Oliver Moore was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks with the 19th pick of the First Round of the NHL Draft. The Mounds View native was the first Minnesotan selected and the 43rd Minnesotan ever taken in the first round.
For the fans that don’t know much about Oliver Moore, other than he’s one of the fastest skaters in the draft, here’s a short scouting report.
Moore has a great offensive imagination and is a very creative playmaker. Oliver strikes quickly and without warning, as he delivers passes without telegraphing where they are going. His passing is spot on and it’s fast and crisp. He throws in a lot of different looks at defenders, keeping them guessing and confused on what’s coming next. He can make a low-percentage scoring opportunity dangerous.
His skating is what sets him apart as his speed is fun to watch, but he can also gain separation with great agility and the use of his edges. Acceleration is superb, especially in short pivot situations, making him effective in tight areas and in the slot. Moore’s motor and compete level is elite making him an asset in the defensive zone.
Oliver is in good hands before he makes the jump to the NHL, as he will be playing his college hockey at the University of Minnesota. This Blackhawks draft will be looked back at for years as an absolute gem, securing Connor Bedard with the first pick and then getting Moore at a bargain at 19.