Blades sign 2025 NHL Draft-eligible forward David Lewandowski

Saskatoon, Sask. – The Saskatoon Blades are pleased to announce the signing of 17-year-old forward David Lewandowski to a Western Hockey League (WHL) Scholarship and Development Agreement. Lewandowski, a Düsseldorf, Germany native, was drafted by the Blades in the second round (120th overall) of the 2024 Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Import Draft. He joins the club after playing seven games with Düsseldorf EG in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL), Germany’s top pro league.

“This is a great day for our organization,” said Blades general manager, Colin Priestner, “Signing David has been our top priority since selecting him in the CHL Import Draft in July.”

The NHL draft-eligible winger has been touted by several outlets to be selected at the 2025 NHL Entry Draft in June. Consolidated Ranking has the 2007-born German ranked 71, while Draft Prospects Hockey has him projected at 64. The left-handed shot recorded 15 goals, 33 assists, and 48 points in 33 games last season in the DNL U20 League’s Düsseldorfer EG. The 6-foot-2 forward kept up over half a point-per-game pace in nine playoff games, scoring one goal and four assists. Lewandowski added ten points in 13 games on loan with ESC Moskitos Essen in the Germany3 league. His play him the league’s Rookie of the Year award.

“We knew there was risk drafting him given his pro status in Germany,” said Priestner, “We always believed Saskatoon was the best place for him to showcase his talents during his draft year and beyond. We’re absolutely thrilled he has chosen to leave home and commit to our hockey club.”

Lewandowski captured gold at the international stage with Germany last year at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship Division 1A (WJC-U18 D1A). The German star put up two goals, five assists, and seven points in the tournament.

“We feel David has the size, skill, and determination to be a high NHL draft pick next summer and a core part of our talented young forward group,” said Priestner.

David’s father, Eduard Lewandowski, played more than 20 professional seasons in Europe, including stops in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL), and multiple World Championships including an Olympic Games in 2006.

“We appreciate it’s never easy for a player to leave his pro team during the year,” said Priestner, “We would especially like to thank Martin Ancicka, Kai Hospelt, and David’s parents Eduard and Erika for their support in making this happen.”

The Blades want to welcome the Lewandowski family to Blade City and look forward to working with David as he continues his hockey journey on this side of the pond.