Today marks one week until the 2025 NHL Draft and things are already heating up. There have already been a handful of trades, a few extensions, and the signing of Jonathan Toews. The best part about this time of year is that it's only going to get better. As for the Columbus Blue Jackets, things are slowly building — my colleague Jason Newland has been all over the latest reports and rumours surrounding the team.
Before the Blue Jackets can look to make a big splash on the free agent market or anything else, they first need to get through the NHL Draft. That starts with their scouting department doing everything they can to make the best possible picks to help the franchise move forward. Luckily for Columbus, they have two first-round picks that are less than 10 spots apart. Holding picks number 14 and 20, they’ll be selecting from the same tier of talent. If they hit on both, they could be adding two key players to the future of their core.
Over the last few weeks, we’ve been breaking down a number of possible draft targets, and today, we’re adding another to the list. This time, it’s former NHL’er Shawn Horcoff’s son, William Horcoff. He’s someone who could be a legitimate target at number 20 for the Blue Jackets. So, without wasting any more time, let’s dive in and take a closer look at what he could bring to the organization if Columbus decides to call his name on draft night.
Scouting Report
Team: U.S. National Team (NTDP)/ University of Michigan (NCAA)
2024–25 Stats: 14 G, 13 A, 27 P, 27 PIM (Collectively between both programs)
DOB: Jan. 23, 2007
Position: C
Shoots: Left
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 181 lbs
Horcoff was born for the NHL, with hockey running in his family thanks to his dad. He looks like he’s going to be a very good pickup. He loves to use his size to his advantage, and that shows with the physical play and some of the big hits that he throws. He’s not going to be the kind of player that scores 35 goals in a season, but he’ll give you 20 goals and 50 points with the potential to reach 125+ hits. He has all the tools to become a skilled power forward in the NHL for years.
He’s been known to have a bit of a mean streak, but so far that hasn’t impacted his game in a negative way. At the NHL Draft Combine, he showed that not only does he have the physical build to play that hard-nosed, power forward style, but he also has the athleticism and skill to go with it. That’s what makes him such a strong target heading into the Draft. He’s solid in his own zone too — when he commits to the backcheck, he gives it everything, using his stick or body to break up plays. He’s very effective in board battles, which fits his game perfectly.
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What the Scouts Are Saying:
Horcoff’s defensive dimension stands out as a separator. His game is fueled by physical skill and proactive reads, and his range, strength, and subsequent lane clogging further enhance his disruption qualities. Off the backcheck, he’s a goliath, pressuring puck carriers to the outside, swinging into inside positioning, and leveraging positioning and processing to create stops. Furthermore, he’s a skilled playmaker who leverages time and space to break down defenders into overreactions. — Elite Prospects, 2025
"He's a very skilled big man who can make small-man-type plays in tight areas. He sees the ice at a high level and has a creative offensive mind. Horcoff is also good enough in the hard areas and can play the body when he needs to." — Corey Pronman, The Athletic
"The son of Shawn Horcoff, William was a force in minor hockey, is a strong kid, can shoot the puck and just needs to build some more pace and consistency into his game on and off the puck. He can look a little upright through his stride but he’s good on the net-front on the power play and when he plays in the guts of the ice at five-on-five he can make things happen." — Scott Wheeler, The Athletic
"Horcoff, the son of former NHL forward Shawn Horcoff, had 14 points (eight goals, six assists) in 28 games with the NTDP U-18 team to begin the season. He makes plays in tight spaces, is effective when he uses his size (6-4, 190) to shield pucks and can thrive in high-traffic areas." — Mike Morreale, NHL.com
"Will loves to put players through the glass whenever possible. He hasn’t put up a ton of points this year, but he’s good in his own zone. Horcoff only joined Michigan in January, but he made a big first impression with a two-point effort in the outdoor game against Ohio. He put up some solid numbers with Michigan and I thought he looked good at the U-18s, even if he wasn’t in a shining role." — Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff
Horcoff may end up shifting to the wing at the NHL level rather than staying at center. If the Blue Jackets were to pick him, that seems like the most likely outcome. He would thrive on a line with Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson, using his style to complement their skill. His comparable is Matthew Knies from the Toronto Maple Leafs, who has found success alongside skilled linemates. If he stays at center, he could do well in a shutdown role. Either way, he fits the Blue Jackets' system — don't be surprised if GM Don Waddell takes him at 20.
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The NHL Draft is almost upon us and for most of us, the lead-up is like Christmas morning. There is so much hype around these prospects and where they will land, it is an exciting time. It's even more exciting when you hear all the trade rumours that are being talked about and what your favourite NHL team could be cooking up behind the scenes.
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(Photo: Michael Augello, The Hockey News)