Bill Zonnon (RW, L, 6’2″, 185, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, 10/03/2006)
Bill Zonnon is a high-effort, two-way power forward with an imposing frame and a versatile skill set. Known for his ability to create offense and dominate puck battles, Zonnon combines a hard shot with excellent vision and playmaking ability. While his physical tools and hockey sense give him a high floor, there are questions about his ability to develop certain elements of his game to unlock his ceiling. He projects as a late first- or early second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, with the potential to become a middle-six forward who can contribute on special teams at the NHL level.
Strengths
Size and Physicality:
At 6’2″, 185 lbs, Zonnon uses his size effectively to shield the puck and maintain possession.
He wins 51% of his 50/50 puck battles and has the strength to park himself in front of the net, where he becomes a significant offensive threat.
Playmaking Ability:
Zonnon completes 91% of his passes, with 1.25 per game leading directly to grade “A” scoring opportunities for teammates.
His vision and creativity allow him to identify and exploit passing lanes, making him a key playmaker on the power play.
Shooting and Scoring:
Zonnon generates 3 grade “A” scoring chances per game, a testament to his ability to get to dangerous areas of the ice quickly and quietly.
He has a heavy wrist shot that is effective both in motion and from a stationary position.
Hockey IQ and Puck Management:
He demonstrates elite puck anticipation, retrieving 3.3 loose pucks after shots per game, showing an ability to read plays and react quickly.
His ability to pick off passes and transition into offense makes him a reliable presence in all three zones.
Versatility:
Zonnon is effective in various roles, including as a net-front presence on the power play, a penalty killer, and a two-way center.
His physical and offensive toolkit allows him to adapt to different linemates and game situations.
Areas for Improvement
Faceoff Ability:
Zonnon wins only 45% of his faceoffs, which needs to improve if he is to be a 200′ center in the NHL. Strengthening his technique on the dot will be crucial for him to maintain his role as a middle-six center at the next level.
Scoring Efficiency:
Despite generating 3 grade “A” scoring chances per game, Zonnon converts only 12% of these opportunities.
Improving his release and adding deception will help him capitalize more consistently.
East-West Mobility and Agility:
While his straight-line speed is strong, his East-West movement and edge work need refinement to help him become more dynamic offensively and defensively.
Consistency and Intensity:
Zonnon needs to bring consistent effort and physicality on a shift-to-shift basis. When engaged, he is dominant, but there are stretches where he lacks the intensity required to impose his will on the game.
Defensive Awareness:
Zonnon occasionally puck-watches in the defensive zone, which can lead to lapses in coverage. Improving his focus and positioning away from the puck will make him a more reliable two-way player.
Projection
We currently have Zonnon projected as a middle-to-late second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. With his combination of size, physicality, and offensive instincts, Zonnon has the potential to develop into a productive middle-six center who contributes in all situations. His ability to dominate along the boards, create scoring chances, and anchor a power-play unit gives him significant NHL upside.
Draft Outlook
Zonnon’s blend of size, skill, and hockey sense makes him an appealing option for teams looking to add a versatile, two-way forward to their prospect pool. His ceiling is that of a second-line center with power-play utility, while his floor is a reliable bottom-six forward who can excel in a net-front role.
Player Comparison
Adam Henrique: Like Henrique, Zonnon uses his size and strength to create space and drive offense. While taller than Henrique, Zonnon possesses similar power-forward tendencies and a knack for generating high-danger scoring opportunities through body positioning and game processing.
Key Development Goals
Improve Scoring Efficiency: Focus on adding deception to capitalize on the high volume of grade “A” scoring chances he generates.
Faceoff Technique: Invest in faceoff-specific training to improve his performance in the circle, which will solidify his role as a center.
Refine Skating Agility: Work on East-West agility and quickness to enhance his ability to change direction and open up offensive opportunities. This will also help with his potential as a penalty killer.
Shift-to-Shift Engagement: Consistently bring physicality and effort, ensuring he leverages his size and skill to impact every shift.
Defensive Zone Awareness: Focus on puck and player tracking in the defensive zone to eliminate lapses and increase his overall reliability.
Final Assessment
Zonnon’s size, versatility, and hockey sense make him one of the more intriguing power-forward prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft. If he can improve his scoring efficiency, faceoff ability, and skating explosiveness, he has the potential to grow into a top-six center who contributes in all facets of the game. His raw tools and work ethic provide a strong foundation, and with the right development, he could become an impactful player at the NHL level.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images