| Nicholas Moldenhauer | Chicago Steel | USHL | R | F | 5’11” | 170 | Uncomm. | Mississauga, ON | 2004 | 2021-2022: C |
Neutral Zone NHL’s Ian Moran’s comments, November 2021: Moldenhauer hasn’t found his groove yet with the USHL’s Chicago Steel, and I stress yet. Granted he’s only “played” in one game, but I fully believe he is a player who’s skill package will counted on as the season progresses. He’s a highly competitive kid who wins 50/50s with his brains and grit. I love his skating posture. He has a deep knee bend and an athletic shoulder width base that will benefit him at higher levels. He’s quick and explosive in all directions. Moldenhauer has a clean first touch and is always prepared to make the next play before the puck is on his stick. He’s a really nice combination of brains, speed and grime that I believe will have a big impact on the Steel before the year is through.
USHL: Chicago Steel vs U18 USNTDP, October 29, 2021: In the 3-1 Steel win Moldenhauer took a skate to the face during his first shift and did not return to action.
U16: USA Hockey Nationals, May 12, 2021: Nick is a skilled forward that is aware of his space on the ice and is constantly finding good positions to get his shot on the net. A strong skater with a good stride and balanced edges. He is confident with and without the puck and will calmly fill soft-ice just before the puck gets to him. He has a lightning-quick release and shoots to score. In one viewing, he had four goals from just below the half-wall. He has a quick first step which lets him separate and quick, soft hands which let him control the puck in tight and snap passes to open teammates. Routinely makes the right decision on the ice. Does not force decisions and will curl back away from pressure in order to find a new passing lane. Smart, and cerebral and thinks the game ahead of his peers. A high-end prospect that should end up helping a USHL or OHL team very soon. Grade: A
U16: Play Hockey Championships, March 24, 2021: Moldenhauer is the former first-round OHL draft pick by Ottawa 67’s but made the move from Toronto Titans to NJ Avalanche. He’s got all the tools; he’s got separation speed, he stickhandle his way out of a phone booth and he’s got a bullet release that he can score from anywhere in the offensive zone. His speed was particularly on full display here as he blew by opponents through the neutral zone and went right around defenders on the rush. Moldenhauer is not one-dimensional who just relies on his speed; he’s balanced, he stops on pucks, he can kill penalties and block shots and has enough size and grit to win battles in the tough areas. He had a few highlight-reel plays here; he scored a quick-release snapshot off the rush that he had the puck behind the goalie before he even moved and he had a through the legs at top speed that very few this age could pull off. What really separates Moldenhauer is his ability to create chances out of nothing; he picks off passes and transitions the other way instantly, he gets from the corner to the net-front in only a few strides, he causes turnovers on the forecheck and then attacks the net, etc. When he’s on the ice you notice him every time. The dynamic skilled forward with elite speed has played a few games in the USHL this year with Chicago and looks to be a top echelon OHL prospect with NHL upside. Grade: A
U16: Super Series Youngstown, February 24, 2021: Moldenhauer was a dominant force every shift of each game this weekend. He has a “wow” factor about him where he can turn nothing into a high-quality scoring chance in the blink of an eye. Moldenhauer was one of the main sources of offensive chances finding the score sheet multiple times each game. He explodes in every direction and is even faster when controlling the puck. His stride is powerful yet effortless as he races up the ice and consistently wins races to lose pucks. Nicholas will drive the net, fighting through players to get there but was extremely effective from the outside as well. His release is lightning quick and comes with a heavy blast behind it while he is able to change the blade angle and make it a nightmare for goaltenders. Moldenhauer’s hands are dynamic and with his speed, he was able to dance or fly around opposing defensemen at will. He plays relentless in all areas and is hungry for the puck as he was an offensive juggernaut for his team. Whenever he hopped over the boards the game would change in favor of the Avalanche. He is creative with the puck and finds unconventional ways to beat defenders. He was a constant offensive threat all weekend making a big impact each shift and was the driving force for the Avalanche. GRADE: A
