Matthew Lansing
2024-25 Team: Fargo Force (USHL)
Date of Birth: Feb. 27th, 2007
Place of Birth: Tonawanda, New York
Ht: 6-foot-1 Wt: 181 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: Center
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2025 first-year eligible
Rankings
NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters): 97th
DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY: 84th
Matthew Lansing is solidifying his position as one of junior hockey’s top prospects, establishing his reputation through his combined skill, work ethic, and consistency. The 6-foot-1, 181-pound center from Tonawanda, New York, is the top-line center for the Fargo Force in the United States Hockey League (USHL). This season, he’s taken on the responsibility of leading Fargo’s offense after joining them in February, contributing as a reliable two-way player. Lansing’s steady presence and ability to perform in high-pressure moments have been vital to Fargo’s success as they aim for a deep run in the Clark Cup Playoffs.
The 2024-25 season has been an eventful one for Lansing. Before his trade to Fargo, he spent 40 games with the Waterloo Black Hawks, registering 17 points (eight goals, nine assists) and achieving an impressive plus-20 rating. He also had a brief stint with the U.S. National U18 Team, where he gained valuable international experience over a short six games. Since joining Fargo, Lansing has added three goals and four assists in 13 games.
Related: THW’s 2025 NHL Draft Guide
Lansing’s hockey journey started with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres, where he developed into a dependable player. In the 2022-23 season, he posted 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in 16 games and followed that with 7 points (5 goals, 2 assists) in 15 games the following year. This foundation helped him grow into the player he is today, with a well-rounded game and a reputation for excelling in important situations.
Although the Erie Otters selected him in the eighth round of the 2023 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection, Lansing chose the USHL route instead. He has committed to Quinnipiac University for the 2025-26 season, joining the 2023 National Champion Bobcats. This season, Quinnipiac had another strong campaign, finishing with a 24-12-2 record. However, their run ended in the Allentown Regional Semifinals, where they lost 4-1 to UConn. Despite the setback, the program remains one of the premier forces in college hockey coming out of the ECAC, and Lansing’s arrival will undoubtedly bolster their roster as they look to make another run next season.
On the international stage, Lansing represented Team USA at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, scoring a memorable breakaway goal in a dominant win over Germany. His strong performances earned him opportunities to attend USA Hockey Player Development Camps at the Select 15, 16, and 17 levels.
Matthew Lansing – NHL Draft Projection
Lansing has become an exciting young support forward with a game built on reliability. As a top-line center, he’s taken on a leadership role this season, proving himself to be a dependable presence in all situations. His offensive zone play stands out, especially on rushes where he uses his strength and reach to shield the puck while battling through stick checks. He’s not the flashiest skater, but his skating is solid, and he pairs it with a strong frame to carve out space and create opportunities.
What sets Lansing apart is his willingness to go into the dirty areas on the ice. He’s not afraid to fight for rebounds, muscle through defenders, and score those tough, gritty goals in front of the net. Also, discipline is another hallmark of Lansing’s playing style. He plays clean and stays out of the penalty box, which stands out for a young player like him, giving him a third-round projection.
Other THW Draft Profiles
Quotables
“I was intrigued by Lansing, who I thought was USA’s most dangerous forward. He’s fast smart, and his two-goal performance in the bronze medal game kept the Americans in it. He’s not the strongest player, but he plays with enough pace to be effective. Lansing loves playing in open space but also has quick enough hands to keep defenders and goaltenders guessing.” – Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff
“Matthew is in his first year in the league and has already shown an ability to be an impact player. We are very excited to get him in here and continue his development path. He is a 200-foot center who is responsible but can also contribute offensively. He is a prospect for the upcoming draft and look forward to showcasing his talent down the stretch run of the season,” – Head Coach Brett Skinner, Fargo Force
Strengths
Two-Way Center
Playmaker
High-Hockey IQ
Discipline
Responsibility with Puck
Under Construction/Improvements to Make
Physicality
Play Without the Puck
Skating
NHL Potential
Lansing has the tools to play a valuable role in the NHL. He plays a hard-nosed game, making him a natural fit as a bottom-six forward who thrives in certain situations. He’s smart about finding space in front of the net, battling through contact, and finishing gritty plays when his team needs it most.
While his skating isn’t elite, it’s good enough to complement his ability to fight through stick checks and maintain possession entering and in the offensive zone. He’s also a disciplined player who doesn’t take many penalties, which keeps him on the ice in key situations. His leadership as Fargo’s top-line center this season shows that he understands how to play with responsibility and adapt when needed.
I’m sure an NHL team will take a chance on him in this year’s draft. With time and the right development, he could grow into a dependable role player in the league.
Risk-Reward Analysis
Risk 3/5, Reward 4/5
Fantasy Hockey Potential
Offense 7/10, Defense 6/10
Matthew Lansing Stats
Awards/Achievements
- Hlinka Gretzky Cup Most Goals (4)
Videos
