andrew albano

Previously: Defensemen

Yesterday we kicked off our 2023-24 Michigan Hockey season preview, beginning with the defensemen (there are a lot of them). Today we move into incoming forwards, which there are fewer of than there have been the last few years, as well as goaltenders. Seven of the eight names in this piece are newcomers to the program, so let's give them a big welcome in today's Part 2: 

Incoming Forwards

Nick Moldenhauer 

Year: Freshman

Height/Weight: 5'10"/170

NHL Draft Position: 95th overall, 2022 NHL Draft, Toronto 

Stats: 30-45-75 in 50 games last season for the Chicago Steel (USHL) 

Michigan's most touted member of a comparatively disappointing recruiting class is Nick Moldenhauer, a player I am a pretty big fan of. Moldenhauer had borderline first round talent in his draft year but tumbled down the draft board due to a poor draft-eligible season, one that saw Moldenhauer contract a terrible illness and suffer a horrifying cut by a skate blade. If you want to read more about his journey, I recommend this piece at The Athletic ($) by Scott Wheeler. Both developments sidelined Moldenhauer for extended periods of time and damaged his draft stock. Last season was a return to full health and Moldenhauer was excellent. 

He scored 75 points in 50 games for the USHL's Chicago Steel, second on his team in points/PPG behind only Macklin Celebrini (Boston U), one of a few players vying for the first overall selection in the 2024 NHL Draft. In the league, Moldenhauer was third in total scoring and fifth in PPG, trailing only Celebrini and three USNTDP superstars. Because Moldenhauer is a May '04 birthday, last season was his age 18 season. For comparison, Mackie Samoskevich scored just 0.97 points-per-game in his age 18 season. 

It's not a perfect comparison but I bring Samoskevich up because I think there are some similarities as two sub-6 foot, slimmer wingers who both came from the Chicago Steel. The skillsets also have some similarities. This is from EPRinkside's draft guide before the 2022 NHL Draft: 

Moldenhauer’s skills are readily apparent. He’s a dexterous handler, especially in tight spaces. Backhand, forehand, and slip passes feature regularly, even in-motion and under pressure. And the shot’s just as impressive, with the lower-body flexion and hand placement to generate significant force, and the elevated elbow and craftiness to change the angle inside his release.

Puck-handling, shooting (not Samoskevich level, though), and passing are all elements of Moldenhauer's game that should be assets in the NCAA right away, but surprisingly for an undersized winger, Moldenhauer's physical game drew praise. His ability to power through contact were praised by scouts and "high energy", "compete level", and "work ethic" are all phrases tossed around as well. The transition game and skating ability aren't quite there yet, so that is something to watch in terms of his development at Michigan.

No one really thinks that Moldenhauer has an individual elite NHL skill or describes him as dynamic, but a well-rounded player who works hard, brings passion, skill, and shooting ability, and was a high level player in the USHL should translate quickly into the NCAA. A cross between Samoskevich and Gavin Brindley may be the best comparison for Moldenhauer and that is a very enticing description. 

Season Expectations: I see Moldenhauer comfortably sliding into Michigan's top six alongside Dylan Duke, Frank Nazar, Gavin Brindley, Rutger McGroarty, and TJ Hughes, and he should be productive. 10+ goals and 15+ points feels like a reasonable expectation for Moldenhauer, assuming he gets sizable usage. Not a star right away, but an impactful NCAA player who hopefully will look more and more like a draft steal for his hometown Maple Leafs. 

[AFTER THE JUMP: Less touted freshmen and goalies]