LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 27: Will Horcoff poses with Kris Letang, Alex Letang and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after being drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins with the 24th overall pick during the first round of the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft at the Peacock Theater on June 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
If you’re a Penguins fan still dreaming about the next wave of talent, Will Horcoff’s rise to No. 6 in the top under-25 list proves you’ve actually got something to look forward to. Fresh off his first full NCAA season, Horcoff exploded for 25 goals with Michigan—a stat that stands out for any teenager, let alone a 6’5” power forward prospect.
Selected 24th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, Horcoff is one of three first-rounders the Penguins snagged that year. Even though Pittsburgh didn’t land a top-five pick, their draft-day manoeuvring let them stock up on prospects poised to inject real depth and, finally, a bit of hope into their system. According to Yahoo Sports, Horcoff’s season at Michigan has only reinforced that optimism: he tied for second among all NCAA goal-scorers and flashed both upside and hockey IQ well beyond his age.
The Penguins haven’t had real prospect depth in ages. Two years ago, Horcoff probably would’ve landed almost at the very top of this list. But now he drops just a spot from last season, not because he’s faded, but because Pittsburgh actually has a competitive crop of young players pushing him for those top slots. That’s the sort of in-house competition you want if you’re hoping for a quick rebuild.
So, why are the Penguins so high on Horcoff? Size jumps out first—at 6’5” and over 200 pounds, he’s built for the modern pro game. Add in his defensive awareness and smarts with the puck, and you get the sense this is a player who understands his role and what’s required at every level. There’s NHL pedigree, too: he’s the son of long-time pro Shawn Horcoff, so you know he’s got some valuable insight from home.
Horcoff scored 25 goals in 40 NCAA games, tying for second nationally on goals scored and showing he could be more than just a big body up front.
He dropped one spot in the under-25 rankings, but only due to improved depth in the Penguins’ system, not personal regression.
His shooting percentage topped 23 percent, raising questions about whether that level of scoring is sustainable.
The Penguins’ assistant general manager, Jason Spezza, took note of Horcoff’s ability to find quiet areas in the slot and finish with precision, calling him a natural scorer who combines size and smart positioning.
Horcoff added international experience by making the US World Junior team, piling up a goal and an assist in five games.
He’s projected to spend at least another year at Michigan, with realistic chances to contend for a Penguins roster spot by the 2027-28 season if his progress continues.
Development season raises both expectations and questions
Horcoff’s breakout year made a lot of Penguins brass take notice. Assistant GM Jason Spezza summed it up best when he said, “We were attracted to the qualities that are giving him success now, so I’m not shocked, but I’m also pleasantly surprised. It’s a hard league to come into and do what he’s doing at that age. For a big man, he gets inside, but he also knows how to find the quiet areas in the slot. He’s got a nice release. He’s got a natural goal-scoring touch. And I just think he’s a student of the game. He spends a lot of time working on his game, thinking on his game and he’s benefiting from that.” For you as a bettor or a fan, Spezza’s words carry weight—the people closest to the prospect believe his performance isn’t a fluke, even as they acknowledge how rare this production is for a teenager.
The challenge? His eye-popping shooting percentage might not hold up as he faces better goalies and more advanced defenders. Even a small dip there puts pressure on his other skills to make NHL impact. The baseline, though, is solid: even if the goals slow down, Horcoff has always been lauded for his two-way play, size, and willingness to get physical. That gives him a clear path to an NHL role, with the ceiling dependent on whether his new scoring touch is for real or just a hot streak.
What’s next for Horcoff and why you should keep watching
Pittsburgh’s prospect pool is suddenly deeper than it’s been in years, and Horcoff’s next NCAA season is now must-watch if you’re tracking future Penguins impact players. He’ll get another year to prove himself against top collegiate competition. If he repeats or even comes close to his 25 goals, the Penguins won’t just be talking about a depth addition—they’ll be looking at a serious power forward with top-six upside.
You don’t want to get caught off guard when a kid like this arrives on the scene. If you’re looking ahead to Pittsburgh’s future rosters or thinking about long-shot Calder bets, Horcoff is officially on the radar. The next year is all about answering those upside questions. For now, put him on your list of prospects who could actually move the needle for the Penguins.
Key takeaways for bettors and fans
Horcoff’s breakout year wasn’t just about bulk stats—it’s his blend of size, smarts, and goal scoring that stands out.
The main question is sustainability: a repeat NCAA performance makes him a legit NHL power forward prospect.
Penguins’ improved prospect depth is real and pushes Horcoff, not buries him.
Look for another big collegiate season in 2026 before he becomes an NHL talking point.
If his shooting percentage normalises, watch how he adapts—his two-way game still gives him a pro future.
Penguins’ fans and bettors should track Horcoff’s progression for future value, especially as he gets closer to an NHL debut.
Avoid overreacting to a small dip in scoring; his long-term fit is more about his all-around game than pure finishing.
For futures markets and prospect pools, Horcoff’s next season should weigh heavily in projecting Pittsburgh’s pipeline strength.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will Horcoff is a right winger drafted 24th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2025 NHL Draft. He’s coming off a standout freshman season at the University of Michigan and is ranked No. 6 on the Penguins’ top-25 under-25 list.
Horcoff broke out with a 25-goal NCAA season, impressing coaches and analysts. His size, skillset, and increasing offensive output make him a key piece in the Penguins’ future plans.
Horcoff is expected to play at least another season at the University of Michigan before possibly challenging for an NHL spot as early as the 2027-28 season.
His shooting percentage was over 23 percent, which is unusually high and could be hard to sustain. The big question is whether he can maintain that production as competition rises.
Horcoff has pro-level size, strong defensive instincts, a natural scoring touch, and NHL lineage as the son of Shawn Horcoff. His blend of two-way play and scoring makes him unique among Penguins prospects.
Dropping a spot to No. 6 actually signals improved depth for the Penguins, not a fall in Horcoff’s stock. It means the team is building real competition among its young prospects.
Watch if Horcoff can repeat or improve on his scoring with Michigan, and whether his all-around game continues to develop. His next season will heavily impact his NHL timeline and impact potential.
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