We profile Chicago Steel forward Nick Moldenhauer. Despite missing much of his draft year, see how he was able to finish his season strong.
thehockeywriters.com
Quotables
“A great competitor with above-average skating mechanics and a refined two-way game, Moldenhauer excels at suppressing opponents’ chances by using his stick and body jointly to break down offensive sequences. He pushes through contact well, allowing him to get to loose pucks that others wouldn’t, and has great awareness in transition to find the best play and try it. Although his puck skills aren’t refined — his shot isn’t mechanically sound and his passes lack forethought and inventiveness at times — the prospect has enough pro-ready tools to make a decent impact on a middle-six, especially if surrounded by playmakers who can help him put his intensity and ability to dig up loose pucks to use. A healthy year and more exposure would almost certainly have made him a staple in the first two rounds, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him still on the board near the end of the third.” –
Hadi Kalakeche, Dobber Prospects
“Moldenhauer is a speedy winger who impacts the game at both ends of the ice. His speed and puckhandling abilities allow him to contribute offensively and, despite being a smaller forward, he has no reservations about getting to the high-slot to generate quality scoring chances.” –
Austin Broad, Future Considerations
“Moldenhauer is an excellent skater who can make highly skilled plays with the puck with pace. He’s dangerous in transition and off entries, but I don’t see him as a really celebreal player who can make a lot of plays. As a 5-foot-10 forward I’d like to see more offense from him overall or be a true 200-foot guy. So despite NHL speed and skill his role is unclear. -Corey Pronman, The Athletic (From NHL Draft 2022 top 127 prospects: Juraj Slafkovsky leads Corey Pronman’s list, 5/31/2022)
Strengths
- Plus skater
- Skilled playmaker
- Transition play
Under Construction — Improvements to Make
- Play in defensive zone
- Size and strength
NHL Potential
Moldenhauer’s potential will be determined by his continued improvement in overall consistency everywhere on the ice. His skating and puck skills are good enough to get to the NHL. He can make an impact if he continues to make strides in moments when he doesn’t have the puck.
Risk-Reward Analysis
Risk — 3/5, Reward — 3/5
Fantasy Hockey Potential
Offense — 7.5/10, Defense — 6/10
Awards/Achievements
Moldenhauer was drafted in the first round of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection by the Ottawa 67s. He also was a member of Team Canada at the recently completed U18’s.
www.eliteprospects.com
