The Pittsburgh Penguins select Michigan native Will Horcoff with 24th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
With the 24th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Pittsburgh Penguins selected Michigan Wolverine and Birmingham native Will Horcoff.
Best known as the son of former NHLer and current Red Wings assistant GM Shawn Horcoff, Will is a towering 6-foot-4 centreman who uses his size effectively to position himself and break up plays before they develop. Like his father, who once recorded 73 points in 79 games for the Edmonton Oilers, Will is a high-end playmaker with a knack for creating space and setting up teammates.
With high-end upside and strong hockey lineage, he has the tools to become a game-breaking player. He showcased his scoring potential during his time with the U.S. National Team Development Program, playing alongside some of the top junior talent in the country. Over 82 games, he tallied 19 goals and 14 assists for 33 points
Once eligible, he was recruited to the nearby University of Michigan, a powerhouse in collegiate hockey known for developing elite talent. Several current Red Wings, including J.T. Compher and captain Dylan Larkin, also honed their skills at Michigan against top-tier competition. Following in those footsteps, Horcoff made an impact in his freshman season, posting four goals and six assists for 10 points over 18 games.
His strong play earned him a spot on Team USA at the IIHF U-18 World Championship this past year. Competing against some of the top junior talent globally, Horcoff held his own, recording two goals and two assists for four points in seven games. The hope was Detroit would've been able to land Horcoff around the 44th pick where the Red Wings have their next pick but the Penguins liked the player and picked Will despite his consensus ranking being in the 30-40 pick range.
