Under-18 World Championship Provides Scouts Last Chance to See Top Prospects in a Competitive Setting Before NHL Draft

The 2025 Under-18 Men’s World Championship represents the last chance for scouts to see eligible prospects NHL Draft in June, and this year’s championship in Frisco and Allen, Texas, is littered with top talent that will eventually be on NHL rosters. 

Dan Marr, director of NHL Central Scouting, pointed out that the 10 national teams comprising 22 players apiece at the event gives scouts a look at 220 players in a highly competitive setting.

For the first time, the players also went through on- and off-ice testing before the tournament started.

“Right now, the players are in game shape, and it’s safe to conduct the on-ice testing drills,” Marr said. “It’s important information that [NHL teams] can look at for the draft-eligible players, and it helps them arrive at some decisions as to whether or not the player can be made to get bigger, faster, stronger, quicker. When you combine this information with what we provide the teams from our combine, it’s very beneficial to the clubs leading up to the NHL Draft.”

Marr said that data collected on players wouldn’t affect their NHL Central Scouting draft rankings.

“This information is just used for knowledge for the clubs [as to] where the player’s at in his athletic development and what they can do to make him better,” Marr explained.

According to Marr, this current scouting season started all the way back in August at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and goes through the Under-18 World Championship. Scouts identify prospects in August and then see how they finish the season.

“(The Under-18 World Championship) is the last time you see the player play,” Marr said. “There’s initial impressions, and then there’s final impressions. The players who are in the U18, they’re all competing hard. They all want a medal for their country. They all want to do well. I don’t think they’re as focused on the draft.”

According to Marr, a player’s draft standing with scouts likely wouldn’t be negatively affected by his play at the world event.

“If you do [that], you’re likely to make a mistake,” Marr said. “They’re more willing to take it to upgrade a player. A player can certainly help himself. It’s rare that a player gets hurt by not having the best U18.”

When asked about some prospects on this year’s U.S. team at the U18 World Championship, Marr offered his assessments of nine draft-eligible American players:

Cullen Potter (Minneapolis, Minn.)

After playing for USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program in 2023–24, Potter recorded 16 points in 27 games for Arizona State as a freshman this season.

“He’s kind of noticeable, game in and game out, with his skating,” Marr said. “He’s got that speed and quickness with and without the puck. He’s a skilled offensive player who can create the scoring chances himself, and he’s got the puck skills to execute the plays. He plays a pretty strong two-way game. You’re always wishing he would shoot more, but he’s an offensive weapon for the U.S.”

Blake Fiddler (Frisco, Texas)

Fiddler has played for the Edmonton Oil Kings in the WHL for the past two seasons. He captained the U.S. during the Hlinka Gretzky Cup last August.

“He’s a big, strong defenseman that can skate, and he handles the puck well,” Marr said. “He’s composed and he’s confident with the puck on his stick. He’s a solid two-way defenseman. His game has really matured. He performed well for the U.S. at the Hlinka tournament last summer, as well.”

Will Horcoff (Birmingham, Mich.)

Played for the NTDP for two years before he joined Michigan during the 2024–25 season. In 18 games for the Wolverines this year, Horcoff tallied 10 points.

“His size and skill are the two strongest assets to his game,” Marr said. “He’s the guy that battles in front of the net, battles in the corners for the puck. He’s got that power forward game in him. His skating is good for a big guy. He drives scoring plays. He has all the attributes to be a power forward-type player, and that’s what a lot of teams are always looking for on their radar.”

Cole McKinney (Lake Forest, Ill.)

McKinney led the NTDP U18 team in scoring this season with 24 goals and 55 points. He’s committed to play at Michigan for the 2025–26 season.  

“This is an all-situation player,” Marr said. “He’s a very good hockey player, very good athlete. Skilled player with top-end speed, smooth stride. He’s the guy that always pays attention to details on the ice, and he gives a consistent effort every shift. He’s the one that can play the skill game or play the physical game and have success. He’s a smart player and can play any role.”

Will Moore (Ithaca, N.Y.)

In 105 career games with the NTDP, Moore recorded 90 points. He’ll suit up for Boston College next season.

“He has excellent hockey size, skill and smarts,” Marr said. “He’s a smooth skater. He gets to top speed in a hurry. He’s played all three forward positions in the course of the year. We think he’s got tremendous upside and potential. He’s a player with a high ceiling because he still hasn’t physically matured.”

Jack Murtagh (East Greenbush, N.Y.)

A Boston University commit, Murtagh just missed out on being a point-per-game player this season with the NTDP, tallying 46 points in 47 games.

“He’s one of those really, really strong two-way players,” Marr said. “Good on his skates. He can protect the puck. He can win the one-on-one battles in the tight quarters and in the front of the net. His game goes around his skill and his power. He’s played all three forward positions. He’s got all the pro habits and qualities to be a very good NHL player.”

Maceo Phillips (Wayzata, Minn.)

A 6-foot-6-inch defenseman, Phillips is set to play for the University of Minnesota next year after two seasons with the NTDP.

“He skates well, with or without the puck,” Marr said. “In the one-on-one battles, he’s going to come out on top every time. He defends effectively. And he moves well laterally to close out the gap and to stay with his checks. He brings that physical element that keeps the other team on its toes. He’s a player that could really do himself good at this tournament, if the scouts can see the subtle improvements that they were kind of looking for in his game.”

Charlie Trethewey (Woodbine, Md.)

Trethewey scored 18 goals in his two years with the NTDP, with 13 of those goals coming on the power play. He’ll look to continue to thrive on the power play next year at BU.

“This is a guy that can play big minutes,” Marr said. “Normally, he’s one of their better players on the power play. He’s got good size and skill that complements his game. He’s got good offensive tools, but he’s a two-way defender. He plays a strong two-way game. What we noticed during the course of the season is that the more physical he played, the better game he had.”

Ben Kevan (Fairfield, Calif.)

Kevan has played for the Des Moines Buccaneers in the USHL for the past two seasons, recording 100 points in 110 games.

“He’s another smart, two-way forward with skills,” Marr said. “He’s going to help on the offensive side.”

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.

Source: usahockey.com