If the Detroit Red Wings take a centrist stance with their first pick in the 2023 NHL draft, they may find a good fit in Oliver Moore.
The Wings hold their first selection in the June 28-29 draft in Nashville, Tennessee, at No. 9, which puts them out of the running for centers Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli and Leo Carlsson, who are projected to be the top three selections. Moore is ranked eighth on the NHL’s Central Scouting list of North American skaters, coming off a season where he posted 31 goals and 74 points in 60 games with the U.S. National Team Development Program.
“He’s one of those players that can give you the highlight reel rush up the ice and finish on the play,” Dan Marr, the NHL’s director of Central Scouting, said during the combine in early June.
WHAT IF, 1.0: Why Matthew Wood would make sense for Red Wings at No. 9
Beyond their first-round pick from 2022, Marco Kasper, the Wings’ don’t have much depth at center in the farm system. Moore (5 feet 11, 188 pounds, shoots left) performs at a high pace, with a skill set that belongs in the top six.
“His speed is difference-making,” Marr said. “But he’s got the finishing ability, he’s got the puck skills, he’s got a drive to his game. He’s a pretty complete package. And I don’t know that there’s any situation that a coach would hesitate to put him on the ice, because he does have a really strong two-way game as well.”
Moore was used in all situations at the U18 World Championship, where he registered four goals and nine points in seven games. Versatile and competitive, his work ethic and speed drives his game. He’s committed to the University of Minnesota for the coming season, which is a good place for him to develop. Gopher teammates include 2022 first-round picks Logan Cooley (No. 3, Arizona Coyotes) and Jimmy Snuggerud (No. 23, St. Louis Blues).
Moore has been somewhat overshadowed by NTDP teammates Will Smith and Ryan Leonard, who are ranked third and fifth, respectively, among North American skaters. (They’re sandwiched around Matthew Wood, a 6 foot 4 right winger who would also be a solid choice for the Wings.) It’s Moore’s speed that sets him apart — with his acceleration, he can burn defenders. His shot is top-level, too, and that will appeal to a team that, like the Wings, needs help scoring. He has a quick release that boosts his effectiveness, and likes to play with the puck.
WHAT IF, 2.0: Why Red Wings could take a chance on Matvei Michkov
Beyond his ability to to pull away on breakaways, Moore displays good agility down low, and with his sound play in both ends of the ice, he projects to be the type of player who can be used both on the power play and penalty kill at the NHL level.
Contact Helene St. James at hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames.
Read more on the Detroit Red Wings and sign up for our Red Wings newsletter.
Her latest book, “On the Clock: Behind the Scenes with the Detroit Red Wings at the NHL Draft,” is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Triumph Books. Personalized copies available via her e-mail.
Feeling a draft?
What: 2023 NHL draft.
When/where: June 28-29; Nashville, Tennessee.
TV: ESPN.
The Red Wings’ picks (with overall picks in parentheses): Round 1 — No. 9 (9), No. 17 (17); Round 2 — No. 8 (41), No. 9 (42), No. 10 (43); Round 3 — No. 9 (73); Round 4 — No. 22 (118); Round 5 — No. 9 (137); Round 6 — No. 9 (169); Round 7 — No. 9 (201).