University of Michigan forward Malcolm Spence (2025 2nd round 43rd overall) appears to be on the way to fulfilling his tremendous potential. Flint Firebirds captain Nathan Aspinall (2024 5th round, 159th overall) has played his way from project to top prospect.
Spence began the season on the Wolverines’ third line, and by season’s end was on the first line for the nation’s top-ranked team. While his freshman season stats were not eye-popping (25 points [10G 15A] in 40 games), his game grew in all the ways that win games at the NHL level. Such growth includes relentless effort, excellent puck support, and the ability to drive the play even when not scoring. He was rewarded with big minutes at the end of the season, both at even strength and special teams.
Aspinall began the season as a late-round afterthought. Now, he has worked himself into the conversation of becoming the Rangers’ prospect of the year, as well as the OHL’s MVP. He had a monster regular season for the Firebirds, tallying 94 points (33G 61A) in 65 games, doubling his 2024-25 production. He has continued his remarkable 2025-26 year in the playoffs, recording 15 points (8G 7A) in just 7 games. His points total is third-most in the OHL, and his goals total is tied for the league lead. Combining this production with his massive size (6’7″ 207 LBS.), he certainly fits the profile of a budding power forward at the NHL level.