Cash Koch (LW, L, 5’11”, 201, Tri-City Americans, 03/31/2007)
Cash Koch is a physically mature, high-energy winger who plays a straight-line, north-south game and brings a clear physical identity to the ice. Despite being on the smaller side by pro power forward standards, Koch logs significant penalty minutes and hits per game, showing a willingness—and at times, eagerness—to engage physically in all areas of the rink. In 61 games during the 2024–25 season, he posted 18 points and a team-leading 107 PIMs while regularly playing third-line minutes and earning secondary special teams opportunities.
Statistical Profile:
Season GP G A P PIM +/- TOI (avg) SC (avg) C% P%
2024–25 (WHL) 61 11 7 18 107 -10 14:24 1.31 50% 76%
Hits per game: 3.6
50/50 puck battles per game: 11
Faceoffs (despite not being a center): 3 per game, 43% win rate
Shot output: 2.9 shots/game with 12% conversion rate
Reasons to Draft:
Physical Identity & Compete Level: Koch plays a hard, relentless style suited to a future fourth-line/checking role. His 107 penalty minutes, 3.6 hits per game, and frequent post-whistle engagement show a willingness to stir the game emotionally and physically.
Quick Acceleration: Shows separation speed with explosive first-step power, allowing him to be an effective forechecker and close gaps quickly. Uses that speed to be disruptive on the forecheck and transition with pace when supporting line rushes.
Puck Battle Engagement: With 11 puck battles per game and a 50% win rate, Koch shows consistent engagement and effort in contested areas. His ability to win pucks and recover loose pucks (1.41 per game) adds value in high-traffic, low-glamour situations.
Structured Off-Puck Play: Demonstrates good spatial awareness in defensive zone transition—setting width and depth well to avoid getting caught below the puck—and makes responsible reads in his limited special teams deployment.
Reasons for Concern:
Offensive Ceiling: Limited to 18 points in 61 games and currently projects as a bottom-six forward. Despite solid effort and physical play, he lacks consistent offensive creativity or elite skill elements to move up a lineup at the NHL level.
Discipline & Penalty Volume: 107 penalty minutes raises concern about avoidable penalties and how frequently he plays on the edge or over it. To be effective and impactful at higher levels he must learn to channel his aggression in a more calculated and disciplined manner to avoid becoming a liability.
Average Size for Role: At 5’11”, 200 lbs, Koch is slightly undersized for a traditional power forward and may face challenges asserting himself against larger, stronger opponents at the pro level. He plays heavier than his height, but this will be tested against AHL/NHL competition.
Low Passing Impact: Averages only 0.28 pre-shot passes per game — limited play-driving or offensive facilitation. His passing game and offensive reads must improve if he’s to take on more than a depth role at the next level.
Projection:
Bottom-six energy winger who plays a heavy game and can kill penalties, agitate, and bring momentum-shifting hits. With development, he could carve out a role similar to NHL fourth-line forecheckers who provide physicality and tempo without hurting their team defensively. Must prove he can stay on the right side of the puck and stay out of the penalty box unless he is bringing an opponent with him.
Draft Recommendation:
Late 6th or 7th Round
Koch brings a distinct physical presence and work ethic to the ice that organizations value in their bottom-six roles. While the offensive upside is limited, his skating, forechecking, and puck battle traits give him a foundation that could translate with time, maturity, and continued discipline refinement.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images