Photo credit: Steve Dunsmoor

By Regan Bartel

Mazden Leslie brings high-octane offense

Rockets acquire high-end d-man

May 21, 2025 | 11:23 AM

Rockets press release:

The Kelowna Rockets have acquired Mazden Leslie, a 2005-born right-shot defenseman, from the Vancouver Giants in exchange for a conditional 2028 first-round pick and a conditional 2026 third-round pick (Seattle).

A native of Lloydminster, Alberta, Leslie brings elite offensive production from the blueline and valuable leadership experience. The 6’1″, 202-pound defender spent the past four seasons with the Giants, serving as their Captain in 2024-25.

Regan’s Take: High end offensively skilled d-men are hard to find. The Kelowna Rockets have acquired one of the best out there. Leslie was second in WHL scoring among defensemen this season, and would quarterback the power play. While he has stated he will go to Bowling Green University to play next season, one can change his mind considering he will know play in the Memorial Cup in 2026. Will he get drafted this summer? Possibly by an NHL team, and it will be them who dedicates where he plays in 2025-2026. It is worth the gamble to make the trade, as all the assets going to the G-Men are conditional. No harm in rolling the dice on this player, who can make a massive impact on the game. The team has now acquired the captains of both the Calgary Hitmen and Vancouver Giants in the last two weeks, after obtaining forward Carsen Wetsch in another deal where a first-rounder (2027) was used. 

Over the course of his WHL career, Leslie has accumulated 190 points (57G, 133A) across 280 games. This past season with the Giants, Leslie posted a career-best 72 points (21G, 51 assists) in 66 regular season games.

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Beyond his regular season performance, Leslie has appeared in 21 career WHL playoff games, providing critical experience in high-pressure situations. He registered 8 playoff points across his postseason appearances, including 3 goals and 5 assists.

Leslie was ranked 133rd among North American skaters in the final NHL Central Scouting Rankings for the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft. He is committed to Bowling Green State University for the 2026–27 season.

“Mazden is a player we are very familiar with,” said Rockets Assistant GM Curtis Hamilton. “He’s a defenceman who does a little bit of everything and his competence is never in question. We look forward to working with him and are hopeful that we will see him in a Rockets jersey next season.”

Mazden will be a key piece on the backend as the Rockets gear up for a Memorial Cup run on home ice.

The Rockets would like to welcome Mazden to Kelowna and to the Rockets family.