Matthew Lansing (C, L, 6’0″, 188, Fargo Force, 02/24/2007)
Matthew Lansing is a versatile, physically mature forward who showed tangible two-way value throughout his 2024–25 draft-eligible season. Splitting time between Waterloo and Fargo in the USHL, as well as skating in international competition with the USA U18 National Team and at both the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup and World U18 Championships, Lansing proved he can handle a variety of roles — from top-line scoring to depth-line matchups. Across 55 USHL games, Lansing produced a combined 27 points (12G, 15A), posted a +20 rating in Waterloo, and averaged 15:12 of ice time, with key usage on both the power play (2:03) and penalty kill (0:49).
His standout performance came at the 2024 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, where Lansing scored 4 goals in 5 games and logged nearly 20 minutes per game, including a dominant faceoff presence (56%). He was one of the most consistent forwards on a U.S. team that finished with bronze. His production dipped at the U18 World Championship (0 points in 7 games), but his physical and situational value remained evident in matchups, board work, and responsible shifts.
Why Lansing Should Be Drafted
1) Reliable 200-Foot Presence With Pro Motor
Lansing plays a mature, heavy game. He averaged 11 puck battles per game in the USHL, winning 47%, and showed strong details on the PK and forecheck. He’s responsible defensively, finishes checks, and reads play well — even in games where his offense isn’t clicking.
2) Situationally Trusted Across Multiple Levels
He was used in all situations for both Waterloo and Fargo in the USHL, centered lines at the U18 Worlds, and was leaned on heavily in the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup (nearly 20 TOI/game). Coaches trust him, and his usage reflects that.
3) Above-Average Skating Mechanics and Transition Pacing
Lansing has a clean, efficient stride with good lower-body posture and strength through contact. His skating base allows him to separate from pressure, track back defensively, and drive lanes off the rush. He doesn’t rely on flash but wins with effort, pace, and timing.
4) Flashes of Offensive Creation in Big Moments
While his stat line at the international level lacks assists, he generated 1.69 Grade A chances/game in the USHL and had multiple highlight-reel goals at the Hlinka, including a solo rush through three defenders vs. Sweden. He finds soft spots, plays in traffic, and has a functional release.
Why Lansing May Not Be Drafted
1) Limited Creative Upside or Offensive Flash
Despite strong hockey sense and work ethic, Lansing’s offensive toolkit — particularly passing vision (0.6 PSP/game) and deception — is below average. He plays a direct game and projects more as a complementary forward than a primary play-driver.
2) Production Drop at Highest International Stage
At the U18 Worlds, Lansing had 0 points in 7 games and a -4 rating. While he wasn’t a liability, he didn’t move the needle offensively and failed to assert himself in critical moments. His low shot generation (1.57 S/game) and inconsistent zone entries were noticeable.
3) Puck Management and Skill Execution Inconsistent Under Pressure
With an 80% passing success rate in the USHL and 77% at the U18s, his puck decisions and overall puck management can trail off when pressed. He doesn’t panic, but he doesn’t consistently execute passes or offensive-zone setups under stress.
4) Ceiling May Be Role-Dependent
Lansing’s game lacks one elite trait. He may carve out a bottom-six checking-line identity at the pro level, but his ceiling is tied closely to how much more offense he can produce in traffic or against top defenders.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: Bottom-six checking forward or energy-line penalty killer with potential for situational match-ups.
Development Track: 2 more year in the USHL, then 2 years in NCAA (likely to play a matchup/utility role), followed by AHL seasoning in a middle-six match-up pro role
Draft Range: 6th – 7th Round
Verdict: Lansing is a projectable, reliable two-way forward with a strong foundation in skating and compete. While his offense is opportunistic and still developing, his motor, physicality, and ability to play both special teams should make him appealing to NHL organizations in the later rounds. He’s the type of player you win with — maybe not flashy, but honest, coachable, and consistent. A strong candidate for a fourth line role at the pro level with long-term upside as a responsible third-line center.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images