Prospect Update: Ian Moore

By Thomas Harrington

Anaheim chose defenseman Ian Moore in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, 67th overall. He completed his junior year at Harvard University this past season.

Moore played in 21 games, scoring three goals and eight points while serving as Harvard’s captain. The three goals represented a career high for him. His three goals and eight points were both second among Harvard’s defense core. Two of Moore’s three goals were game-winning goals. He missed several games because he was dealing with a high ankle sprain. Moore’s offensive game picked up towards the end of the season, where he recorded four points in the last six games of the year.

I had three expectations for Moore last summer, but he only met one of them. I wanted him to be one of the team’s offensive leaders on the blueline. He finished second, but it was a distant second to Ryan Healey, who finished with nine goals and 22 points. Second, I wanted him to lead Harvard deeper into the NCAA Tournament, but the team ended up not even qualifying. Finally, I was hoping he’d turn pro when the year was over and join the Ducks or Gulls to finish the season. That didn’t happen, and he’ll be heading back to Harvard for his senior year.

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Moore will be returning to Harvard for his fourth and final season of NCAA hockey. I have a couple of expectations for him this year. First, for him to stay healthy and play in most of Harvard’s games. Second, though he’s not known for his offensive game, to hit the 20 point mark. He had 19 points as a sophomore; if healthy, he should be able to hit 20.

Moore is still at least a year away from NHL action, probably more. If he has a great senior year, we could see him get a few games with the Ducks at the end of the 2024-2025 season, similar to what Jackson LaCombe recently did. Alternatively, if Anaheim thinks he isn’t ready for that, he could finish the year in the AHL with the Gulls and then have a shot at the NHL in the 2025-2026 season or the season after that.

Moore is currently unsigned and will be until the conclusion of his NCAA career. Anaheim holds his rights until August 15, 2025. When his college career is over, hopefully he’ll sign with the Ducks. Anaheim has a ton of defensive prospects, and while Moore isn’t one of the more exciting ones, he’s still a good one who could have a bright future. Hopefully he signs his entry-level contract with the Ducks and begins his professional career at the end of the 2024-2025 season.

The next prospect update will be on forward Sam Colangelo.

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September 15th, 2024