2024-25 Team: US National Development Program U18 Team
Date of Birth: Mar. 24, 2007
Place of Birth: Mississauga, ON, CAN
Ht: 6-foot-2 Wt: 174 pounds
Shoots: L
Position: C
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2025 first-year eligible
William Moore is a highly skilled, offensively-driven center with the height typical of NHL players and exceptional puck-handling ability, making him a potential first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. His hockey IQ, vision, and creativity in the offensive zone distinguish him as a dynamic playmaker and scoring threat. While his offensive potential is impressive, his defensive play, consistency, and physical engagement need improvement. With focused development, Moore has the potential to become a top-line NHL center capable of making an impact in all situations.
Moore scored 23 goals and provided 20 assists in 50 games with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (USNTDP) U17 Team. He also contributed 14 goals and 11 assists in 35 games in the United States Hockey League (USHL). Additionally, he excelled in the World Under-17 Challenge, scoring five goals and providing seven assists in 12 games.
His playing style is relatively straightforward: he is a forward who operates in a straight line and avoids complicating things unnecessarily. He has an excellent shot that he can release quickly, even from tight spaces. He typically positions himself close to the net, constantly trying to be an option for his teammates so that he can take advantage of his strengths in traffic.
Moore is a tall and lanky product who prioritizes passing and creating opportunities for his teammates. While he usually plays as a center, he has spent time on the wing as well. His standout traits are his passing ability and vision. He consistently knows where his teammates are positioned and uses his soft hands to distribute the puck effectively, even in tight spaces. Additionally, he excels on the forecheck, utilizing his size and reach to block passing lanes and generate multiple turnovers.
While he is a center capable of creating plays and regularly delivering highlights, finesse is not his priority. His speed and explosiveness do not allow him to focus on flair. The lack of quickness in his initial steps is apparent and limits his ability to separate from his opponents. As a result, he prefers to delegate responsibilities and position himself as an option or to protect the puck using his reach and intensity. He is a decent skater with slightly above-average speed, although he isn’t elusive and could benefit from improving his edge work.
Moore can be rated as an early second-round selection, but he could see him as high as a mid-first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. His elite skill set and offensive potential make him one of his class’s most-closely-watched players. However, his inconsistency and reluctance to pursue the puck can potentially see him drop towards the second round with other centers available for selection.
“The primary draw might be Moore’s hockey IQ. He’s such a smart player who makes everyone around him better. Moore’s playmaking is among the leaders in the draft class, and he’s got an outstanding shot release to boost” – Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff
“Moore is at his best when acting as a facilitator, working give-and-go’s, spotting passing lanes and hitting teammates driving to the net” – Tony Ferrari, The Hockey News
“He’s a big, rangy, skilled forward who has produced 8G-4A in his latest 10-game segment. He’s deployed in all situations and working hard off the puck.” – Jason Bukala, Sportsnet
Moore is projected to be a potential top-six forward in the NHL. He can become a dynamic offensive driver and a power-play quarterback. If he can enhance his defensive skills, maintain consistency, and add more physicality to his game, Moore has the potential to develop into a franchise-level talent. He is a creative playmaking center with elite vision and offensive instincts, capable of controlling the game when he has the puck on his stick.
Risk – 3.5/5, Reward – 4/5
Offence – 6.5/10, Defence – 7.5/10
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