By Russ Cohen
Will Moore is destined to be that player who people look at 3-4 years from now and ask, “How did he get drafted at ___? I’ve watched him for a few years now and he’s getting better and better and still, I think he will go in the 20s in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Moore wasn’t a point-per-game performer with the NTDP, but he was close. At the U18s, he had 11 points in seven games and that had to play well with scouts and teams. He finished the season with an exclamation point!
The first thing that improved dramatically this season was his face-off percentage. It rose to 55% face-off percentage. That’s a great number and it was around 48 earlier this season.
He has dual citizenship. He was born in Canada and now represents Team USA in international play. That’s interesting and he’s an interesting guy.
At 6’2” probably a bit more than the 174 he’s currently listed at; he was starting to go to the net more often. He has a knack for deflecting shots and the more muscle he puts on that frame will make him more dangerous.
His long reach is an asset on defense and he’s a good two-way player. According to InStat, he’s had 25% defensive zone starts. Moore plays on the power play and the penalty kill.
Moore never takes bad penalties, and he draws more than he takes. 72% of his shots were on net. That’s a great statistic.
Will Moore NTDP
He’s not a speedster but he has a long stride, and his turns are quick and concise. His excellent passing and really good stick and puck control makes him dangerous on the ice.
Moore used to have some bad turnovers. That’s gotten better. I’d call them brain cramps, and it seems like he’s been less risky in the second half of the season.
I still think it will take him 3-5 years to get to the NHL. But he will. Moore is going to Boston College. I can see him staying there at least 2-3 years as he gets faster and stronger. I wouldn’t hesitate to take him from 18 on and possibly sooner if there’s a run on centers. He’s probably a 3C but there are 2C tools in there.
