Name: Will Skahan
Position: Defense
Height: 6’4”
Hometown: Orange, CA
Current Team: USNTDP
Draft Projection: Skahan’s draft stock has remained fairly stable over the course of the season. Currently, he is ranked as high as 29th to as low as 96th — which projects that he will likely be picked anywhere from late in the first round to the fourth round. Most projections have him being selected in the 50s, which would put him solidly somewhere in the third round.
Prospect Preview: Skahan is known for his high hockey IQ and solid defensive play, along with being able to skate well for a player of his size. Elite Prospects describes him as a “menace for opponents on the ice,” who defends by pressuring the opposing team and clears the front of the net easily. He is not afraid of playing a physical game, but is mindful of how and when to keep himself out of the penalty box.
With the U18 team this past season, Skahan had 14 points in 60 games, and 6 points in 24 games in USNTDP play. Though his offensive numbers are on the lower end at the USNTDP, he has shown high scoring potential in years prior. With the abundance of scoring forwards at the development program, Skahan was likely able to focus more on his defensive ability — but clearly has the ability to score.