The New York Rangers selected left winger Malcolm Spence from the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the 43rd overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NHL Draft. Spence, who is 18 years old, is considered a dynamic two-way forward with a blend of high-end skill, an aggressive forechecking style, and sound defensive awareness. Some projections had him going in the late first round.
In the 2024-25 season, Spence scored 32 goals and 41 assists for 73 points in 65 regular-season games. He also contributed 9 points in 9 playoff games. Over his three seasons with the Erie Otters, Spence has accumulated 67 goals and 110 assists for 177 points in 195 regular-season games.
Spence is a two-time gold medalist with Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the U18 World Championship. At the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, he recorded two goals and three assists in five games. He also had three goals and four assists at the 2024 Under-18 World Championship.
Malcolm Spence is committed to playing for the University of Michigan Wolverines for the 2025-26 season. He will be joining his childhood friend, Michael Hage, who was a first-round pick by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2024 NHL Draft.
Scouting reports describe Spence as a high-energy player with good size. He is known for his tenacious work ethic, winning battles, and disrupting plays with his combination of size and speed. He is not afraid to use his body and has the ability to create offense after breaking up a play due to his vision and awareness. Spence is also considered a player with high character and leadership qualities, serving as one of the Otters' alternate captains.
Some scouts note that Spence may not be the flashiest player, but he is a hard worker who is willing to hit anyone to disrupt their game. Others describe him as a versatile player who can contribute in all situations, with a combination of size, speed, defensive reliability, and offensive skill. While not considered a dynamic or overly creative player with the puck, he has good offensive skills and sense and can create chances with pace. Spence has a strong two-way game, logging significant time on special teams and demonstrating a commitment to his own end first.
