Skating and Tools
Oliver Moore’s calling card has always been his speed. His edge work is elite, and he generates power from every stride. Moore isn’t a bruiser, but he plays with pace, works hard, goes to the net, and has shown he can kill penalties. His compete level and skating are both above average, and he owns a solid hockey IQ that lets him impact the game in different areas.
The big question for Moore is still how much offense he’ll bring at the NHL level. He posted 33 points in each of his two NCAA seasons with Minnesota, including 21 goals in 77 games, and chipped in 4 points in 9 games during his first NHL stint. He can make plays and sees his linemates well, but he isn’t yet viewed as a natural finisher. The Blackhawks hope that his possession game, speed, and work rate are enough to establish him as a steady middle-six forward — ideally a third-line center who can drive play.
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Summer Growth
Moore only appeared in nine NHL games last year, but that short stint gave him a clear picture of what he needed to improve.
“Only nine games, but definitely a good sample size to see what I had to work on,” the 20-year-old Moore said at the NHLPA Rookie Showcase. “I think one big thing was just getting strong. I think all those guys are so strong and big and getting really good below the dots and picking up rims, executing on plays. I know I can get into the areas. It’s just about now just putting it away and having that mentality too.”
Moore backed those words up with his offseason training. He now weighs 195 pounds, up from 187, after a summer of hard work in the gym. Adding that size should help him better handle the physicality of NHL opponents. Maintaining the weight — and learning how to use it effectively — will be the next step.
Where Does He Fit?
Moore’s nine-game cameo last year showed flashes of what he can be. He averaged 13:35 of ice time, which is close to what a third-line player would typically see. That gave him a fair sample to test himself against NHL pace. The question now is whether he can lock down a permanent spot this fall or if more time in Rockford would serve him better.
Chicago’s depth chart is competitive, with Frank Nazar already pushing for a top-six role. Moore will likely battle for ice time in the bottom six, where the Blackhawks have veterans like Nick Foligno and Jason Dickinson who can provide structure and mentorship. The opportunity is there, but Moore will need to show he can bring consistency night after night to stick in the lineup.
Moore himself made it clear where he wants to be:
“I want to play for the Chicago Blackhawks this year, and I’m willing to do a lot to be able to do that,” he told The Athletic. “So I think that’s definitely my main focus, and it’s been a big motivation for me this summer.”
Comparisons and Adjustments
Scouts often point to Dylan Larkin when talking about Oliver Moore. Both players are defined by their speed — their stride and explosiveness separate them from most of their peers. Moore projects more as a winger than a true center like Larkin, but the style is similar: a player who can tilt the ice with pace, force defenders on their heels, and create opportunities in transition.
What comes next for Moore is less about raw skill and more about adjustment to the pro game. Whether he spends this season in Rockford or Chicago, the challenges will be the same: handling physicality, playing a reliable 200-foot game, and making quicker decisions with or without the puck. It’s about learning to “play the game in the game” — reading each frame as it unfolds and reacting with purpose.
Just as important, Moore has to embrace becoming a true professional. That means showing up every day with the right work ethic, taking care of his body, eating right, resting properly, and having the mindset to win your day, every day. Those habits will determine how quickly his speed and skill translate into NHL impact.
Ready or Not?
Moore’s NHL path isn’t about if, but when. He has the tools and the work ethic, and his summer growth shows he understands what it takes to stick. Playing around veterans like Dickinson and Foligno should help him learn the consistency needed to survive the grind.
He’s already built strong bonds with his teammates, joining fellow Blackhawks at Nick Foligno’s summer home and getting a direct call from Blashill about the new system. The message is clear: Moore is part of the future, but it’s up to him to prove he belongs now.
Whether he starts in Chicago or Rockford, Moore is going to play NHL hockey. If his pace and compete carry over while his offensive touch continues to grow, he could be a fixture in the lineup sooner than later.
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