Bonk is one of those players NHL teams value, but fans may not notice too much. He is an all-around solid defenseman with no trait that is particularly elite, but he has a high enough defensive IQ to be a difference-maker in his zone. In the offensive zone, he can occasionally score points but is more of a tertiary offensive weapon. His 40 points in 52 games may seem impressive for a defenseman, but considering he produced like this on the London Knights, his 40 points were good for 12th on the team. Bonk could play in NHL games in 2025-26 but could benefit from a year in the AHL to adjust to pro-level competition.

Bonk has made Canada’s 2024 World Junior Class team. He’s having a fantastic season with the London Knights and is on pace to smash previous career highs in goals, assists, and points. Bonk was chosen in the first round by the Flyers during last summer’s NHL Draft and is a projected top 4 defenseman. He has pro size and plays a responsible defensive game, but is far from just a defensive defenseman, as his offensive numbers suggest. Bonk has a solid two-way game, and his offensive abilities continue to grow.

Bonk has been selected 22nd overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2023 NHL Draft.

Oliver Bonk is a smart defender who plays with a physical edge that will become far more effective once he adds some weight, especially in terms of lower-body strength. He’s a below-average skater who can get beat to the outside by agile and quick attackers despite keeping a tight gap. His production this season may overestimate his offensive projection, as his hard shot is his only above-average offensive tool. His passing and puck-carrying games in transition still have some room for improvement to project as strengths in the NHL. Still, his defensive habits and intelligence make him a likely bottom-pairing defender with a few years of development. If his tools can follow the strong development curve he’s demonstrated this year, he has the confidence to turn into an effective two-way defenseman.