Mason West Prospect Write-Up

Damian Dovarganes, Associated Press

The Chicago Blackhawks made a bold move in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, trading up to select Mason West with the 29th overall pick, a decision that sparked debate due to his lower rankings among draft analysts, who often placed him in the 50s. Sportsnet's scout analysis ranked him 54th, FCHockey had him at 56th, Flamesnation's overview pegged him in the late 40s to early 50s on most public lists. Bob McKenzie's mid-season rankings slotted him at 59th, reinforcing the view of West as a second-round talent. NHL Central Scouting was an outlier, rating him 27th among North American skaters, but even that projected him outside the top 30 overall in many mocks. ESPN draft grades called the 29th pick "a little high," labeling West a raw, long-term project, while The Athletic ranked him 46th, suggesting Chicago overpaid to jump ahead for a mid-second-round flier. The shock lies in the risk: trading up for a high schooler with just 10 USHL games in a draft loaded with high-end talent was a polarizing gamble on potential over proven production. At 17 years old, West is a physical specimen at 6’5” and 217 pounds, with a powerful stride that makes him a force on the ice. You can’t coach size, and his imposing frame paired with his skill set offers a strong foundation for development into an NHL contributor. His skating, with long, explosive strides, dominates in transition and creates space in the offensive zone, catching scouts’ eyes. For dynasty league managers, West is a high-upside, long-term investment whose raw athleticism and unique skill set could make him a cornerstone for both the Blackhawks and fantasy rosters.

West’s background as a multi-sport athlete sets him apart. A three-star quarterback recruit at Edina High School in Minnesota, he drew Division I football offers from Marshall, Kent State, Miami (Ohio), South Dakota State. His football resume, 178 of 244 passes for 2,592 yards, 37 touchdowns, four interceptions last season, highlights a quarterback’s vision that translates to hockey. Multi-sport athletes like West often take to learning better, as their diverse experiences build adaptability, coordination, mental toughness, and with his strong skating base already, expect his stride and agility to improve further as he refines his hockey-specific skills. On the ice, his ability to read plays and anticipate action before it unfolds makes him an underrated playmaker with exceptional passing and vision, a skill honed on the gridiron.

On the hockey rink, West has shown flashes of brilliance. In 2024-25, he amassed 49 points, 27 goals, 22 assists, in 31 games for Edina High School, including three goals in the Minnesota state finals, helping lead his team to a state championship. His brief USHL stint with the Fargo Force, nine points, one goal, eight assists, in 10 games, proved he could compete at a higher level despite his youth. For fantasy managers, this suggests a multi-category contributor with goals, assists, physicality. His size and strength make him a menace along the boards, adding value in leagues that count hits or penalty minutes. West also aims to cap his high school career by winning a state football championship for Edina this fall, showcasing his competitive drive across sports.

For dynasty league owners, West’s potential is enticing, but patience is crucial. Committed to Michigan State for 2026-27 after playing high school football this fall, he’s a project pick who may not reach the NHL for several years. His raw tools, size, skating, hockey sense, point to a ceiling as a middle-six forward with power-forward traits. His quarterback-like vision could yield significant assist totals, and with his goal-scoring touch and physical presence, he’s a potential 50-60 point player in fantasy formats, with upside for more if he refines his shot and defensive play.

The Blackhawks’ selection of West invites comparisons to another towering figure they drafted: Dustin Byfuglien, picked in the eighth round, 245th overall, in 2003. Like West, Byfuglien began his NHL career as a forward with Chicago, playing primarily as a right wing during his early years. In his first full NHL season, 2007-08, Byfuglien leveraged his 6’5”, 260-pound frame to dominate physically, posting 19 goals, 17 assists for 36 points in 67 games. His 237 hits, 93 penalty minutes made him a fantasy standout in multi-category leagues, while his seven power-play goals, 203 shots on goal, 3.03 per game, showcased his offensive impact. Byfuglien’s ability to bull through defenders, park in front of the net, fire heavy shots made him a matchup nightmare as a forward, traits that align closely with West’s current game. They simply don't make 6'6 218lb 17 year olds. If he can get to a net neutral in skating he will be a NHL 3rd or 4th liner at a minimum.

https://youtu.be/LpgMlx4Ak7w?si=sSCNytFxbPWraAUs

(A shift by shift breakdown of Mason in the USHL)

West, while raw, shares Byfuglien’s blend of size, skill, physicality, and Chicago’s history with Byfuglien suggests they see similar potential. Like Byfuglien during his forward days with the Blackhawks, West’s powerful stride and physical presence make him a force in the offensive zone. Byfuglien’s shot was a proven weapon, while West’s is still developing, with his passing and vision likely to drive his early NHL value. West is projected to remain a forward, likely at center or wing, where his playmaking and size can shine, unlike Byfuglien, who later transitioned to defense. Multi sport athletes generally take to training better, I can see a high runway for West when all his time and effort are put into hockey.

For dynasty managers, the Byfuglien comparison outlines West’s ceiling: a multi-category stud who could deliver 20-25 goals, 15-20 assists, 150-200 hits, power-play points, much like Byfuglien’s 2007-08 campaign. His floor remains uncertain due to his limited hockey experience and multi-sport commitments. Byfuglien’s 36-point rookie season as a forward offers a benchmark, West could approach similar production if he reaches the NHL by 21 or 22, though his developmental timeline suggests a longer wait. The Blackhawks’ “Grand Slam hack” on West, as GM Kyle Davidson called it, signals their belief in his potential to emulate a Byfuglien-like impact as a forward. In dynasty leagues, West is a stash-and-wait prospect for deep rosters, a high-risk, high-reward pick. If he harnesses his athleticism, refines his hockey skills, he could emerge as a fantasy star, blending the physical dominance of a power forward with the vision of a quarterback on ice.