Chicago is a niche market in the USHL for players with NCAA commitments, which this kid doesn't have. There is no disputing Chicago's recent success, top NCAA teams, specifically Michigan, are placing their players on this team to prepare them for their programs. They may be the Knights of the USHL, it doesn't make their seconds and cast away players any more attractive.
The USHL used to be a 2nd tier league after the OHL. In recent years that has changed dramatically.
Personally I think there may be a 4th and simple option that is close to what OMG said.
He and his agent and parents are looking for the best place for him to shine, learn and increase his visibility.
He is 17 and just comes off an exciting year that saw him gain a lot of notoriety in the US market and probably with scouts. The Steel have a lot of players that are going to be watched by NHL and university scouts.
Ottawa really this year except maybe for him have no one that the scouts are going to be looking at and Ottawa is not a team that is expected to compete at the same level as Chicago.
That being said how does a 17 year old get noticed for the draft
ICE TIME AND WHAT THEY DO WITH IT.
So the question is would you rather lay on lines with players that either has been drafted or are at a high skill or would you rather play on a team that has not got the players to compliment and make you look good.
Moldenhauer has not and will not make s decision until he sees where he fits on either team.
Chicago is going to lose a lot of their star players to either the NHL or to NCAA. But they still are the Steel and scouts will be watching them.
I do not see him playing for any other OHL team as they are all in the same boat.
The best advice I would give him is to wait and see where things end up the options and the ball are in his court at the moment.