Tyler Kleven’s Impact in the 2025 Playoffs
Tyler Kleven, a towering defenseman at 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, made a significant impact during the Ottawa Senators’ recent playoff efforts in 2025, despite the team’s early exit. Key moments in the postseason highlighted his contributions:
- Set up an equalizing goal in Game 2 with a shot-pass.
- Played a crucial role in a tying goal during Game 3.
- Was instrumental in the overtime victory in Game 4.
Kleven’s performance in these high-pressure situations was a culmination of a season in which the 23-year-old from Fargo, North Dakota, gained valuable experience on the ice, not to mention having signed a crucial two-year contract worth $1.6 million just a few months prior.
Transition to the NHL
Having been promoted from the minors after playing just 53 games at the AHL level during the 2023-24 season, Kleven has adapted well to the challenges of the NHL. His ice time has increased, and with nearly 100 games under his belt, he has started to find his place as a reliable third-pair defenseman, with aspirations of moving to a higher line as he continues to develop.
“I felt like I definitely took some steps this season,” he said, reflecting on his growth, particularly in the playoffs where he navigated different game situations more effectively than earlier in the year.
Building Trust and Performance
The Senators’ trust in Kleven grew as he secured his spot on the roster by playing safely and avoiding costly errors. This cautious approach paid off, especially during key moments like in Game 3 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he demonstrated composure even when faced with pressure. After collecting an errant pass and maintaining control, he contributed to Brady Tkachuk’s tying goal, showcasing his ability to perform in critical times.
Areas for Improvement
Despite those efforts, Kleven recognizes that there’s still untapped potential, especially in terms of his physical play and offensive capabilities. He emphasized the need to wait for opportunities to make significant plays, noting the challenges of facing elite players nightly in the league. Although he recorded 105 hits this season, his collegiate background indicates that he can still ramp up his physicality. He also wishes to leverage his strong shooting skills better; he took 78 shots on goal but faced challenges getting them through defense, with another 75 attempts getting blocked.
Partnerships and Future Opportunities
Over the course of the season, Kleven transitioned from playing alongside veteran defenseman Travis Hamonic to partnering with Nikolas Matinpalo following the latter’s early December call-up. This change coincided with a surge in his performance, as familiarity with Matinpalo aided in his development, having shared ice time with him previously in Belleville at the AHL level.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, with Nick Jensen’s upcoming hip surgery expected to limit his availability next season, Kleven may find a new opportunity to climb the Senators’ defensive ranks. His versatility is a significant asset; while he primarily shoots left, he has shown adaptability to play effectively on the right side as well.
“In the offensive zone, I get to use my one-timer more, and I didn’t get to use that a ton,” Kleven explained, indicating his readiness for whatever role the team’s coaching staff envisions for him.
Conclusion
This analysis of Kleven’s development is featured in the 2025 Champions issue of The Hockey News, which also covers the Florida Panthers’ championship triumph and includes highlights from the playoffs and profiles of other NHL players. Subscribers can access this issue for free while enjoying the comprehensive coverage available from over seven decades of hockey journalism.
