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 checks all the boxes teams look for in a power forward: size, skating, smarts, and a team-first mentality. Committed to the University of Michigan and currently starring for the Erie Otters, Spence has quickly become one of the most well-rounded and dependable players available for the 2025 NHL Draft.
Draft Outlook and Rankings
Every time Malcolm Spence jumps over the boards, he makes his presence known. His blend of strength, quickness, and sharp hockey sense gives him an edge shift after shift. His game is characterized by calm execution and a veteran-like presence, enabling him to contribute in all zones and situations consistently. Offensively, he drives the pace, attacking defenders, finding soft spots, and generating high-danger chances. Defensively, he embraces hard matchups and thrives under pressure, showing a willingness to outwork and outthink his opponents. His track record in international tournaments and steady performance in the OHL highlight a player who not only performs but also leads by example.
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 plays the game with a combination of power, speed, and poise that’s tough to ignore. A versatile forward with strong instincts at both ends of the ice, he’s earned recognition as one of the top names to watch heading into the 2025 NHL Draft.
This season with the Erie Otters, Malcolm Spence delivered a standout performance, finishing with 73 points, including 32 goals and 41 assists, across 65 games. Beyond his scoring touch, he earned trust in every situation thanks to his reliable play at both ends of the ice. He was just as effective driving the offense as he was handling challenging defensive assignments, showcasing a level of poise and responsibility rarely seen in junior players.
International Success and Leadership
Spence has been a key figure in Canada’s junior pipeline. At the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, he scored one of the most memorable goals of the tournament—an overtime winner in the gold medal game against Czechia. The following year, he wore an “A” for Canada at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship, contributing 7 points (3G, 4A) in seven games and once again proving his value in high-stakes moments.
Skillset Breakdown
Spence plays with a level of awareness and control well beyond his years. He uses his frame to his advantage—holding space, absorbing contact, and protecting the puck under pressure. His stride is powerful yet composed, helping him generate separation on the attack and recover quickly when transitioning to defense. Whether he’s pushing the pace up ice or grinding it out along the boards, he brings a composed, physical edge that blends well with his sharp instincts.
Spence is dependable and positionally sound. He tracks back with purpose, wins battles along the wall, and sees regular time on the penalty kill. Rather than reacting impulsively, he reads the play early, steps into lanes, and provides steady support. Spence is reliable and positionally aware in his own zone. He tracks back with intention, wins puck battles along the boards, and frequently plays on the penalty kill. Instead of reacting impulsively, he anticipates the play, steps into passing lanes, and offers consistent support, making him a trusted presence in high-pressure situations.
Hockey IQ and Pro Awareness
Malcolm Spence’s game has shades of several high-level NHL talents, though he brings his own identity to the ice. Spence blends power, determination, and poise in tight spaces; traits that echo the style of Timo Meier. He battles hard near the crease, bringing the kind of persistence and physical edge often seen in Zach Hyman’s game. On the defensive side, he’s dependable in matchup situations, displaying the discipline and awareness comparable to Joel Eriksson Ek’s role-driven approach.
He’s not flashy in a traditional sniper sense, but his consistent two-way play, hockey IQ, and pro-ready habits make him a safe bet for a top-six role at the next level—reliable, effective, and built for long-term impact.
NHL Comparison
Malcolm Spence has drawn quiet comparisons to some of the NHL’s most trusted forwards—not because he mimics any one player, but because his game reflects traits teams value at the highest level. He uses his size to his advantage, leaning into plays with strength and purpose, often controlling possession deep in the offensive zone much like Timo Meier. Around the net, his relentless effort and ability to create second chances echo the style of Zach Hyman. His ability to read plays, win matchups, and handle responsibility brings to mind Joel Eriksson Ek. Spence isn’t built on flash. His style is characterized by consistency, a strong work ethic, and a mature, two-way game that projects him as a dependable top-six option at the next level—one with a high floor and very few question marks.
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.
Where He Fits
Spence profiles as a top-six winger who can anchor a line at both ends of the rink. His style would fill immediate needs for several NHL teams:
New Jersey would find a perfect fit in his blend of grit, smart defensive play, and offensive zone awareness to balance out their skilled roster.
Buffalo could benefit from his strength around the crease and net-front presence on the power play.
Detroit would value his work ethic, penalty-killing ability, and high-compete level as part of a growing core.
ITR 47: Then There Was Nothing – Inside The Rink
Grammar and spelling were reviewed using AI assistance (ChatGPT by OpenAI).
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