Dustin Willhoft (C, L, 5’8″, 145, Jungadler Mannheim U20, 01/09/2007)
Dustin Willhoft is a dynamic, highly-skilled winger who dominated the DNL U20 circuit in Germany and showed flashes of elite offensive tools at the international level for Germany’s U18 team. Despite being undersized at just 5’7″, 145 lbs — well below the NHL average — Willhoft produced a staggering 91 points (33 goals, 58 assists) in 35 DNL games, demonstrating advanced vision, playmaking, and spatial awareness.
At both the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup and U18 World Championships, Willhoft held his own, totaling 8 points in 9 combined games. He averaged over 17 minutes of ice time per game at both events and drew penalties at a high rate (0.67–0.80/game) thanks to his shiftiness and ability to attack with speed and agility. Willhoft showed high-end processing ability (2.7–3.0 puck retrievals/game) and pre-shot passing (1.33–2.0/game), consistently creating offensive chances. However, he struggled with physical engagement (28–39% puck battle win rate) and was hit too often (1.0–1.4/game), an issue that becomes more problematic at higher levels where time and space disappear more quickly.
Why Willhoft Should Be Drafted
1) Elite Skill and Processing Under Pressure
Willhoft’s game processing and playmaking tools are high-end. He consistently finds seams, delivers crisp passes (94% in Hlinka), and creates scoring opportunities through manipulation and deception. His 2.0 pre-shot passes/game at the U18 Worlds was among the tournament leaders.
2) Natural Offensive Instincts and Creativity
He is confident with the puck, loves to shoot (4.6 shots/game at U18s), and consistently gets to scoring areas (1.67–2.5 scoring chances/game). Despite his size, he finds soft ice and distributes at a pace that drives line offense.
3) Competitive Motor and Draw Rate
Despite being undersized, Willhoft plays with pace and effort. He drew nearly one penalty per game in both major tournaments — a product of his constant movement, edgework, and puck protection.
4) Dominance at the Junior Level
91 points in 35 DNL games is elite production, regardless of level. His consistency and ability to elevate linemates — he’s capable of translating his game in structured systems with talent around him.
Why Willhoft May Not Be Drafted
1) Undersized and Physically Overmatched
At 5’7”, 145 lbs and winning just 28–39% of his puck battles, Willhoft is significantly behind NHL and even USHL/NCAA size trends. He gets hit too often (1.0–1.4 hits/game received) and lacks the strength to consistently win contested plays.
2) Shot Efficiency and Scoring Conversion
Despite heavy shot volume, he converted only 15% of his scoring chances. His shot is quick, but lacks pop against high-end goalies. A high number of attempts are blocked (1.0–1.67/game) or miss the net (1.0–1.2/game), limiting his true scoring threat.
3) Struggles Against Stronger Competition
While he flashed skill at the U18 level, his overall impact dropped when facing faster, more physical opponents. He averaged 7 giveaways per-game in 5 U18 games, showing his puck management and timing can unravel when he’s under pressure.
4) Incomplete Defensive Game
Willhoft has limited short-handed experience (0:52/game at U18s), no blocked shots across either event, and is not yet trusted in key defensive moments. He needs to develop a more complete game.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: Offensive winger at pro level if he develops physical tools and efficiency
Development Track: 2 more seasons in Europe or North American junior hockey, followed by 4 years in the NCAA or structured pro development program focusing on strength, defensive play, and inside game.
Draft Range: Free Agent Watch List
Verdict: Willhoft is a long-term project with elite vision and puck skill, but a highly risky profile due to his size, strength, and shot efficiency. Teams looking to invest in high-ceiling playmakers with patience to develop his frame and improve his decision-making should consider bringing him to development camp. If he can physically mature and find ways to translate his skill against pressure, his tools could allow him to earn a pro opportunity down the line.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images