Oliver Moore
Arguably the drafts best skater, capable of driving a line by himself
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 188 lbs.
Shoots: Left
Position: Center
Team: USNTDP
Nationality: USA
The Draft Prospectus Ranking: #8
Growing up honing his craft on the lakes and ponds of Minnesota, Oliver Moore has developed into one of this year's top prospects.
Spending his last two seasons with the United States National Team Development Program (NTDP), Moore’s blazing speed and breakout season in 2022-23 has catapulted him into top-10 conversations.
Last year, with the U17 NTDP, Moore totaled 65 points (36 goals, 29 assists) in 75 games. This year, with the U18 team, he has significantly improved his output with 75 points (31 goals, 44 assists) in the team's 61 games.
“He churns ice off the rush with his crossovers, pulling defenders one way and burning them the other. He’s unafraid to drive to the slot with and without the puck, even if it means taking a beating.” - Joe Padmanabhan, EP Rinkside
The NTDP can potentially have four forwards drafted in the first round - Will Smith, Gabe Perrault, Ryan Leonard, and Moore. Smith, Perrault, and Leonard play on a line together while Moore drives a line of his own. Though Moore has the fewest points of the group this season, he doesn’t have another star to lean on when he’s having a rare off night.
Moore was his usual productive self during the USA’s gold medal run at the U18 World Championships. He added nine points (four goals, five assists) in seven games, once again driving a line by himself.
Set to join the University of Minnesota next season, the future Gopher has top-10 aspirations in the 2023 NHL Draft, as he and his teammates will be battling it out come draft night.
🥅 One of the main reasons we're discussing Moore this high in the draft is due to his skating. Possibly the best skater in the entire draft, Moore has blazing breakaway speed. Defenders have little to no chance of stopping him as he gains momentum while hitting the neutral zone.
Aside from the breakaway speed, Moore is highly impressive on his edges. Not only impressive for his age group and junior hockey, but his skating translates astonishingly well to the NHL level.
Moore has decent size at just under 6’0” and 188 lbs. He may not be the biggest player, but he’s not afraid to stick his nose into the dirty areas. Too often, a player with speed tries to stick to the perimeter, but not Moore. He welcomes the game's physicality and knows where he is most dangerous.
Moore creates using his legs, plain and simple. He doesn’t have the heaviest shot or the strongest passer. He typically relies solely on his skating to create space for himself. His above-average puck-handling skills and speed have been plenty to produce at the junior level, but how that translates to the NHL will remain a question.
Rarely trying to do too much, Moore plays a simple game. He allows the game to come to him instead of chasing it, making the right plays at the right time.
Perhaps Moore’s most renowned asset also serves as his greatest liability. Moore’s skating is equivalent to that of a high-end NHL-caliber skater - however, the rest of his game has not developed to match his feet.
At times as Moore is flying into the zone, his feet are moving too quickly for his hands, causing him to lose control of the puck. He'd be better served controlling his speed, slowing down when necessary, as opposed to full-throttle at all times.
His game is a work in progress, and he will need time to continue to develop. With the quality coaching he’s had with the NTDP and will continue to have next year under Bob Motzko’s staff at Minnesota, his game should round out with time.
🏒 Not only a weapon in the offensive zone, Moore also uses his speed well in the defensive zone.
Moore is an extraordinarily aggressive forechecker, using his speed to jump players before giving them a moment to react. He looks to create turnovers before allowing defensemen to move the puck up the ice or track them down as they cross the blue line.
Positionally sound, Moore plays within the team's defensive system, not looking to use his speed to jump a pass unless sure it can be picked off. Also a dangerous penalty killer, Moore finished the season second in shorthanded goals (2).
📊 While there’s a strong possibility Smith will be selected in the top ten, Moore is not as much of a sure thing. As Smith’s offensive game is much more well-rounded, Moore is still developing his game.
There are many similarities between Moore and Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin. Though Moore likely won’t take the league by storm in his rookie season like Larkin, his speed and offensive skill set can turn him into a perennial top-six forward.
Moore could potentially be the second American selected behind Smith, ahead of Perrault and Leonard. Though his numbers may not be impressive as his teammates, he has the next gear in terms of speed that can’t be taught. He can become a better shooter and passer to round out his game with his speed already in place. It’s much more difficult to teach speed than the proper mechanics of shooting and passing.
Playing with Minnesota next year, the Golden Gophers play on an Olympic size rink, stretching out the defense more than a typical North American-sized rink. With extra space to operate, I worry Moore will continue to rely on his speed instead of working on his skills within tight spaces that will elevate his game to the next level.
Look for Moore to be taken between the eighth and fifteenth pick, but don’t be shocked if he drops into the twenties. He’s a challenging prospect to gauge but has shown the potential to become an everyday player in the NHL. The Red Wings or St. Louis Blues, both within the top 10, could be great landing spots for Moore, or if he were to fall a bit, he’d be a breath of fresh air with the Pittsburgh Penguins as they’ve needed a youth movement for some time.
📈 📉 Rankings by Top Publications and Insiders
Sportsnet: 14
TSN/Bob McKenzie: 11
TSN/Craig Button: 16
The Hockey News: 14