L.J. Mooney – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

Mooney is everywhere on the ice, especially in the offensive zone. His motor is elite, as is the energy he uses to recover pucks. Despite his well-below-average size, the forward fears nothing and will do whatever it takes to stand out or disrupt the puck carrier. When his skill and confidence blend with his reliably elite motor and pace, the undersized forward is very difficult to contain.

He has excellent skating skills, and his speed allows him to push the pace of a game and drive a play, yet his patience allows him to slow the game down. He’s shifty and quick but has struggled to create offense outside of the power play. His stride rate and pace can sometimes overwhelm opponents and were instrumental to his even-strength playmaking.

Off the puck, Mooney is effective in his own zone. He is willing to block shots, cover for pinching defensemen, and apply pressure at the point. His puck security in high-traffic areas stands out, and he has no issues using his upper-body strength to gain inside leverage on bigger opponents. He has a slight tendency to want to do everything by himself and leave his positioning aside to apply pressure on the opponent.

Mooney’s playmaking sequences can be dynamic. He demonstrates high-end vision, regularly attempting difficult passes into the slot and along the half-wall, and he can thread tight seams. He tends to overhandle the puck too often, though. But generally, his playmaking skills force defenders onto their heels, making them scramble and play catch-up, which allows him to exploit openings and find teammates with his strong passing ability.

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L.J. Mooney – NHL Draft Projection

Many think that Mooney has a first-round caliber skill set. However, the concern over his size is likely to see him taken later. He will likely be selected in the third round, but the qualities he brings and his progression this season could lead teams to choose him as early as the second round.

Quotables

“Mooney is an undersized playmaking forward with a wealth of skill. He sees the ice exceptionally well and has the ability to thread pucks through tight spaces. His quick hands enhance his passing and allow him to be creative in open areas. He possesses excellent edge work, making him incredibly shifty, though straight-line speed is not a strength.” Jacob Roth – FC Hockey

“Undersized playmaker. Pass first approach but with sneaky release. Patient and aware defensively.” Jason Bukula – Sportsnet

“Mooney has first-round talent – he’s one of the most energetic, skilled wingers you’ll find in this draft class. But at 5-foot-6, there’s an obvious concern about his size. At the very least, he’s so much fun to watch.” Steven Ellis – Daily Faceoff

“Mooney is small but plays like no one ever told him he might be too small to play the game he plays. He’s relentless when he touches the ice, suffocating space defensively, not afraid to play physically, and going to areas of the ice his size would tell you he has no business being there. I had to go back to his first USHL games before he was injured to watch his game, and it was an entertaining experience to say the least.” Austin Garret – SMAHT Scouting

Strengths

Under Construction – Improvements to Make

NHL Potential

His skills and the energy he brings to the ice give him the potential to be an offensive-driving, high-motor playmaker in a top-six role. Even if his skills don’t progress as hoped, his energy alone could see him as a middle-six forward who can bring some two-way skills to an NHL squad.

Risk- Reward Analysis

Risk- 3/5, Reward 4/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Offense- 7/10, Defense 7/10

Interviews/Links

L.J. Mooney Statistics

Awards/Achievements

Videos