Position: Left Wing
Shoots: Left
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 201 lbs
Date of Birth: September 22, 2006
Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Team: Erie Otters (OHL)
Draft Eligibility: 2025 NHL Draft
Malcolm Spence, committed to the University of Michigan, blends size, speed, and two-way skill as a top 2025 NHL Draft power forward.
Draft Outlook and Rankings
Malcolm Spence combines a rare blend of size, speed, and hockey smarts that make him stand out on every shift. Whether crashing the net or leading the rush, he plays with a pro-style maturity that belies his junior experience. On the forecheck, he hounds defenders relentlessly; in transition, his stride explodes through seams; and in the defensive zone, he matches up against opponents’ best lines without hesitation. From his clutch international performances to his consistent OHL production, Spence’s all-around impact and leadership qualities immediately grab the eye of any scout or coach.
Inside the Rink (Conrad Jack): 14th
ESPN: 24th
Tankathon (Big Board): 21st
NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters): 17th
Bob McKenzie (TSN): 16th
Craig Button (NHL Network): 15th
Baracchini: 16th
Horn: 20th
Forbes: 13th
Reimer: 16th
Elite Prospects (Consolidated): 13th
Power Forward with a Pro-Ready Game
Malcolm Spence is a dynamic two-way forward who combines size, speed, and hockey IQ to impact the game in all three zones. As a top prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft, Spence has demonstrated a mature, pro-style game throughout his junior career with the Erie Otters.
In the 2024–25 OHL season, Spence tallied 73 points (32G, 41A) over 65 games, showcasing his offensive capabilities while maintaining a responsible defensive presence. His performance placed him among the top scorers on his team and highlighted his ability to contribute consistently .
International Success and Leadership
Spence has represented Canada on multiple occasions, bringing home gold medals from both the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship. Notably, he scored the overtime winner in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup final against Czechia, securing Canada’s victory.
At the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship, Spence served as an alternate captain and recorded seven points (3G, 4A) in seven games. His leadership and clutch performances on the international stage underscore his readiness for higher levels of competition.
Playing Style and Strengths
Malcolm Spence plays a modern north-south power forward game. His stride is smooth and explosive, giving him excellent open-ice speed and transition capability. He thrives in puck protection, using his frame to shield defenders and extend offensive zone time, and he excels at winning board battles, especially in tight-checking matchups.
He’s a force on the forecheck, applying pressure that regularly forces turnovers. Offensively, Spence can beat goaltenders with a heavy, accurate release or crash the net for second-chance opportunities. Defensively, he’s positionally sound and routinely deployed to match up against top opposing lines—trusted on the penalty kill and in late-game defensive situations.
What sets him apart is the maturity of his game. He doesn’t rely solely on tools—he plays with purpose, systems awareness, and a team-first mindset.
Hockey IQ and Pro Awareness
Spence has a natural understanding of spacing, defensive layers, and timing. He adjusts quickly to changes in the flow of play, and he rarely forces low-percentage chances. His ability to play off his linemates—whether leading the rush or supporting the cycle—makes him adaptable in various roles and systems. Coaches describe him as “low maintenance but high impact.”
He’s also a composed presence on the bench and in the locker room. The alternate captain designation at the U18 level wasn’t just symbolic—it reflects the respect he’s earned across age groups.
Development Areas to Monitor
Every player has areas to refine, and Spence is no exception. While he boasts offensive tools capable of creating dominance, he can further sharpen his decision-making and shot selection to become a more consistent threat from game to game. Although his release is heavy and accurate, varying his angles and disguising his shot would make him less predictable in transition and on the cycle. Additionally, Spence’s physical style sometimes flirts with penalty danger; learning to balance aggression with discipline will be essential at the pro level. These are growth targets, not red flags—his work ethic and adaptability suggest all are within reach.
Spence’s shot is already heavy and accurate but some defenders see him setting up for a one-timer or windup, allowing them to cheat toward his passing lanes. To disguise his shot, he needs to vary his windup and release timing. For example, incorporating quick snap‐shots from mid‐range instead of always loading up for a slap pass can force defenders to hesitate. By mixing up his shot types—snap, wrist, and unexpected backhand darts—he’ll compel defenders to respect his shooting threat rather than aggressively closing passing seams. As he builds muscle and practices these deceptive techniques in traffic, his goal totals should rise, and his playmaking will become even more dangerous because opponents can no longer commit fully to cutting off his passes.
NHL Comparison
Scouts often liken Spence’s game to established NHL forwards. His size, forecheck intensity, and zone control recall Timo Meier of New Jersey. His net-front presence and relentless motor are reminiscent of Edmonton’s Zach Hyman, while his defensive reliability and matchup prowess draw comparisons to Minnesota’s Joel Eriksson Ek. Although he may not yet possess the flash of a pure sniper, his two-way versatility and high floor project as top-six upside rather than a risk-prone wild card.
Career Statistics
OHL Regular Season:
- 2022–23: 64 GP – 16 G – 26 A – 42 PTS
- 2023–24: 66 GP – 19 G – 43 A – 62 PTS
- 2024–25: 65 GP – 32 G – 41 A – 73 PTS
OHL Playoffs:
- 2023–24: 6 GP – 1 G – 3 A – 4 PTS
- 2024–25: 9 GP – 4 G – 5 A – 9 PTS
International:
- 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup: 5 GP – 2 G – 3 A – 5 PTS
- 2024 WJC U18: 7 GP – 3 G – 4 A – 7 PTS
Draft Outlook
Spence is a consensus top-15 prospect in the 2025 NHL Draft, and he’s pushing his way toward top-10 consideration. His size, skating, character, and proven production across every level make him a valuable long-term asset for teams looking to build a competitive, smart, and physical top-six group.
Whether you’re a rebuilding franchise or a playoff-caliber team looking for two-way wing depth, Malcolm Spence fits the mold of a modern NHL difference-maker.
Spence’s blend of physicality, speed, and hockey IQ would immediately address the Buffalo Sabres’ need for a net‐crashing winger who can win battles in the blue paint and create traffic in front of the crease. In Detroit, where the rebuild hinges on stocking the lineup with versatile, two‐way forwards, his ability to kill penalties, drive the net, and backcheck relentlessly would fit seamlessly into their long‐term blueprint. Meanwhile, New Jersey’s search for depth and grit up front would be answered by Spence’s relentless forecheck and disciplined defensive play—qualities that bolster a penalty‐kill unit and add toughness to a roster still seeking a true power‐forward identity.
ITR 43: It's Winning Time – Inside The Rink
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