Mace’o Phillips – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

Phillips worked his way up through Minnesota’s high school system before joining the U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP), where his heavy defensive play continued to stand out. He played 51 games for the U17 squad in 2023-24, logging 63 penalty minutes, then moved up to the U18 team in 2024-25, where he racked up 103 penalty minutes in 53 games. In United States Hockey League (USHL) play with the USNTDP Juniors, he added 52 penalty minutes in 33 games in 2023-24, followed by 67 penalty minutes in 25 games in 2024-25. He also played five games for Team USA at the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship, finishing with zero penalty minutes. Heading into the University of Minnesota in Big Ten hockey, he’ll need to cut those penalty minutes down to earn playing time at that level.

Most recently, Phillips was selected by the Green Bay Gamblers in the 2025 USHL Entry Draft, going 114th overall in the seventh round.

His physical game and shutdown ability make him an intriguing pickup, and he’ll have another opportunity to refine his skills before taking the next step to the NCAA.

Mace’o Phillips – NHL Draft Projection

Phillips is a big, tough shutdown defenseman who plays a hard, physical style that NHL teams value. His draft rankings vary widely, placing him anywhere from the 60s to the 110s, showing a range of opinions on his long-term potential.

He’s expected to go somewhere in the third to fifth round, and he’s the kind of player worth taking a chance on because of his size and physical game. If he keeps improving his puck movement and can cut down his penalty minutes, he could carve out a role as a dependable American Hockey League (AHL) or NHL defenseman down the line.

Other THW Draft Profiles

Quotables

“Phillips isn’t just big—he skates like a player six inches shorter. His first few steps allow him to close quickly on puck carriers, and his edgework below the dots allows him to contain shifty forwards. He maintains a wide, low stance and plays with a controlled intensity that rarely sees him off-balance. These tools are critical for defending today’s east-west offenses.” – Neutral Zone

“Mace’o Phillips has NHL traits that are difficult to find: size, athleticism, mobility, and physicality. He’s not just big—he’s powerful, coordinated, and competitive. His ability to defend the rush, clear his net, and engage physically makes him a rare breed in today’s NHL prospect landscape.” – Neutral Zone

Strengths

Under Construction/Improvements to Make

NHL Potential

Phillips will continue his development at the University of Minnesota, joining the Golden Gophers within the next few seasons, most likely. He will continue his junior career with the Green Bay Gamblers first, though, likely for one season.

Looking forward, NCAA hockey will be an important step as he refines his game against top collegiate competition in the mighty Big Ten Conference. His shutdown ability and aggressive style give him the tools to become a reliable AHL or NHL defenseman in the future. If he continues refining his puck movement and decision-making, he has the potential to grow into an everyday NHL player, maybe filling a shutdown role at the next level if he can improve.

Risk-Reward Analysis

Risk – 4/5, Reward – 3.5/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Offense – 4/10, Defense – 8.5/10

Awards/Achievements

Interviews/Links

Mace’o Phillips Stats

Videos