Joseph Willis

September 2026 – Willis carried his reputation as a consistent producer into his first AHL season, posting 22 points in 56 games with the Milwaukee Admirals – steady, if unspectacular output that has defined his game at every level. He can be quick in bursts, and his defensive metrics at the AHL level give him a credible path to a depth NHL role – he is not a negative in that realm. The per-game pace is modest relative to his OHL production, but Milwaukee was encouraged enough to deploy him in a middle-six role for stretches of the year. For a fourth-round pick who has provided depth scoring at every level he’s played, the trajectory remains positive, even if the ceiling is a little lower than you’d hope. Ryan Downey

July 2025 – For a fourth-round pick in 2023, Willis has had an interesting experience so far in his development. His high motor leads him to success, which is coming in the way of offensive production wherever he has played. Since 2022-23, Willis has played for the Saginaw Spirit and the Kingston Frontenacs, consistently putting up 0.81 points per game during the regular season. He played in the Memorial Cup for Saginaw in his sophomore OHL season of 2023-24, again putting up 0.8 points per game. On the international circuit, he also played in two games for Team USA at the 2025 World Juniors, where he put up two assists in two games. It does not matter what level Willis plays at; he will contribute offensively. We will find out in 2025-26 if that remains true as he joins the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL in his first professional season. Ioan Gheordanescu 

March 2025 –The Nashville Predators signed Willis to a three-year, entry-level contract. Mark Henry

June 2023 – Willis was selected in the fourth round (111th overall) in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft by the Nashville Predators. Pat Quinn

June 2023 – Willis is a smart, high-motor, smooth-skating forward who drives impressive transition results, excelling as a carrier between the dotted lines. His physicality has some catching up to do, but he has a lot of strong foundational physical habits that will help him thrive with added lower body strength. His defensive game is one of his greatest strengths; he consistently forces turnovers when defending the rush and is also a consistently active defender in the defensive zone. He has middle-six upside as a two-way skilled play-driver who can score from in tight and flashes good playmaking around the slot, weaponizing his and his teammates’ movement. Sebastian High