high-upside option who could end up as the steal of the draft class. While he didn’t put up massive numbers at the World Juniors, he did hold his own as a 16- and 17-year-old against much older competition, highlighting his drive and maturity. He has made significant strides in filling out his massive frame, and as he transitions to Penticton in the WHL, a breakout campaign could easily vault him into top-20 consideration.
#18 F, Roberts NaudinsTeam: Latvia (Shattuck St. Mary’s, USHS)Height/Weight: 6’6″, 194 lbsShoots: LeftDOB: November 18th, 2008
Overview:Roberts Naudins is a rangy, two-way forward who pairs a 6’6” frame with surprising agility and playmaking instincts. A standout for Latvia, Naudins uses his reach and vision to support offensive zone possessions and create space for teammates. He’s most effective when carrying the puck through the neutral zone, drawing defenders toward him, and opening passing lanes. Though not flashy, his ability to read the ice and make subtle plays elevates those around him. Defensively, he shows strong awareness and positional responsibility, consistently using his length to clog lanes and disrupt opposing rushes. Despite his size, Naudins isn’t yet fully engaged physically, oftenly avoiding contact and needs to improve his board play and puck protection. His stride lacks full extension, limiting his top-end speed, and his shot release is too slow to beat quality goaltenders consistently. Additionally, decision-making under pressure can falter as he overhandles the puck instead of simplifying plays.
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