Malcolm Spence: Built for Today’s Game
By TheProspectDon
For Malcolm Spence, it’s not just about being fast, it’s about what he does with that speed.
The Erie Otters forward and 2025 NHL Draft prospect has been a household name in scouting circles since his U16 days, when he was taken 2nd overall in the 2022 OHL Draft. Now, heading into the draft, Spence isn’t just riding hype, he is living up to it with a style of play that blends speed, physicality, and purpose.
“Pace, complete… skilled,” he said when asked to describe his game in three words. Short and accurate.
Spence plays the game the way it’s trending, fast, layered, and with a strong two-way motor. He’s not just flying down the wing for highlight reel goals. He’s engaged in all three zones, constantly pressuring pucks, supporting teammates, and disrupting plays with his legs and stick. His skating pops immediately, but it’s the compete level and hockey sense that tie it all together.
“I’d probably say my hockey IQ or my skating,” he added when asked about his greatest strength. “I think both of them go hand in hand and allow me to make plays offensively and defensively, in all areas of the ice.”
Two-Way Threat with Top-Six Potential
Spence compares his game to two NHLers who embody the modern 200-foot role:
“Carter Verhaeghe — I like his game a lot. I think he plays the right way. He doesn’t cheat… plays a 200-foot game and he can kind of do all aspects. He can check, he can score, playmake.”
“My other one is Matthew Boldy — he has a knack around the net, he can score and playmake as well.”
Spence brings a heavy forecheck, sharp instincts in transition, and enough touch to make plays off the wall or down low. He’s also shown flashes of creativity and finish around the net, tools that could blossom in the right system.
From a scouting standpoint, his floor is extremely high. He projects safely as a middle-six winger who contributes at both ends of the ice. But if his offensive toolkit continues to develop, there’s a real path to top-six impact, especially alongside a line driving playmaker.
Perspective Off the Ice
Off the ice, Spence comes across as grounded, mature, and reflective. When asked about his perfect five-year plan, he gave an answer that shows he’s focused on the journey more than the destination.
“Whatever happens, wherever I end up — just enjoy it. I think that’s my biggest plan. I’m gonna continue to take classes… kinda grow the mind away from the game. There’s no cookie-cutter five-year plan, it’s just enjoy whatever you’re doing. Obviously, I’ll be playing hockey wherever that is — just kinda enjoy every minute of it, because there’s people who would love to be in the same position I am in.”
He’s also someone who values life beyond the rink.
“I love basketball and I’m starting to get into golf more… I like going on walks… I like being outside. I like swimming and doing that type of stuff.”
Big-Game Mentality
When the lights are brightest, Spence doesn’t shy away.
“Winning goal at U18s both times was nice… At Worlds we were deemed the underdog because that’s kinda the USA’s big tournament. They train for like two years — that NTDP team — and all we heard was how good they were. Obviously they’re a great team, from the first line down.”
That chip-on-the-shoulder mindset fuels how he competes, not just against elite opponents, but in how he carries himself daily.
What’s Next?
With the NHL Draft approaching, Spence is checking the boxes that NHL clubs value: skill, speed, versatility, and the willingness to play inside contact. His game continues to round out, and his motor never stops.
And while he’s working to leave a legacy on the ice…
“In hockey, I want to be remembered as a leader. As a person, I want to be remembered as a good human.”
Malcolm Spence isn’t just one of the top prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft, he’s a young man with a clear vision, a grounded mindset, and the kind of maturity NHL teams love.