Oliver Moore is ready to take a big step in his hockey career. The Chicago Blackhawks announced that Moore, who was their No. 19 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, will skip his final year of college and sign an entry-level contract. After his team, the University of Minnesota, lost in the NCAA Tournament, Moore is set to join the Blackhawks for practice and might even make his NHL debut soon.
Moore, a 6-foot center, had an impressive run with the Golden Gophers. He scored 33 points in 38 games this season, matching his scoring from his freshman year. He also helped Team USA clinch back-to-back gold medals at the World Junior Championships, showcasing his skills on an international stage.
This past season, Moore ended on a high note, contributing in key games, including an assist in a close tournament loss to UMass. His coach, Bob Motzko, noted that Moore faced some ups and downs with scoring this season. However, he praised Moore’s growth in other areas, like his defense and forechecking. “Even if the points aren’t coming, he’s becoming a real force out there,” Motzko said.
Moore himself acknowledged the challenges. "Not every night will be your best," he said. "I focus on using my speed to create chances, even when the goals aren’t coming.” In preparation for the next level, he worked during the offseason with the Blackhawks’ skills coach to enhance his scoring opportunities.
According to a recent ranking by The Athletic, Moore is seen as a promising future star, coming in at 64th among NHL prospects. What stands out about Moore is his speed and relentless play style. He excels at skating, often outmaneuvering defenders and creating scoring chances. Despite his smaller stature, he’s strong on the puck and battles effectively in tough situations.
Experts believe his high-level skating and durability make him a valuable addition to the team. However, they also point out a need for improvement in finishing plays. As the NHL evolves, teams look for players who can not only keep up but also score consistently. Moore shows flashes of great potential, yet he will need to sharpen certain aspects of his game to thrive at the professional level.
For more insights into NHL player development and scouting reports, check out SportsNet’s comprehensive analysis on rookie prospects here.
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Source linkChicago Blackhawks, NHL
