Mason Moe (C, L, 6’1″, 189, Madison Capitols, 03/26/2007, Minnesota)
Mason Moe is a skilled, two-way center with a versatile offensive game, above-average hockey sense, and flashes of legitimate NHL tools. At 6’1″, 186 lbs, he meets the NHL baseline for size and possesses the kind of balance, puck protection, and playmaking instincts that allow him to impact the game in all three zones. A Minnesota commit, Moe has consistently produced while playing against quality USHL competition and has flashed NHL-level moments in multiple international events. However, to be considered a mid-round draft asset, Moe must refine his compete level, shooting efficiency, faceoff proficiency, and increase his defensive detail.
Why Mason Moe Should Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Offensive IQ and Playmaking Instincts
Moe’s 88% pass completion rate and 0.56 completed passes per game leading to Grade “A” scoring chances highlight his feel for spacing and timing. He consistently finds pockets in coverage to distribute or shoot, and he is not a pace-dependent playmaker—he’s just as effective slowing the game down as he is operating off the rush. His ability to protect pucks and create time in the offensive zone is highly projectable.
2) Scoring Chance Generation
Moe consistently finds his way into scoring areas: his 1.89 Grade “A” chances per game is a top-tier number for a center his age in the USHL. He has scored in a variety of ways this season, from net-front rebounds to clean releases off the rush, and can create separation with his edges by changing the angles of his routes.
3) Transition Ability and Puck Support
Moe is effective through the neutral zone with smart routes and well-timed support. His 1.78 loose puck recoveries per game and 3.3 takeaways per game — high-end hockey sense and processing speed. He excels as a second-layer option, reading off puck movement and filling space with purpose.
4) Compete and Tracking Effort
Moe’s backchecking motor has been highlighted in multiple Neutral Zone reports, including his performance at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup. His willingness to grind out shifts and absorb contact for possession makes him a strong 200-foot player. He earns offensive-zone time through work rate and reads—not just skill.
Why Mason Moe Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Inconsistent Puck Battles and Physical Engagement
Despite being 6’1” and above average in build for the USHL, Moe only wins 46% of his 50/50 puck battles and is receiving 0.81 hits per game — showing a need to improve his first touch. He needs to be more assertive physically and increase his engagement rate. His 0.5 hits given per game is too low for a player with his frame and role.
2) Faceoff Limitations
Moe takes 12 draws a game but only wins 47%—below the USHL average and below expectation for a potential match-up center in the National League. This becomes more problematic if he wants to anchor a line at the next level, particularly on the penalty kill or in key late-game faceoff scenarios.
3) Below Average Shooting Efficiency
While Moe gets shots off (3.7 attempts per game, 2.3 on net), his 14% scoring rate on Grade “A” chances is average, especially given how often he’s in dangerous areas. He needs to improve his release mechanics—both in quickness and deception—and add variance by changing the angle on his release. He also has too many shots blocked (0.63/game) and misses too often (0.75/game), which speaks to a need for refinement and shot selection discipline.
4) Defensive Detail and Stick Positioning
Despite above average anticipation, Moe only blocks 0.25 opponent shots per game, a number that should improve with better defensive stick details and awareness in zone coverage. He’s too often reactive rather than proactive when shutting down his opponent’s possession.
Projection and NHL Outlook
Mason Moe projects as a bottom-six, possession-driven two-way center or versatile winger who can match pace with high-skill linemates and support transition-heavy offensive schemes. If he continues to mature physically and improve his off-puck defensive details, faceoffs, and shooting arsenal, Moe has upside as a low-maintenance NHL contributor in a complementary role.
He’s not a “flash” pick, but he has enough traits to track as a long-term NHL bottom-six center or fourth-line utility forward with special teams potential and above-average game sense.
Draft Grade: End of 4th–5th Rounds
Moe’s hockey sense, puck poise, and offensive creativity are enough to warrant selection, but his faceoff numbers, lack of physicality, and average finishing touch lower his ceiling. He is a development pick that will benefit from the NCAA environment at Minnesota—particularly strength training, role expansion, and refining key details without the pressure of a pro schedule.
NHL Projection:
Bottom-six center/wing with two-way utility, penalty killing support, and value as a possession forward. Safe projection is as an NHL/AHL tweener with upside to carve out a depth NHL role.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images