When Malcolm Spence’s name echoed over the PA in Los Angeles on June 28, 2025, as the Rangers’ first pick of the draft, it signaled a new era for both team and player. Chosen 43rd overall — in what many saw as a second-round “steal” — Spence immediately embraced his new home, embracing the message: “Rangers had the most faith in me.”
Spence had entered the weekend expecting a possible late first-round selection. The fact that his name didn’t come up until the second round didn’t knock him off his stride. “Just because I didn’t get picked [in the first round], I kind of changed my mindset right after and said, ‘Well, tomorrow’s a new day and you’re in a situation that not a lot of people are in,’” he shared via Zoom from the Peacock Theater (. In other words, he wasn’t dwelling — he was diving in.
That resilience reflects his mindset all season. As Erie’s alternate captain, Spence posted 32 goals and 41 assists in 65 games — a 73-point campaign packed with high-pressure heroics, including Canada’s dramatic overtime clincher at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in 2023 (n. But his journey hasn’t been smooth.
Mid-season, Spence suffered a serious tongue injury that split his tongue during a game, causing infection, hospitalization, weight loss, and significant time away from the ice . Yet he returned to finish strong — evidence of his grit and perseverance. Erie GM Dave Brown praised him as proof that hard work and determination pay off .
His 6-foot-2, 201-pound frame, combined with speed, hockey IQ, and a two-way game, made him attractive to scouts. Neutral Zone’s December evaluation labeled him a “dynamic two-way forward with a rare blend of size, speed, and hockey IQ…with a high level of competitiveness and offensive creativity” . Draft Prospects echoed that sentiment: “Pace, complete… skilled,” judged Spence, calling his game fast, purposeful, complete—a description that fits the modern NHL mold .
Rangers director John Lilley expressed relief and excitement. “He doesn’t cheat the game. We’ve valued him for a few years… we were thrilled to get him in that spot,” Lilley told reporters . Forever Blueshirts called it a “great pick,” adding that though New York lacked a first-rounder, Spence was widely regarded as first-round talent . The sentiment: this was a coup.
Spence’s relationship with the Rangers runs deeper than draft night. He and Carey Terrance, Erie’s captain, played together for three seasons. Terrance was acquired in June for Chris Kreider. Spence is eager to join his close friend again: “Carey’s one of my closest friends…to be there with Carey on the daily…it’s pretty remarkable,” he said . That camaraderie could smooth his conversion to the NHL grind.
Being the Rangers’ first pick carries added weight. “For me, it was New York’s first pick…They believed in me when a lot of other people didn’t,” Spence emphasized . That mirrors his belief in himself, even if draft boards had him ranked between 16th and 33rd, or around 23rd in the EliteProspects consensus. Still, he slid to 43rd, and that chip on his shoulder is now fuel .
Part of maintaining the mindset: seeing draft position as motivation. Facing off against Islanders’ top pick Matthew Schaefer — another Erie alum — has already stirred competitive fire. “It’s a little rivalry now…We’ll definitely have some words, for sure,” Spence joked . Rivalry aside, he said, these matchups will “bring the best out of each other” .
Off-ice life is equally important. Spence surprised some by choosing the NCAA over the CHL, committing to Michigan for 2025–26. He acknowledged the decision: “Physically, I’m not [ready]… going to Michigan is going to give me more runway time… I’m not going to rush things” (. Many development staff follow a similar route—drafting players prior to NCAA maturation. Combined with the Rangers’ summer camp, it offers a guided path forward.
Rangers’ development camp starts shortly after draft weekend, and Spence expected to fly immediately to New York . The idea: acclimate quickly to the city and organization. He also has family and a sister in New York — Camille recently graduated from Pace University downtown. He’s already walked near Madison Square Garden and feels energized by the bright lights . Spence said he thrives in loud atmospheres—Big Apple hockey suits him .
So what does he bring on ice? Analysts pitch him as a fast, physical 200-foot player — effective at both ends, strong on forechecks, net-front play, and reliable in special teams both on the PK and power play . DailyFaceoff described him as a hard worker who “loves hitting everyone he can…you can assign a job to do and he’ll get it done” .
Scouting reports highlight areas of growth: lateral agility, puck-handling under pressure, shot accuracy, and added strength. He’s already strong — winning 58% of 50/50 puck battles, blocking shots, and generating around five shots per game — but added muscle could elevate him, especially for NHL-level consistency .
College and Rangers development staff will craft strength and agility programs. The NCAA’s training regimen paired with NHL-level fitness oversight should help him gain an extra 10–15 pounds of functional muscle. As he grows, so will his ability to anchor a middle-six role, potentially accelerate to top-six with ongoing offensive refinement .
Leadership and maturity are non-negotiable for Spence. Erie gave him the role of alternate captain. Internationally, he delivered under pressure — donning the “A” for Canada at the World U18 Championship, scoring the fastest goal in tournament history, and delivering gold twice: Hlinka Gretzky (overtime winner) and the U18 Worlds . That clutch DNA translates well to Hockey City.
The Rangers are deeply invested. Lilley emphasized they “prepare as if we’re picking No. 1,” ensuring readiness at all draft spots . That strategy paid off. From their first selection, Spence’s arrival signals reinforcement of their rebuild through skill, character, and high-end mid-round value.
The road ahead lies in Ann Arbor and Broadway. Michigan will be his hockey laboratory: refining skills, toughening his body, and preparing him mentally for the NHL’s grind. Yet he’s already begun the Rangers adaptation: summer camp, meeting coaches, integrating with the prospect pool, and reconnecting with Terrance. That link with a close friend reduces rookie pressure and helps assimilation.
As fans tune in, they’ll see more than box scores. They’ll watch a player determined to validate the faith invested in him. A fast, physical wrecking ball with creative instincts, leadership polish, and a relentless motor — the kind of player Broadway reveres. He’s not flashy, but he’s effective, dependable, and team-first.
By 2027 or 2028, he could break into the NHL. But his path isn’t about timelines — it’s about layers. College performance, all-star showings, maybe RFA camp invite — each stepping stone signals upward progression. The Rangers see him as a mid-term asset: crystal clear, but not rushed. That’s how development works in this age: patience, precision, progression.
Malcolm Spence’s draft night was more than a ceremony — it was a declaration. “They believed in me when others didn’t.” That belief comes with a responsibility to repay the confidence — with ice grind, leadership, and consistency. He enters a historic market, with massive expectations, under the glaring lights of New York City. But he thrives in pressure, in playmaking, and in proving doubters wrong.
His injury-return narrative? It’s not just a part of his story — it’s a foundation. He views it not as caution but proof: adversity steeled him. Now, he carries that resolve into every shift, every camp, and every moment. The Rangers gave him the chance. The city gave him the stage. And Spence is ready — fueled by faith and fire.
As Broadway awaits, Rangers fans should too. They didn’t just get a prospect — they got a story. A local kid from Mississauga via Erie, dipped in determination, crowned in belief, and now a Blueshirt. He might be New York’s next unsung hero — the player whose quiet confidence roars loudest on the ice.
Only time will write the rest. But the prologue is complete: faith found, journey begun — Malcolm Spence embraces New York with open skate and open heart.
