It turns out the “jaw‑dropping” flip refers to Erie Otters standout left wing Malcolm Spence, widely regarded as one of the top North American prospects for the 2025 NHL Draft. He’s officially committed to the University of Michigan for the 2025–26 season, choosing the Wolverines over other schools like Georgia Tech and BYU.
🎯 Who is Malcolm Spence?
- A dominant OHL player, Spence posted 32 goals and 41 assists (73 points) in 65 games this past season—solidifying his status as a first-round pick hopeful.
- He’s also a two-time gold medalist with Team Canada at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup and U18 World Championships.
🔑 Why this matters
- Michigan continues to build one of college hockey’s elite pipelines, having tied its record with seven NHL draft picks in the 2025 draft .
- Spence bolsters a potent incoming freshman group that positions the Wolverines to challenge for Big Ten and NCAA prominence next season.
📌 Quick recap
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Malcolm Spence |
| Position | Left wing |
| 2024–25 Stats | 73 pts in 65 OHL games |
| National Success | Gold at 2024 Hlinka-Gretzky & U18 Worlds |
| Commitment | University of Michigan, 2025–26 season |
| Competition | Chose Michigan over Georgia Tech, BYU |
Let me know if you’d like a deeper breakdown of Spence’s game, how he fits into Michigan’s system, or comparisons with other top college-bound prospects!
Would you also like insights on how this commitment aligns with Michigan’s broader recruiting class and NHL draft strategy?