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William Horcoff – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile
Will Horcoff, Team USA (Rena Laverty / USA Hockey’s NTDP)

William Horcoff

2024-25 Team: University of Michigan (NCAA)
Date of Birth: Jan. 23, 2007
Place of Birth: Birmingham, MI, USA
Ht: 6-foot-4 Wt: 181 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: Center
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2025 first-year eligible

Rankings

William Horcoff does all the little things and many significant actions to put his team in advantageous positions and help them win games—he’s truly a remarkable player. Although he is officially listed at 6-foot-4, he is closer to 6-foot-5. He utilizes his size effectively as a highly physical power forward with a rugged, NHL-ready style.

Horcoff already excels defensively. He is recognized as a detail-oriented player who aims to disrupt the opposing team’s rush early. He does this by stepping up in the neutral zone, either through physical contact or by using his long wingspan coupled with well-timed poke checks. He resembles a defenseman in the middle third of the ice, sometimes skating backward and maintaining gap control to force attackers to the outside. He also retrieves the puck in the defensive zone and actively scans for the best passing options.

Horcoff backchecks aggressively and effectively, excelling at shutting down passing lanes, disrupting plays, blocking shots, and limiting the time and space for opposing players at the point. As a good defensive center should, he supports his teammates throughout the zone and assists his defense in controlling pucks in the low areas. Once the puck reaches his stick, he moves it quickly in the other direction with a smart pass. He is an underrated facilitator who handles pressure well, transforms defense into offense, and consistently creates advantageous situations for his teammates in all three zones, using his intelligence both with and without the puck.

Horcoff is dominant along the boards, has a strong presence down low, and is hard to move in front of the net. He is an aggressive forechecker, applying heavy pressure to make life difficult for opponents during puck retrievals and relentlessly pursuing puck carriers. Often, he appears intense and enjoys punishing opponents, wearing them down while separating them from the puck. He demonstrates a strong work ethic and high compete level, and seemingly never tires. While he hasn’t been known as a prolific scorer in the past, those who watch him regularly identify him as a very intelligent player with a high hockey IQ who processes the game quickly.

Horcoff has a solid understanding of creating space in the offensive zone, employing a patient delay game to draw defenders towards him, which opens up passing lanes. In transition, he actively contributes by utilizing give-and-go plays to create openings, and he possesses well-developed puck protection skills that help him navigate through traffic. Off the puck, he demonstrates exceptional hockey intelligence, knowing exactly where to position himself to support his teammates and make himself available for passes; he always seems to be in the right place at the right time. When in the offensive zone, he can make impactful plays around the net and through the slot, making life difficult for goalies. He also has a hard, heavy shot that he uses to get pucks on net and as a playmaking tool to create second-chance opportunities for his teammates. 

Criticism surrounded Horcoff’s skating stride, which many felt was detrimental. However, he has put significant effort into improving it. While his stride may still appear somewhat clunky and choppy due to an upright stance, he can generate a surprising amount of power. He keeps pace with older players in college, and most of his skating issues should improve as he gains strength. His edges and agility look reasonably good, allowing him to move quickly laterally across the ice to thwart opposing rushes, and he consistently keeps his feet moving.

Other THW Draft Profiles

William Horcoff – NHL Draft Projection

Horcoff is the type of prospect that excites scouts and general managers, and it’s easy to see why he is highly regarded. The more you watch him play and consider the potential he could bring to your team, the more you can envision what he might become. However, it is this potential that sometimes lowers his stock. While his raw skill is impressive, teams are banking on his ability to develop those skills further. This uncertainty may push him out of the first round, but he could easily be selected in the late second or early third round.

Quotables

“Will loves to put players through the glass whenever possible. He hasn’t put up a ton of points this year, but he’s good in his own zone and is one of the team’s better back checkers.” – Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

“Horcoff is a big body who extends plays below the goal line and sets screens around the crease. His open ice pace is average-plus and he’s adjusting defensively at the college level. He’s a power style forward who shields pucks and opponents.” – Jason Bukala, Sportsnet

Strengths

Under Construction/Improvements to Make

NHL Potential

Horcoff possesses qualities that many teams seek in a player willing to put their body on the line. He plays hard, blocks shots, and ensures his time on the ice is always effective. Analyzing his game, one can see that it closely resembles what Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators brings to his team. Both are high-energy players who make their physical presence felt on the ice and are unafraid to take a shot when the opportunity arises.

Risk-Reward Analysis

Risk –3.5/5, Reward – 4/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Offense – 7.5/10, Defence – 710

Awards/Achievements

2023-24 U17 WHC Silver Medal

William Horcoff Statistics

Videos

This article first appeared on The Hockey Writers and was syndicated with permission.

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