Mason West (RW, R, 6’6″, 210, Edina HS, 08/03/2007)
Mason West is a dual-sport athlete who possesses one of the most intriguing toolkits in the 2025 NHL Draft class. A 6’6”, 210-lb right winger with rare athleticism, West blends raw power, soft hands, and physical presence in a package that remains in the early stages of development. He dominated Minnesota high school hockey this season (49 points in 31 games) and then transitioned to the USHL where he immediately produced nearly a point per game (9 in 10) with Fargo despite limited pro-level polish. The statistical production, paired with what we’ve seen live, paints a clear picture: West is a projectable, toolsy forward with legitimate upside if he can refine his skating, timing, and playmaking under pressure.
Why Mason West Should Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Rare Size/Skill Combination
At 6’6” and 210 lbs, West is physically mature and already uses his frame effectively to protect pucks, lean on defenders, and establish net-front presence. What separates him from typical big forwards is his ability to handle pucks with finesse, find teammates with touch passes through traffic, and finish in tight. His hands are soft for his size and he already understands how to shield the puck and manipulate space.
2) Versatile Offensive Skill Set
While West scored only 1 goal in his 10-game USHL stint, he tallied 8 assists, showcasing his high-level vision (87% pass completion, 0.45 pre-shot passes/game). He consistently generated 1.73 Grade A chances/game, most of which came from inside 10 feet. He has a quick release, soft hands in traffic, and the strength to get inside positioning on defenders. His power play usage demonstrates the trust his coaches had in his net-front utility and scoring instincts.
3) Pro-Level Tools on the Forecheck and Net Front
West doesn’t just chip and chase. He pressures with purpose, using a long stick and strong stride to close space quickly. He initiates contact, disrupts retrievals, and wins pucks back, even if the 43% puck battle win rate reflects that he’s still learning leverage. He draws attention when on the ice and has the tools to wear down defenders in cycles and net-front scrums.
4) Compete and Intelligence Are Trending Up
Neutral Zone evaluations from National Camp and Fargo confirm West’s high-end puck anticipation (2.1 PRS/game), understanding of spacing, and commitment to a full-ice game. He backchecks with urgency and plays with purpose in the defensive zone. His low penalty totals show he uses his reach but doesn’t reach, and he’s already trusted to handle top-six and PP minutes at the USHL level, a rare feat for a player fresh out of high school.
Why Mason West Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Skating and First-Step Need Development
While his straight-line speed is fine for his size, West’s first-step quickness and agility remain under construction. He can look heavy on his feet when the game speeds up, and he may struggle to separate or maintain pace through pro-level contact unless this area improves significantly. His ability to process plays at high speed will need to accelerate along with his feet, but we fee l that will come with experience.
2) Physicality Is Inconsistent
Despite being 6’6” and 210 lbs, West only averaged 0.64 hits/game with Fargo. He plays to contact and uses his size to win pucks, but he’s not consistently imposing and certainly does not use intimidation as part of his game (yet). Whether due to inexperience or positional awareness, he needs to learn how to consistently leverage his frame to wear down defenders, finish checks, and win more board battles. 48% puck battle win rate is low given his tools.
3) Scoring Drought at USHL Level
He scored 1 goal on 44 attempted shots in his USHL games, a surprising number for a player who put up 27 goals in 31 HS games. His 0% execution on grade “A” scoring opportunities is likely an outlier, but it raises questions about his finish under pressure and ability to execute cleanly at higher levels. His 0.91 missed shots/game and 0.45 blocked shots/game suggest he’ll need to improve his shooting mechanics and deception at pace.
4) Still Raw Despite Age and Physical Maturity
West’s statistical profile in Fargo reveals the raw nature of his game. His 3.7 takeaways/game vs. 6 giveaways/game is high for his TOI, showing he’s forcing plays at times and struggling to protect pucks when under pressure. While he shows flashes of polish, they remain flashes. He’s not yet a consistent play-driver or puck transporter at USHL pace.
Projection & Development Outlook
Player Projection: Middle-six power forward with second-unit power play value
Development Path: Will need 2 years of USHL development followed by at least 2 years at the NCAA level. Committed strength training, skating work, and reps vs. faster competition will be key to unlocking his ceiling.
Draft Recommendation: 3rd–4th Round
Mason West is a long-term project with high-reward potential. While raw in terms of pace, polish, and consistency, his combination of size, passing vision, touch in tight, and defensive effort is rare and gives him a clear pro identity. He projects as a power winger who can be leaned on below the dots, on the forecheck, and as a second-unit net-front scorer. If his skating improves and the scoring touch translates with more USHL/NCAA reps, this is a potential middle-six NHLer with a unique build and skill foundation.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images