CHN Top 10 Prospects Check-In: Oliver Moore is Scorching

Back in the Fall, Chicago Hockey Now ranked the top 10 prospects in the Chicago Blackhawks pipeline. Those rankings had Connor Bedard sitting at the top of the list–while only being in the organization for three months. The fourth and fifth ranked prospects were a 4A/4B argument and for our purposes, we’re ending the 4A/4B ranking with Oliver Moore.

Oliver Moore
Current Team: University of Minnesota
Stats: 3 Goals; 17 Assists; 20 Points
Drafted: 2023 19th overall by Kyle Davidson

So, How’s It Going?

Moore has been on fire since returning from the World Junior Championships, notching eight points (1-7) in five games upon his return. Prior to that he had 12 points (2-10) in 18 games. The Oliver Moore people were looking for this season has turned it on especially in the last four where all of those eight points have been.

Ranking Higher, Lower, Holding, or Graduated?

Ranked higher – he’s right behind Nazar in terms of overall ranking and the 4A/4B argument still holds.

Now and Later: Where Does Oliver Moore Fit In the Grand Scheme of Things?

Full time Chicago Blackhawks player who would be dynamite on a line with Connor Bedard. Moore can slot in at center, too, but his speed would be undeniably more explosive on the wing. Yes, good centers are good wings and vice-versa as the argument goes, but it’s almost unfair to think of how a Moore to Bedard or Bedard to Moore stretch pass would be. Moore’s game also disrupts–and it was on full display during the World Juniors. I would still give the nod of higher hockey IQ to Nazar on the offensive side of things, but Moore reminds of a two-way shutdown forward in the mold of Jonathan Toews–but faster.

The boys are buzzing! 🐝 pic.twitter.com/hlbTFWiLUe

— Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) January 20, 2024

The Blackhawks will be in great shape with so many potential centers in Nazar and Moore available, and  if indeed they receive more lottery luck, potentially another in Mack Celebrini. While Nazar and Moore were 4A/4B back in September, it’s quite possible it’s now a 1A/1B argument as the season progresses on.

And if that’s a problem–it’s definitely a good one to have.

Previous Check-Ins: 

Connor Bedard | Lukas Reichel | Kevin Korchinski | Frank Nazar