Inside Wheeler’s Shocking Summer 2025 NHL Prospect Rankings: Who’s the True Future Star?
He’s a big (6-foot-2, 200-or-so pounds), strong, sturdy, athletic winger with slick puckhandling skill one-on-one and a balanced stride. He can unload from his hip into a heavy snapshot or drop and attack the net into a tuck play in tight. He’s also really comfortable passing from the perimeter and hitting seams in coverage, which gives his game added dimension inside the O-zone. He’s great along the wall on the cycle, but he can also occasionally make a play that pulls you out of your seat. The raw potential is there in spades, and the production and statistical profile are that of a legit NHL prospect. He has time to continue to find new levels and develop his game thanks to his summer birthday as well (he’s still got some rounding out to do, though I think that has been overstated by some). There has been talk over the years about his body language and attitude as well, but I’ve heard mixed reviews on that front, and some think he’s misunderstood. There was a time when folks thought Musty was the best American-born 2005 prospect, and while that’s no longer the case, there’s still real talent there. Some questioned his will/competitiveness earlier in his career, but I think those concerns have also been overstated (he can be a little inconsistent, but I’ve seen him have plenty of standout games where he’s in the thick of everything as well). I think he has a real chance to become a skilled middle-six winger in the NHL. This season will be an important test for him as he turns pro.
Post Comment