Rogers High School defenseman Jayden Kurtz continues to draw attention from NHL scouts thanks to his rare combination of size, skating ability, and two-way play.

The 18-year-old blueliner stands 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, a frame that already fits the mold NHL teams often seek in defense prospects. That physical profile, paired with his skillset, helped earn Kurtz a spot in NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Rankings earlier this season, where he was listed as the No. 77 North American skater eligible for the upcoming NHL Draft.

What makes Kurtz’s rise notable is that much of his exposure has come while playing high school hockey in Minnesota rather than full-time junior competition.

Before the Rogers season began, Kurtz spent time with the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League after being selected in the league’s Phase II Draft. During a four-game stretch in November, he gained valuable experience competing against older and stronger players at the junior level.

Kurtz said the jump from high school hockey to the USHL required an adjustment.

“The pace of the game and the strength of the players are definitely different,” Kurtz said. “It’s a big step up, but I felt like I adjusted well and focused on making the simple plays.”

Although he did not record a point during those games, Kurtz logged significant minutes, averaging more than 17 minutes of ice time while contributing on both the power play and penalty kill. Coaches with the Steel were encouraged by what they saw and expect him to make an immediate impact once his high school season concludes.

Steel associate head coach and general manager Tyler Haskins said the organization looks forward to adding Kurtz back to the lineup.

“Jayden gave us a steady presence during his time with the team earlier this year,” Haskins said. “He skates extremely well and moves the puck effectively out of our zone. We expect him to step in and contribute right away when he returns after the high school season.”

At Rogers, Kurtz serves as an alternate captain and plays a central role in the team’s success. He is used in nearly every situation and is relied upon to drive play from the blue line.

Through 24 games this season, Kurtz leads all Rogers defensemen with 11 goals and 33 points, production that highlights both his offensive ability and his importance to the team.

One of the biggest reasons scouts are intrigued by Kurtz is his skating ability. For a defenseman of his size, his mobility stands out.

To improve that part of his game, Kurtz spent the offseason attending weekly power-skating sessions to work on explosiveness and agility.

“I think my skating is something that really separates me,” he said. “You don’t always see bigger players who can move that well.”

That mobility, combined with strong hockey sense, allows Kurtz to control the pace of play from the back end. He is comfortable handling the puck, moving it quickly out of the defensive zone, and joining the attack.

He is also a key part of Rogers’ power play, where his shot and ability to read the ice make him a constant threat.

“I feel confident shooting the puck and picking my spots,” Kurtz said. “I also think my vision helps me see plays develop from the defensive zone all the way up the ice.”

Kurtz models parts of his game after NHL defensemen Cale Makar and Brock Faber, players known for their ability to influence the game in all three zones.

Regardless of the situation, Kurtz aims to be a player coaches can trust in critical moments.

“It means a lot when your coach sends you out in big situations,” he said. “Whether it’s the power play, penalty kill, or late in a game, you want to make the right play for your team.”

Rogers head coach Dave Brown believes Kurtz’s leadership and understanding of the game are just as valuable as his physical tools.

“Jayden has a natural ability to help his team succeed in a lot of different ways,” Brown said. “He moves the puck well, sees the game clearly, and performs well in pressure situations. He’s a leader both on and off the ice.”

Brown also believes Kurtz’s skillset will continue to develop as he climbs to higher levels of competition.

“With his hockey IQ and ability to read the game, he’s the type of player who will keep improving as he moves up,” Brown said.

Interest from NHL scouts has grown steadily as Kurtz’s profile rises. His size and right-handed shot already make him an intriguing prospect, and his continued development has kept him on draft radars.

Despite the attention, Kurtz remains focused on the present.

“It’s definitely cool to see your name on those lists,” he said. “But there’s still a lot of work ahead. My focus right now is finishing the high school season strong.”

Kurtz hopes to help lead Rogers on another run to the Minnesota state tournament and is considered a candidate for several major individual honors, including the Reed Larson Award, given annually to the state’s top senior defenseman.

Once the high school season ends, Kurtz plans to return to the Chicago Steel to continue the year in the USHL and further build his case as a prospect for the NHL Draft.