Horcoff started the 2025-26 NCAA season on an absolute tear for the Michigan Wolverines, scoring 20 goals in the first 24 games. He finished the regular season with 25 goals in 39 games, and represented Team USA at the 2026 World Juniors along the way. Although his scoring pace slowed down (because it would have been ridiculous to maintain a goal per game pace the entire season), he was a point per game player, had 62 PIMs and finished with a plus-10, representative of his strong all-around play. Another season in the NCAA would hurt Horcoff’s development, but it also would not be surprising to see him sign his entry level contract in April after the Frozen Four NCAA tournament to join Pittsburgh for their playoff run. Horcoff looks like another steal in the 2025 draft for the Penguins and should carve out a middle six floor for the Penguins over the next two to three years, with second line, first power play upside.

Pittsburgh’s third first-rounder of 2025 followed the same trend as Kindel and Zonnon. Horcoff is a big, reliable center that does not play the flashiest game. He started the 2024-25 season with the USNTDP team and contributed three points in just seven games of action. Horcoff joined the University of Michigan in January for the remainder of the season, where his game began to blossom. He found a bit more offensive success and only had one tough four-game stretch at the end of January. He excels at winning board battles and boasts an impressive defensive game. Horcoff will head back to the University of Michigan for this year.

Selected 24th overall, William Horcoff is now a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins after a trade with the Los Angeles Kings for the 31st overall and 59th overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

A big kid with flashes of higher-level skill who has made a name for himself at the University of Michigan. Flush with fresh energy following his flight from the floundering USNTDP, Horcoff has worked his way into the hearts of many scouts, some of whom see him as a first-rounder. That said, even noting his long runway, Horcoff still has a ways to go, with even his strengths possibly requiring some tweaks. His skating is OK, but his stride needs work. His shot has some pop, but he needs to work on creating deception in his release and improving his accuracy. His hands are good downhill, but he needs to improve his handling posture and quick-thinking. All-in-all, at 6-5 Horcoff is another interesting project with clear developmental steps.

Final Rankings – A towering forward whose projection is much more enticing than the player he currently is. Has some creativity and handling ability in tight around the net and along the wall, but puck protection and finishing need to improve at his size.—