The Wisconsin Badgers have added another promising young defenseman to their future pipeline.
According to Puck Preps, 2009-born defenseman Rylan Hanson has committed to Wisconsin for the 2028-29 season, per Elite Prospects. The 6-foot-2, 194-pound blue-liner has spent the past two seasons with Elk River/Zimmerman High School in Minnesota. Hanson had a productive 2025-26 season, recording five goals and 27 assists for a total of 32 points in 28 games.
The right-shot defenseman has also begun to garner attention on the national stage. Hanson represented the United States at the 2026 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, where he was part of Team USA's defensive group and penalty kill.
His combination of size, offensive production, and right-handed shot makes Hanson
an exciting addition to Wisconsin's future recruiting class. He was listed at 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds when he played his sophomore season at Elk River/Zimmerman, meaning he has already added significant size to his frame.
Hanson is also a player who has continued to rise on the scouting radar. One recent scouting report described him as a prospect with a strong frame and noted his potential intrigue for the 2027 NHL Entry Draft.
The Badgers will now have another highly regarded young defenseman in their pipeline as Hanson continues his development toward the collegiate level.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Potential 2027 NHL Entry Draft pick commits to Wisconsin men's hockey
