Daniel Laatsch, hailing from Altoona, Wisconsin, had typical dreams for a local kid: he wanted to play for Wisconsin. His loyalty to the Badgers was clear from an early age, as he reminisced about wearing their jersey and playing with mini-sticks. For Laatsch, being able to realize this dream was a true milestone.
Last season, significant changes shook up the Badgers’ men’s program, including the departure of Tony Granato and the arrival of new head coach Mike Hastings.
Despite initial nerves about proving himself to a new coach, Laatsch focused on playing his game and gaining confidence. His efforts paid off, contributing to the team’s substantial improvement, including a return to the NCAA Tournament after a two-year absence.
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Standing tall at 6-foot-5 and weighing 190 pounds, Laatsch stood out at the Penguins’ prospect development camp, where his size caught their attention during the 2021 NHL Draft.
However, he doesn’t rely solely on physicality, preferring to use his reach and defensive skills to disrupt opponents. While not a prolific scorer, Laatsch played a crucial role on Wisconsin’s top defensive pair last season, demonstrating versatility and commitment to his team’s success.
“I think there’s a lot of potential in Daniel, given his size, defensive intelligence, and stick skills,” Kostopoulos commented. “Chris Butler has been praising his defensive stick work as the best in college hockey for years now. He needs to continue to build strength and add more aggression to his game, but we believe he has a future in the NHL. Wisconsin provides a great environment for his development, and the decision for him to return for his senior season was the right one.”
“We’ll be closely monitoring his progress throughout the year and working with him,” Kostopoulos added. “Hopefully, it culminates in a positive discussion at the end of his season.”
Skating has been a focus for Laatsch during his time at Wisconsin, with Penguins skating coach Jeff Murray visiting periodically during the 2023-24 season to offer guidance.
“He works with me on various aspects like stride length, turning, and edges,” Laatsch explained. “I take his advice and review videos of my skating. I try to incorporate his feedback daily, making gradual improvements.”
A few decades ago, the type of defenseman Laatsch embodies—large and robust—was commonplace in NHL lineups. However, today’s trend leans towards faster, more offensively-inclined defensemen.
Yet, there remains a niche for players like Laatsch. He looks up to players such as Blackhawks defenseman Alex Vlasic, who, despite not being a high scorer in college, offers a similar tall and defensively strong profile.
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With the Penguins having until August 2025 to sign him to an entry-level contract, Laatsch remains focused on his goals, typical for a kid from Altoona, Wisconsin.
“I hope we can build on another successful season and make a push for a championship,” Laatsch concluded.
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