A bit of a disappointment last season. Nick Moldenahuer has moments of showcasing his offensive skill, but without the puck, he’s been unnoticeable, and even some of his offensive plays seem to go nowhere. He doesn’t have the size, but if his offense gets cold, he can make up for it with defense. It’s hard to see the NHL potential off this season so far, but he’s been a hard worker in the past; he’s not worth giving up on yet. Austin Kel

Moldenhauer wrapped up his freshman year at the University of Michigan with eight goals and 21 points in 38 NCAA contests. The 19-year-old is an intriguing prospect for the Maple Leafs and an even stronger sophomore season will be huge to get a better estimate of his potential long-term. Moldenhauer will now compete at the Frozen Four tournament, taking on North Dakota in the first round.

Moldenhauer had a fantastic DY+1 with the Chicago Steel. In 55 USHL contests, Moldenhauer scored 30 goals and 75 points, ranking third in the league. He will now head to the University of Michigan, joining the likes of Frank Nazar, Rutger McGroarty, and Seamus Casey. Moldenhauer has the tools to become a versatile middle-six forward, whether down the middle or on the wing.

Moldenhauer has been selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third round of the 2022 NHL Draft, 95th overall.

Moldenhauer had a rough couple of years, contracting a mono-like virus that went unidentified and then taking a skate to the face 15 seconds into his first shift back. The road to recovery has been long, but the prospect ended his 2021-2022 seasons with a respectable tally of 18 goals and 43 points in 41 games for the Chicago Steel.

A great competitor with above-average skating mechanics and a refined two-way game, Moldenhauer excels at suppressing opponents’ chances by using his stick and body jointly to break down offensive sequences. He pushes through contact well, allowing him to get to loose pucks that others wouldn’t, and has great awareness in transition to find the best play and try it. Although his puck skills aren’t refined — his shot isn’t mechanically sound and his passes lack forethought and inventiveness at times — the prospect has enough pro-ready tools to make a decent impact on a middle-six, especially if surrounded by playmakers who can help him put his intensity and ability to dig up loose pucks to use. A healthy year and more exposure would almost certainly have made him a staple in the first two rounds, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him still on the board near the end of the third.