Rangers could consider these USNTDP centers in 2nd round of 2025 NHL Draft
We know how much the New York Rangers and their general manager Chris Drury love drafting players from the United States National Team Development Program. So, could they tap into the USNTDP again in this year’s draft, whether or not they keep their first-round pick (No. 12 overall)?
The Rangers have the 11th pick in the second round (No. 43 overall) and very well could fill an organizational need by targeting one of two centers from the USNTDP.
Let’s take a look at those draft prospects: William Moore and Cole McKinney.
Related: Get to know newest Rangers prospect Carey Terrance after trade with Ducks
William Moore
USNDTP – 6 foot-2, 174 pounds
The Canadian native is a dual citizen who selected Team USA for U-18 development, making him a USA Hockey member for the rest of his career.
Originally played in the GTHL with two probable first-round picks Michael Misa and Malcolm Spence on a loaded Mississauga Senators roster before heading to the Toronto Marlboros. From there he moved over to USNDTP, where he fit in seamlessly.
The big left-handed two-way center scored 27 goals this past season with the U-18 team and finished second on the team with 59 points in 64 games. He followed that up at the World U18’s with three goals and 11 points in seven games.
Moore, a Boston College commit, is really good at stripping the puck away from opponents in transition to go on the attack with it. From there he’s a really savvy puck-possession player that can make you pay in many ways. For this reason, he may not make it past the 30s on the draft board.
He’s got a great set of moves to beat goalies on a breakaway and uses his size very well to be a bumper-slot player on the power play, one who can pick a top corner clean off a one-timer. Also uses that size to win board battles and hold the puck behind the net to find the open man.
While consistency has been an issue, Moore had at least a point in each game at the World U18s and finished the regular season in solid fashion.
When you talk about combine interviews, you have to imagine this is a kid that did himself some favors. Moore is really mature and carries his smarts on the ice as a very reliable and trusted player.
Moore was one of few players to take a Facetime on NHL Network for their recent prospect rankings. He told Sam Consentino with a smile on his face when asked about him sliding down rankings this season until the end of year, “Obviously the goal was to have a standout performance at the final tournament and I feel I did so. Yeah, there was a bit of ups and downs throughout the year. But I finished strong and I’m proud of the way I handled it.”
As a side note, Moore played piano and violin at Carnegie Hall in elementary school for a national competition, and continues his musical journey to this day.
On the ice, Moore compares as a Tomas Hertl-lite even once he puts on some weight. Maybe more of an Alex Wennberg type. He should be a serviceable middle-six NHL center one day.
Projected timeline to the NHL: 3-4 Years
Cole McKinney
USNDTP – 6-feet, 198 pounds
Who led the United States U-18 in scoring this season, you ask? Cole McKinney, who finished the season with 27 goals and 61 points in 60 games.
The Michigan commit is projected to go anywhere from the mid-20s to pick No. 50 depending on which draft expert you trust most. The average pick projection catches our eye because it’s No 42 overall, right near where the Rangers are set to pick in the second round.
The right-handed center, who had three goals and five points in seven games at the World U-18 tournament, is a dual threat. He plays both special teams, excels in the face-off circle, and has great hands to match his great release.
Previously, he had a shooting percentage of 23 percent with the Chicago Mission in the USHL. He’s capable of scoring from far out in stride but can use his hands to embarrass opponents as well as goalies. He’s a great skater to match his hands and shot.
When it seems like there isn’t room to, MicKinney finds a way. He can take a broken play in front of the net confidently and put it upstairs fast with a slight flick of the wrist.
McKinney is very smart and poised on his offside half wall on the power-play. If there is pressure, he has the quick burst and acceleration you look for in smaller players to generate space for himself.
Where some centers with skill like that tend to play wing, especially when smaller in stature, McKinney seems to have all the intangibles to still be a middle-six center, likely a solid third-liner in the NHL. His versatility in skillset while not necessarily excelling at one thing gives off Shane Pinto vibes. Solid on draws, very good in all three zones and can beat you in different ways without necessarily cheating the game.
With so many centers in this draft, there is a strong possibility he’s still around at No. 43 for the Rangers. Especially if they don’t keep the 12th overall pick, this could be a solid start for them.
Projected timeline to the NHL: 3-4 years
More About:New York Rangers News