There has been a lot of clamor recently for Chicago to bring forward prospect Oliver Moore (19th overall pick in 2023) to the Windy City for a spot in the NHL. Moore is off to a terrific start in Rockford, with 6 points (4G 2A) in 5 games this season. It was widely rumored that Moore would take forward Nick Foligno’s roster spot while he was away from the team dealing with his daughter’s health issue. Now that Foligno is back with the Hawks, Moore would have to forge a new path to accomplish this feat.
It does appear Moore would fit in nicely with the Hawks’ core. He was selected in the same draft class as 2023 first overall pick Connor Bedard. Additionally, he is a fellow alumnus of the National Team Development Program with current Chicago forward Frank Nazar (13th overall pick in 2022), and played with Nazar in 11 contests there when promoted to the U-18 team in 2021-22. Moore and Nazar teamed up once again as members of Team USA during the 2023-24 World Junior Championship. Team USA utilized the breakneck speed of both players to capture the gold medal at that tournament.
Provided he continues his strong play in Rockford, it is difficult to imagine a scenario where Moore does not don a Hawks’ uniform at some point this season.