Following their first-round selection of James Hagens at seventh overall on Friday, the Bruins turned their attention to rounds two through seven of the NHL Entry Draft on Saturday. With their first of two second-round picks, they chose William Moore from the NTDP.
Two of the players I had earmarked for the 51st pick — Ryker Lee (26th) and Mason West (29th) — ended up going in the first round. While I see why Nashville and Chicago made their moves, I still believe those selections were a bit of a reach at that stage. They went off my board with Moore who is also committed to Boston College. In fairness, I didn’t think Moore would be available at this point.
William Moore’s journey from a promising young skater in Mississauga, Ontario, to a NHL Draft prospect is a story of talent, dual-national pride, and relentless development. Born on March 24, 2007, Moore has emerged an intriguing name in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft class.
Growing up in Mississauga, Moore was immersed in Canada’s rich hockey culture from an early age. Though he holds dual citizenship with the United States and Canada, his early development came through the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL), one of the most competitive youth hockey circuits in the world. He played for the Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA team, where he posted an impressive 60 points in 30 games during the 2022–23 season. That same year, he represented Team Ontario at the Canada Winter Games, tallying 10 points in six games.
As a child, Moore was a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, a natural allegiance for a kid growing up in the Greater Toronto Area. The Leafs’ storied history and passionate fanbase likely played a role in inspiring his early love for the game. However, as his career progressed and he began to compete at higher levels, Moore’s focus shifted from fandom to performance.
In 2023, Moore was selected 18th overall by the London Knights in the OHL Priority Selection Draft. The Knights, known for developing NHL-caliber talent, would have been a logical next step for many young Canadian players. However, Moore chose a different route—one that reflected both his dual citizenship and his long-term aspirations. He committed to the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP), a decision that allowed him to compete against elite competition while preserving his NCAA eligibility.
Moore’s time with the USNTDP has been a defining chapter in his development. In the 2023–24 season, he played for the U.S. National Under-17 Team, recording 43 points in 50 games. He also suited up for the USNTDP Juniors in the USHL, where he added 25 points in 35 games. His performance at the World Hockey Challenge U17 tournament was particularly noteworthy—he notched 12 points in seven games, showcasing his ability to produce on the international stage.
The 2024–25 season saw Moore take another leap forward. Playing for the U.S. National Under-18 Team, he posted 59 points in 64 games. He also contributed 21 points in 25 games for the USNTDP Juniors in the USHL. His standout moment came at the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship, where he helped Team USA capture the bronze medal. Moore tallied 11 points in seven games, including a three-assist performance in the bronze medal game against Slovakia.
Moore’s game is built around intelligence, vision, and playmaking. At 6-foot-3 and 180 pounds, he has the size NHL teams covet in a center. He’s known for his ability to read the ice, make crisp passes, and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. While his skating and physicality are still developing, scouts praise his two-way potential and his willingness to contribute in all situations, including the penalty kill.
Despite a slight dip in production early in the 2024–25 season, Moore’s second-half surge and strong international play have solidified his status as a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Off the ice, Moore is known for his discipline and focus. Interestingly, he is also a classically trained pianist, having reached an accomplished level before choosing to concentrate fully on hockey. This artistic background adds another layer to his profile, suggesting a level of creativity and mental discipline that translates well to the ice.
Looking ahead, Moore is committed to playing NCAA hockey at Boston College, one of the premier programs in the United States. The college route will give him time to continue developing physically while competing against older, stronger players. It also provides a structured environment where he can refine his game under the guidance of experienced coaches. He certainly has skills, but will need to up the intensity, commitment and compete.
In summary, William Moore’s life and career to date reflect a blend of natural talent, thoughtful decision-making, and a commitment to growth. From his early days in Mississauga to his rise through the USNTDP and eventual selection by the Bruins, Moore has consistently demonstrated some of the qualities of a future NHL contributor.
Dom - Hockey 