Blackhawks Prospects Preview: Wheels on Cold Steel

The Chicago Blackhawks are chock full of centers in the prospect pool, and beyond Connor Bedard, it’s no surprise that the other belongs to the 2023 Draft, too.

Now it remains to be seen what will occur during the 2023-24 season for University of Minnesota forward Oliver Moore.

More Speed for The Blackhawks in the Pipeline

Any takeaway from the draft involved scouts and pundits raving about his speed. Considered the fastest skater in the draft, Moore will have the chance to showcase it with one of the best programs in college hockey.

He’ll face top tier talent as the University of Minnesota faces off against the best. There won’t be a better way for the Blackhawks to really see what they have than when he’s up against the top end programs in the nation.

Talk about a great way to prepare for the next level.

With Logan Cooley off to the Arizona Coyotes, Moore has a chance to be one of the showcase players on the Gopher squad.

The World Junior Summer Showcase was simply a taste of what could be as Moore, Frank Nazar, and Gavin Hayes stepped up for the Red, White, and Blue.

Ranked as the fourth (A or B, take your pick) best prospect in the system by CHN, outside of Bedard and potentially Nazar, there isn’t a prospect who fans anticipate watching more than Moore.

A dynamite season likely gets him a entry-level deal and a shot to audition for Chicago next season.

The Measured Prediction

Moore chips in double digit goals, plays high quality minutes in all situations, and gains valuable experience in high stakes games.

Shoot the Moon Prediction 

Moore channels his inner Cooley and is mentioned for Hobey Baker Trophy consideration.

Say it Ain’t So Prediction

After hype leading up to the season, Moore fizzles a bit and posts pedestrian numbers in his freshman campaign

Final Thoughts

Moore has compared himself to Dylan Larkin in the past, an apt parallel who like Moore, was in the Big 10 and outside the top-ten when selected. Larkin also boasts top-end speed.

Larkin had a great freshman year, the Detroit Red Wings inked him to an entry-level deal, and he made the team out of camp. He’s been in Detroit ever since and is now its captain.

It’s a heck of a comparable. Imagine the Blackhawks joy if Moore follows the same path.

Previous Prospect Season Preview Pieces: Kevin Korchinski | Lukas Reichel | Gavin Hayes | Paul Ludwinski