U15/U16: JGG Showcase, February 20, 2021: First thing we noticed about Moldenhauer in this game is that he has a quick first three steps and can really explode off the wall. Intelligent player who knows what he’s going to do before he receives the puck. Moldenhauer has a pair of dicey hands as he can really manipulate the defenders triangle and break free in open ice. Needs to work on his east/west movement a bit but he’s a north/south type skater who likes to drive the cage. Sharp release that he uses creatively off the rush. Would use the defender as a screen a lot of times and would try to shoot through them off of line rushes. He thinks a step ahead at this level. Nicholas was excellent in protecting the puck in this game as he was hard to knock off and was able to create many scoring chances but just did not convert in this one. Dangerous when he creates off the cycle. Moldenahauer has high end stick skills, a wicked release and great sense for the game but once he really buys into that power forward role, you’re going to see another huge step in his game at the next level. Grade: A-
USHL: Draft Recap, May 8, 2020: Moldenhauer was a first round pick by Ottawa in the OHL Priority Draft. He can really play and was dominant with Titans this season. He’s got great speed and he can make access all his skills with pace He has soft hands with a north-south power element. Nicholas has got good jump for his size He can attack the net and causes havoc on the forecheck. He is a versatile player who wins shifts and help his team without scoring.
U15: Whitby Silver Stick (2004s), December 18, 2019: Moldenhauer backs defenders in with his speed on the attack and if he gets to the outside is a threat to isolate and attack a defender 1-on-1. When cutting to the net, he puts the puck to a spot that makes it hard for defenders to adjust to and uses his strength to battle for inside positioning. In our view one of the top wingers available in the GTHL this season. He continues to generate offense consistently and can play in any situation for the Titans. Grade: B+
U15: Battle of the Border, November 2019: Moldenhauer has many tools in his offensive skill set. He has soft hands and uses his reach to drag and snap the puck with high velocity. His stride is long and powerful, and he maintains speed when he is gliding. Noldenhauer needs to think more defensively at times and use his speed to get back to his own zone quicker. GRADE: B+
U15: Toronto Titans Early Bird Tournament Report, September 2019: Moldenhauer had a productive tournament for Nicolas at the Titan’s Early Bird – 14 points in 7 games. He was top 3 overall among skaters in points offensively. A north/south winger with speed, size and a nose for the net. He finds the seams well making himself available for a pass or shot and he fit in well with the Titan’s elite forward unit. Nicolas showed above average skills and hockey IQ/awareness and had a number of open looks in good scoring areas every game. When he didn’t have the puck Nicolas forechecked well and created havoc for defenders in cycle situations. With his speed/size combo Nicolas was very difficult to play against and difficult to defend. Nicolas had the ability to make plays in all 3 zones and showed well with his board play in his own zone to start the transition game. Grade: A-
World Selects Invite 2004 Division, July 10, 2019: Moldenhauer played with a rare combination of skill and grit. He was hard on the forecheck and took good angles while always finishing his checks. He is tough to play against and was strong on the puck. His stride is powerful and he played through contact with ease. He played much bigger than his listed height and weight. He is direct and we liked that. He knows action is at the net and he wants the puck. He was also smart as the F3, allowing his defense to pinch and sliding back is slash support. His ability to slide in and out of scoring areas and time it correctly showed quality instincts on the offensive end. His shot is sneaky, heavy and his release is quick. Tough player with a high IQ and a diverse game. Plus, he can flat our score. He is a quality prospect with a high ceiling. Picked up nine points here. Grade: A-
U14: Silver Stick Finals 2004s, February 10, 2019: He is a beast on the forecheck. Scored a goa on the power play on a rebound from the side if the net. Showed a heavy shot, balanced stride and an ability to be tough to play against. Grinds out quality shifts and caves space for his linemates. Solid approach. Tough kid who will keep improving. Grade: B
U14: Eastern Exposure Cup, November 7, 2018: Nicholas found the back of the net and the scoresheet often. Played a top role for his team and wins battles to get the pucks to his linemates, he is tough to handle down low. Grade: B+
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
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