NHL Combine Scout Results: Top Performers & Physical Attributes

DATA LAST UPDATED: MARCH 2025

Ever wondered what separates the average NHL hockey player from the elite athletes gracing the NHL ice? It’s more than just skill and grit; it’s a combination of physical prowess, honed through rigorous training and often, a genetic predisposition. In this article, we’re diving into the numbers, exploring the latest NHL Combine results and player physique averages, to give you a tangible measure of what it takes to reach the pinnacle of professional hockey.

This isn’t just about admiring the highlight reel; it’s about understanding the raw data that fuels the world’s best. We’ll be dissecting multiple years of NHL Combine results, showcasing the record-breaking performances and the average benchmarks players strive to surpass. You’ll get a clear picture of the physical demands of the league, from explosive power to unwavering endurance.

Furthermore, we’ll break down the average height and weight of NHL players, categorized by position. This will provide valuable insight into the physical profiles that tend to succeed in each role. Are you a towering defenseman or a lightning-fast forward? The numbers will shed light on the physical attributes that give players an edge.

Whether you’re a budding hockey star, a dedicated coach, or simply a fan curious about the science behind the sport, this article is for you. We’re here to provide a comprehensive look at the data, empowering you to better understand the physical requirements of the NHL and, perhaps, even measure your own performance against the best in the world.

Let’s delve into the numbers and unlock the secrets behind NHL excellence.

Average Physical Attributes

Body Fat Percentage

Using technology for measuring and tracking body fat and lean mass.

Functional Movement Screen

The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) evaluates a player’s mobility, stability, and overall movement quality through seven key exercises: deep squat, hurdle step, inline lunge, shoulder mobility, active straight leg raise, trunk stability pushup, and rotary stability. Each movement is scored from 0 to 3, with 3 being optimal and 0 indicating pain during the movement. The combined score helps identify imbalances or limitations that could impact performance or increase injury risk.

Bench Press Combine Test

Athletes perform a bench press test using 50% of their body weight. A device measures power output. Lying supine on the bench with feet flat on the floor, they grasp the bar shoulder-width apart. Starting from the chest, near the armpit line, they perform three rapid repetitions to full arm extension, with brief pauses between reps. The device records maximum power generated.

Pull-Ups Combine Test

This test measures maximum pull-up repetitions using an overhand grip. Athletes perform consecutive pull-ups, pausing for one second at both the top and bottom of each repetition. Partial pull-ups are not counted.

Grip Strength Test

The grip strength test measures how much force a player can generate with each hand using a dynamometer. It’s a quick way to assess upper body strength and physical maturity, giving teams a useful baseline for tracking development.

Vertical Jump Tests

Three types of vertical jumps are tested using a Force Plate system: the Vertical Jump with Arm Swing (no pause), the No Arm Jump (hands on hips), and the Squat Jump (starting from a squat position, hands on hips). Each test includes three max-effort jumps with the best height recorded. The system captures detailed data on force, timing, and movement from each leg, giving teams insight into an athlete’s power, balance, efficiency, and potential injury risk.

Standing Long Jump

The Standing Long Jump at the NHL Combine tests lower-body power. Athletes jump forward from a standing start, using an arm swing to help generate distance. The goal is to measure explosive leg strength.

Wingate Test

The Wingate Cycle Ergometer Test begins with a two-minute low-resistance warm-up. After the start command, the athlete pedals at full effort for 30 seconds while seated. This test measures peak power (highest output in any 5-second interval), mean power (average output over the full 30 seconds), and fatigue index (the drop-off from peak to lowest power). Together, these numbers show a player’s explosive leg strength, endurance, and how quickly they get tired —(which are all key indicators of anaerobic performance on the ice).

Pro-Agility Test

The Pro Agility test, also known as the 5-10-5 shuttle, measures a player’s quickness, change of direction, and body control. Athletes sprint 5 yards to one side, then 10 yards in the opposite direction, and finish with 5 yards back to the starting point. Each player completes the drill twice—once starting to the right and once to the left—to assess agility and balance in both directions.

Aerobic Fitness – VO2 Max

The VO2 Max bike test measures how efficiently an athlete’s body uses oxygen during intense exercise. Athletes ride a stationary bike with increasing resistance until exhaustion, while wearing a mask that analyzes the air they breathe in and out. This data shows how much oxygen their body uses at peak effort, providing a clear measure of aerobic fitness and endurance capacity.

Conclusion: The data presented regarding NHL Combine results and player physical attributes serves as a guide and reference point

While these numbers offer a glimpse into the physical demands of professional hockey, they are by no means a definitive measure of an individual’s potential to reach the NHL. Exceptional skill, hockey IQ, mental fortitude, and adaptability are equally, if not more, crucial factors.

Think of these statistics as a roadmap, not a destination. Achieving impressive combine results or possessing ideal physical dimensions can certainly enhance a player’s profile and potentially increase their visibility to scouts, who often use such data as part of their evaluation process. However, the NHL is a league where talent, determination, and a relentless work ethic ultimately prevail. While these numbers might offer a statistical advantage, the true path to professional hockey is paved with countless hours of practice, unwavering dedication, and a passion for the game that transcends any measurable metric.

*Data was collected from various sources including: NHL.com, Sportsnet.ca, and topendsports.com