The 19-year-old is entering his first NCAA season with Michigan following two seasons with the USHL's Chicago Steel.
The 19-year-old is entering his first NCAA season with Michigan following two seasons with the USHL's Chicago Steel.
Nick Moldenhauer, as he continues to climb the Maple Leafs prospect rankings, is ready for the NCAA.
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During a 10-day period that will span from August 7-18, I will be releasing my rankings (from 10-1) of who I believe is the closest prospect to playing full-time NHL hockey with the Maple Leafs.
Nick Moldenhauer (Michigan, NCAA) 19, C/W, five-foot-10, 170lbs
The 19-year-old forward continues to flourish after being picked by the Maple Leafs in the third round (95th overall) in the 2022 NHL Draft.
Moldenhauer followed up a strong rookie campaign with the Steel — where he put up 43 points in 41 games — with 75 points (30 goals, 45 assists) in 55 games this past season.
"I think just playing a pro-style of game," Moldenhauer said of how his game evolved last season.
"I think that was a big focus for me last year. Just trying to build habits over the course of the season that'll translate into pro, and into the NCAA."
There's a lot to like about the Mississauga, Ontario native's game. What stands out almost immediately is his strength on the puck. Moldenhauer was often one of, if not the strongest player on the ice at Maple Leafs development camp this summer.
The 19-year-old also carries the perfect blend of goalscoring and playmaking.
Moldenhauer has climbed up the ranks because of his pro-style approach. It was clear after Maple Leafs' development camp that he was one of the best players there. And at 19 years old, that's fairly positive.
"I think with Nick, stepping into the NCAA program, just to continue to be able to make plays at that level," Maple Leafs Assistant GM, Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser said of Moldenhauer.
"He's very explosive, he skates well, he shoots the puck well. It's sort of that next level to dominate at the NCAA level and make players around him better every time."
As Wickenheiser said, the next step for the 19-year-old is to dominate the next level of hockey. Moldenhauer's done it every step of the way so far, so why not do it in the NCAA too?
The 19-year-old said he's just going to play to his strengths, which has gotten him fairly far already. So if he continues that, and produces at the college hockey level, the sky's the limit.
I've placed Moldenhauer fourth in my rankings because of where he's headed next season. Will one year at Michigan be enough to show how good of a player he can be?
I believe it might take two seasons of NCAA hockey before Moldenhauer considers making the jump to professional hockey. But if he has a dominant first year, that could obviously change.
Either way, the 19-year-old is trending upwards very quickly. He's one of the closest prospects in the Maple Leafs' system to becoming an NHL player.
It'll be a fascinating year for him as he makes his debut in the NCAA with Michigan this fall.
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Maple Leafs Prospect Rankings #5 - William Villeneuve
Maple Leafs Prospect Rankings #6 - Easton Cowan
Maple Leafs Prospect Rankings #7 - Ty Voit
Maple Leafs Prospect Rankings #8 - Dennis Hildeby
Maple Leafs Prospect Rankings #9 - Keith Petruzzelli
Maple Leafs Prospect Rankings #10 - Artur Akhtyamov and Vyacheslav Peksa
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