Mace’o Phillips (D, L, 6’6″, 230, NTDP U18, 02/25/2007, Minnesota)
Mace’o Phillips is a physically imposing, left-shot defenseman whose size, athleticism, and power make him one of the most intriguing physical prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft class. While still raw in terms of hockey sense and puck management, Phillips offers a toolkit that is rare in today’s game: strength, skating power, and physicality at a pro-ready size. He projects as a potential shutdown, bottom-pairing NHL defenseman with penalty kill upside and the potential to eat difficult minutes against the cycle.
Why Mace’o Phillips Should Be an NHL Draft Pick:
- Elite Physical Profile
At 6’6”, 230 lbs, Phillips has an NHL-ready frame today. He’s strong, coordinated, and moves very well for his size. His 1.77 hard hits per game and 63% win rate in 50/50 puck battles speak to both his willingness and ability to physically engage and separate players from pucks. He also absorbs contact effectively and explodes into his opponent, a valuable skill for net-front and corner play. - Excellent Mobility and Footwork for His Size
Phillips isn’t just big—he skates like a player six inches shorter. His first few steps allow him to close quickly on puck carriers, and his edgework below the dots allows him to contain shifty forwards. He maintains a wide, low stance and plays with a controlled intensity that rarely sees him off-balance. These tools are critical for defending today’s east-west offenses. - High-End Defensive Disruption Tools
With 7 takeaways per game and strong reach, Phillips is constantly disrupting plays. He’s highly effective defending the rush, taking away time and space with his stick and body. He can box out forwards around the crease and separate puck carriers without overcommitting. His defensive skill set should translate well to a shutdown role at the next level. - Quiet Confidence with the Puck When Calm
Although he has 5 giveaways per game, there are also moments where Phillips uses his frame and edgework to escape pressure and make confident outlet passes. His 0.23 passes leading directly to Grade “A” chances show that when he settles into his game, he has the touch to generate opportunities in transition. His offensive game is limited but not absent.
Why Mace’o Phillips Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick:
- Puck Management Remains a Concern
The most pressing issue with Phillips is his puck security. He averages 5 giveaways per game and completes just 83% of his passes, which is below average for a defenseman who’s not expected to push play offensively. He often forces pucks into traffic or attempts low-percentage passes. As competition gets faster and tighter, these turnovers will be costly. - Offensive Ceiling is Low
Phillips averages 0.1 Grade “A” scoring chances per game, and while he puts up 2.3 shot attempts per game, the shots are rarely dangerous or deceptive. His offensive zone presence is minimal, and unless he develops confidence with the puck, he is unlikely to be more than a safety valve option at the offensive blue line. - Still Gaining Defensive Awareness and Read Timing
While he defends well in structure and one-on-one battles, Phillips still needs to improve his scanning habits, anticipation of developing threats, and awareness away from the puck. He has moments where he chases outside the valuable ice or reacts late to second-chance threats, especially on broken plays or cycle rotations. - Usage Reflects Developmental Needs
Despite his tools, Phillips is averaging just 13:35 of total ice time and only 0:20 of penalty kill time per game with the NTDP. That limited role indicates the coaching staff still views him as a project. His lack of usage on special teams or in key moments suggests the trust level is not yet high.
Projection and Recommendation:
Draft Range: Late 2nd to early 4th Round
NHL Projection: Physical, bottom-pairing defenseman with penalty-kill upside and matchup potential
Comparable: Nikita Zadorov
Final Take:
Mace’o Phillips has NHL traits that are difficult to find: size, athleticism, mobility, and physicality. He’s not just big—he’s powerful, coordinated, and competitive. His ability to defend the rush, clear his net, and engage physically makes him a rare breed in today’s NHL prospect landscape.
However, he is also a raw, developmental project who will require focused coaching and patience, especially in managing the puck and reading the game defensively. If those areas come along, Phillips could be a valuable third-pairing, penalty-killing defenseman in the NHL who adds bite to a lineup.
Recommendation: Draft Phillips in the mid rounds and invest in his development. His blend of size and tools is too rare to overlook, even if the path to a full-time NHL job requires time and patience. He has the potential to be a tone-setting, physical, stay-at-home defender who can complement a more puck-dominant partner.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images