William Moore (C, L, 6’2″, 161, NTDP U18, 03/24/2007, Boston College)
William Moore, a 6’2″, 160-pound left-shot center, is a highly intriguing prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft. His combination of size, skill, and vision makes him a potential top-five selection. With elite puck-handling, natural offensive instincts, and high hockey IQ, Moore has all the tools to be a standout player at the next level. However, there are areas of his game that will require attention as he continues to develop, particularly in terms of physical play, consistency, and defensive engagement.
Strengths:
- Elite Vision and Hockey IQ: Moore’s hockey sense and vision are among his most defining traits. He excels at reading the play, finding seams, and creating time and space for himself and his teammates. He has a natural ability to manipulate defenders, using change of speed and deceptive puck handling to open up lanes. His playmaking ability is exceptional, with the ability to turn even situations like 2-on-2s into odd-man rushes through smart delay and curl-back moves. Moore consistently finds open linemates, making high-level passes that few others can.
- Puck Handling and Creativity: Moore is an effortless puck carrier, capable of dangles and dekes that seem second nature. His hands are soft, and he can handle the puck with finesse at full speed. Whether it’s on a breakaway, in tight spaces, or off the rush, Moore is a constant threat to create scoring chances. His ability to change direction quickly and protect the puck with his long reach makes him difficult to defend. His creativity and skill are key factors in his offensive production, and he can generate scoring opportunities from anywhere in the offensive zone.
- Offensive Instincts and Scoring Ability: Moore has a natural nose for the net, with a heavy, accurate shot that he can release quickly. He can score in a variety of ways, whether it’s a short-side snipe or a top-corner shot from the slot. He has shown a clutch ability to score in key moments, such as his penalty shot goal in the third period of a quarter-final game. While he is primarily known for his playmaking, Moore also possesses a strong goal-scoring touch that adds to his overall offensive threat.
- Size and Athleticism: At 6’2″, Moore has the frame to develop into a physically imposing player. While he currently weighs 160 pounds, there is significant room for him to grow into his body. Despite his lighter frame, Moore doesn’t shy away from physical play. He has shown the ability to absorb hits, stand up opponents, and protect the puck effectively. His size, combined with his skating ability, makes him a versatile player who can excel in various situations.
Areas for Improvement:
- Physical Development and Strength: Moore’s size is an asset, but he will need to add muscle to his frame to fully compete at the NHL level. At 160 pounds, his strength is still developing, and adding weight will allow him to be more effective in battles along the boards, in front of the net, and in high-traffic areas. Scouts will be watching to see how he handles the physical demands of higher levels of play as he matures physically.
- Consistency and Compete Level: While Moore has moments of brilliance, there are concerns about his consistency and compete level. There have been instances where he has not shown the same intensity in backchecking or fighting for loose pucks. Scouts will be looking for him to bring a more consistent effort, especially in terms of second efforts and defensive engagement. Moore has the talent to dominate shifts, but he needs to maintain that high level of play throughout the entire game.
- Defensive Play: Moore’s offensive skills are undeniable, but his defensive game needs refinement. He has been caught out of position at times in his own zone due to hyper focusing on the puck or trying to anticipate offensive opportunities. To become a more complete player, Moore will need to improve his defensive awareness and positioning. Scouts will be looking for him to round out his two-way game, particularly in situations where his team does not have the puck in the defensive zone.
- Puck Management and Turnovers: While Moore is a gifted playmaker, he has shown a tendency to turn the puck over in the offensive zone and in the grey areas. Whether this is a minor issue or a potential habit will be something scouts monitor closely. Improving his puck management, particularly in key areas of the ice, will be critical for his success at the NHL level.
Conclusion: William Moore is a highly skilled, offensively gifted center with top-five potential in the 2025 NHL Draft. His elite vision, puck-handling ability, and offensive instincts make him a dangerous player in all situations. However, to reach his full potential at the NHL level, Moore will need to continue developing physically, bring more consistency to his compete level, and improve his defensive game. With the right development, Moore has the potential to be a highly impactful player at the NHL level, and scouts will be closely monitoring his progress in these areas during the 2024/25 season and beyond.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images