2025 NHL Draft’s William Moore could be your team’s future reliable, two-way forward

Credit: Rena Laverty/USA Hockey

William Moore was born and played all his minor hockey in Mississauga, Ontario. In fact, before 2023, he never had lived in the United States. But now, he’s a major piece of the famed U-18 USA Hockey National Team Development Program.

It’s not completely unheard of for a Canadian to represent the United States like this – Gabe Perreault was born in Quebec, but owns the all-time single-season scoring record for the program. But unlike Moore, Perreault actually lived and played in the United States before getting recruited.

Moore’s father, Patrick, grew up in New York, which is what opened up the door for Moore to play for the Americans. The move to the USNTDP has been big for his development, and he has a shot at being the first USNTDP product taken at the 2025 NHL Draft.

Moore entered the 2023 OHL Draft as a hot commodity. Many expected him to go early—even as high as No. 1. But it became clear during his second OHL Cup appearance that Moore was leaning towards the USNTDP. The London Knights weren’t deterred and still took him 18th overall, but Moore had his sights set on college.

“For me, it was a no-brainer for where I was at,” Moore said. “The NTDP was a much better fit for me. London has a great program and I’d love to give them their flowers, but the development at the NTDP is second to none.”

These days, he wouldn’t have to choose – Moore could have instead gone to London, chased an OHL title as a rookie, and played another year or two there before college. The Boston College commit could still elect to head to the OHL next year if he so chooses, but his rights are now owned by the Barrie Colts.

Moore has always been near the top of his age group, so it’s no surprise that he’s in conversation to be the first player taken from the USNTDP this year. While Moore has slid a bit behind his two former Mississauga Senators teammates, Moore’s ability to play a solid 200-foot game makes him intriguing around the 10-20 area.

“He’s one of the best forwards in our age group, and one of the best forwards on our team,” USNTDP defenseman Charlie Trethewey said. “Playing defense again him (in practice), he has made me a better player. Just how he’s able to control the puck and make players like most elite kids at this age group.”

Forward has good size at 6-foot-2, and he’s not afraid to outmuscle players. He doesn’t get too fancy or anything like that with the puck – instead, he spends a lot of time around the net at both ends of the ice. When he’s really on it in a game – when he desperately wants the puck, or has a chance to get a second, third or even fourth look at a chance – he can be so dangerous.

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. At the very least, he looks like someone with middle-six potential, either at center or the wing.

But scouts have a few worries. For starters, he lacks high-end speed, which can sometimes limit his two-way play. Moore’s effort has been questioned often, too – scouts see the skill, but they want to see it more consistently.

“He’s got all the raw talent to be a good NHLer,” one Michigan-based scout said. “The strength, the hockey IQ, the shot. But it’s the execution and the consistency that can be a factor with him – it’s like he needs a perfect storm, while many other first-rounders can create their opportunities more frequently.”

With LJ Mooney suffering an injury early in the season and Cullen Potter making the early move to Arizona State, Moore has been one of the primary attractions for scouts catching USNTDP games this year. He has had some quiet showings against USHL teams, but had a solid showing at the recent 5 Nations tournament in Europe earlier this month. Most of his points, however, have come against older college kids.

Despite the criticisms levied his way, there’s a lot to like about Moore’s game. Teams looking for a dependable, smart forward who’ll help out defensively and on the penalty kill will keep teams interested. Moore might not be a game-breaking offensive threat at the next level, but he’ll certainly be someone opponents won’t want to match up against.

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2025 NHL Draft’s William Moore could be your team’s future reliable, two-way forward

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