With the 151st overall pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NHL Draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning selected 18-year old defenseman, Everett Baldwin from St. George’s School in Rhode Island.
Baldwin, a 6’0”, 179lb right-handed shooter was also part of the U.S. National U18 Team.
He is described by Elite Prospects 2025 NHL Draft Guide as a dynamic attacker with fast acceleration, puck handling, and attacking instincts. He has strong aggression off the blue line and isn’t afraid to step up off the rush.
He has great footwork, stays in front of opponents, closes gaps, and has the ability to block shots aggressively as well.
Baldwin is currently committed to Providence College for the 2026-27 season, but there’s a possibility he plays in the USHL next season.
Upon conclusion of the 2024-25 season, he played a short season with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, where he struggled with consistency.
Though he is still young and coming out of high school, he is considered a player who could be a long-term project with a large upside that can be developed. He still needs to learn how to tap into and utilize all of his skills that will help him succeed in the future.
He could develop into an offensive-centric middle-pair defender.
In 2024-25 with St. George’s School, he scored 10 goals, had 10 assists, and 20 total points in 22 games played.
With the U.S. U18 National Training Development Program he had two assists and two points in five games played. He had a -1 plus/minus rating on the season.
It is likely Baldwin will pursue college ahead of the NHL. If so, it will be with Providence College where he is currently committed, unless he decides to change his plans and join the Lightning organization.
He currently sits as the No. 118 NCAA player in the 2025 NHL draft.