The New York Rangers did not make a selection in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft, but they landed a first-round talent in Malcolm Spence when they called his name at No. 43 overall in the second round. Spence just saw his rookie season at Michigan end in heartbreaking fashion with a double-overtime loss to Denver in the Frozen Four, but he should be immensely proud of a campaign that proved he can handle the jump to elite competition.
Spence’s Immediate Impact in Ann Arbor
In the 4-3 double-overtime loss to Denver, Spence’s puck hound mentality was on full display. He tallied a primary assist on Jayden Perron's power-play goal and played a significant role in Michigan’s physical game, parking his 6'2", 201-pound frame in front of the net to screen goaltender Johnny Hicks throughout the night.
Late in the game, the Wolverines took the lead on a PPG, and Malcolm Spence, with an assist, was a big reason why. Watch this play carefully. Not only does he regain possession and set up the play, but just as Perron was lining up his shot, Spence drifted across the lane,… pic.twitter.com/IXIgdBlBvH
— Blueshirt Banter (@BlueshirtBanter) April 10, 2026
Spence made the jump to the NCAA after three productive seasons with the Erie Otters, where he racked up 67 goals and 110 assists for 177 points in 195 OHL games. Moving to Michigan offered the 19-year-old an opportunity to test his power-forward game against older, stronger opponents, and the results were highly encouraging. He finished his freshman year with 10 goals and 15 assists for 25 points in 40 games, while posting a stellar +18 rating.
A First-Round Talent at a Second-Round Price
The New York Rangers select Malcolm Spence 43rd overall! pic.twitter.com/BFAxnBzWzq
— Elite Prospects (@eliteprospects) June 28, 2025
The Rangers were ecstatic to find Spence available in the second round. Originally projected as a top-20 selection, Spence’s draft stock took an undeserved hit due to a string of brutal luck. Mid-season, he suffered a severe injury, splitting his tongue in half, which required surgery and led to a persistent infection.
The resulting mouth injury made it nearly impossible for him to eat or breathe properly, causing him to lose roughly 15 pounds. Despite the literal inability to maintain a normal diet, Spence showed the "hyena" mentality that earned him the No. 21 ranking on Elite Prospects' final list. It's why many scouts consider him the steal of the Rangers' 2025 class.
The Future of the Letter 2.0 Retool
Spence is now in a prime position to take on a massive role at Michigan next season. With top scorer T.J. Hughes graduating and Michael Hage potentially eyeing a pro contract, Spence will be a centerpiece of the Wolverines' offense in 2026-27.
For the Rangers, having a high-upside power forward with a motor at full throttle is extra valuable given his draft slot. As the Letter 2.0 retool brings more roster turnover this summer, Spence’s blend of size and skill makes him a candidate to climb the organizational depth chart sooner rather than later.