L.J. Mooney, drafted 113th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, is quickly becoming a prospect to watch. The Canadiens may have found a "draft-day gem" in the fourth-round pick. Despite not having a first-round pick, Montreal still managed to find talented players, including Mooney.
Mooney's skill set is dynamic. He combines quick-twitch handling with quick feet, attacking at a breakneck speed. Mooney’s performance at the Canadiens' development camp has further fueled excitement. In scrimmages and skill drills, Mooney has showcased his high-end skill set, standing out as one of the most dynamic forwards on the ice. His vision, quick hands, and ability to dictate play in the offensive zone have been particularly noticeable.
Standing at 5'7" and weighing 157 pounds, Mooney is undersized compared to the average NHL player. Size concerns contributed to him being available in the fourth round. However, Mooney doesn't let his stature limit his game. He plays with a high-energy, all-gas-no-brakes style, demonstrating a competitive streak. He compensates for his lack of size with elite skating, speed, and agility, allowing him to control the game's pace and create scoring opportunities. He is also known to land a surprising amount of big hits for someone his size.
Before the draft, some scouts suggested Mooney possessed first-round talent. Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff noted Mooney's first-round talent, energetic style, and skill but acknowledged the size concern. Scott Wheeler of The Athletic highlighted Mooney's skill, skating, and success as an underager with the 2006s. Despite a "disappointing season" due to injury issues, Mooney's compete level remains high. He told reporters he carries a chip on his shoulder, using his size as motivation.
Mooney's offensive capabilities are noteworthy. In 51 games for the U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP) this year, he recorded 10 goals and 41 assists. During the 2024-25 season with the U18 U.S. National Team, Mooney scored 10 goals and had 41 assists in 51 games. He also had 5 goals and 23 assists over 26 games for the USNDTP Juniors. At the 2025 U18 World Junior Championship, he contributed 2 goals and 9 assists in seven games. Mooney stood out at the development camp, displaying excellent vision, threading passes through traffic, and consistently finding open teammates.
Looking ahead, Mooney is set to join the University of Minnesota in 2026-27. In the meantime, he is expected to play in the USHL or CHL for the upcoming season. The Canadiens have a history of success with smaller players, including Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson. Martin St. Louis, the Canadiens' head coach, was also overlooked due to his size but had a Hall of Fame career. The Canadiens are providing Mooney with an environment to develop and use his size to his advantage.
