2025 NHL Draft’s Will Horcoff will absolutely flatten you

Steven Ellis
Steven Ellis(sellishockey)
Jun 12, 2025, 09:00 EDT
Will Horcoff (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)
Credit: Steven Ellis/The Nation Network

Will Horcoff wasn’t born when his father played in the 2006 Stanley Cup Final with the Edmonton Oilers. But you better believe it: he grew up an Oilers fan.

At the NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo last weekend, Horcoff was asked which of his dad’s former linemates – former or active – he’d like to play with one day. His choice? Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, whom he recalls visiting the Horcoff residence as an 18-year-old after he was drafted in 2011. Horcoff was only about four years old back then, but it was an encounter he remembers to this day.

Given RNH is only 32, it’s possible that they could line up together. But with Horcoff continuing to rise up NHL Draft boards, and the Oilers not projected to select until No. 83, it’s not looking too likely.

Horcoff is coming off a year that saw him start with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program before joining the University of Michigan as a 17-year-old for the second half of the season. He had a quiet start with the U-18 squad, registering eight goals and 14 points in 18 games.

But the jump to college seemed to suit him, with Horcoff registering two points in just 9:19 in ice time in his first game. That night put him in the good graces of coach Brandon Nurato, who promptly pushed him up the lineup, where Horcoff would go on to register three points in his next four games. In the end, Horcoff had a respectable 10 points in 18 games while playing around 14 minutes a night. Not too shabby for the youngest player in the NCAA.

Horcoff finished the year at the U-18 World Championship, where he rejoined his USNTDP teammates to finish what they started: attempting to win gold on home ice. The Americans lost, and Horcoff primarily played on the fourth line, but he did a great job defensively and was an absolute force physically.

Shawn Horcoff wasn’t massive by any means, but he was strong, and used his energy to help create his offense. He had a career-best 73 points during the 2005-06 season, where he showed his chops as a high-end playmaker. Will is somewhat similar, using his larger 6-foot-4 frame to bowl players over while outsmarting them with the puck.

Horcoff’s time at Michigan seemed to bulk him up. The school listed him as 181 pounds once he joined the program, but he weighed in at a whopping 203 pounds at the combine. Horcoff plays a big, muscly game, and he’s an immovable object in front of the crease. By all accounts, he’s a prototypical power forward.

And when we’re talking about power, we mean POWER. Horcoff set a new long jump record at the combine at 124.75 inches, beating the previous record set a year ago by New York Rangers prospect EJ Emery.

“I jumped higher than that before, so I’m not sure what happened there,” Horcoff said, with a smile.

For reference, no player came within half a foot of Horcoff’s jump this year.

“I don’t think it’s a surprise he did it,” said Cullen Potter, who played with Horcoff at the USNTDP.

Horcoff isn’t just a big forward who plays a hard-hitting game, and that’s partly why scouts think he could go as early as the top 40.

“I’m a competitive guy,” Horcoff said. “I think I could be a skilled power forward in the NHL, just impact the game and shift momentum by using my size, physicality, but also my good hockey sense and big plays. I want to be dangerous in the offensive zone with my shot and scoring ability.”

Being big and skilled is great and all. But the biggest downside right now is his footwork. His skating is subpar at best, lacking high-end speed and four-way mobility. The best power forwards are the ones who are constantly moving, and Horcoff isn’t there yet.

But, man, it’s hard not to fall in love with his game. Horcoff is a raw talent, but one who has shown he can adapt no matter the situation. He’s competitive, can put guys through the glass and can shoot the puck very well. Horcoff’s mobility might limit his potential, but he has enough going for him both physically and in his bloodlines to suggest he’ll have a solid NHL career.

Horcoff can shoot, make plays and hit. But while he’s a good passer, he can be caught trying to slow games down too much and not making the right moves to take advantage. If he could figure out how to play with pace, watch out, because he’s got the intensity element locked in already.

Not everyone’s going to be a star. You need good support players, too. That’s Will Horcoff for you.

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