Preliminary Media/Scout Poll for 2016

It's time for the first media/scout top 10 for 2016. Certainly no surprise at number one. At this point, Chychrun seems to have solidified his spot at the top of the OHL draft crop. But after that, opinions vary. Tkachuk is a consensus top 5 pick, but then we've got a large group of players vying for a spot in the overall top 10. Once again, the OHL looks to have several candidates for the lottery selections.

For those unfamiliar with how this works, I poll many of the OHL's brightest minds; those who cover the league incredibly well and know the OHL inside, and out. These contributors supply me with their top 10 available players from the OHL, in addition to some comments. I then put it all together and provide you with a cumulative list. Call it "the consensus."

As always, this list involves contributions from a rather colourful cast of characters. Contributing their rankings and thoughts to this preliminary list for 2016 were:

Corey Pronman - ESPN writer (@coreypronman)
Dominic Tiano - Writer for The OHL Writers (@dominictiano)
Dan Stewart - Director of Scouting for Future Considerations (@StewartFC)
Brendan Ross - Co-Manager of DobberProspects, scout for McKeens Hockey & director of scouting for TheScout.ca (@RossyYoungblood)
Peter Kneulman - Writer for the OHL Writers (@PeterKneulman)
Matt Grainda - Scout for TheScoutca (@graindaiv)
Tony Ambrogio - PA Announcer for the Mississauga Steelheads & TSN editor/producer (@Tony_Ambrogio)
Mike Morreale - Staff writer for NHL.com (@mikemorrealeNHL)
Anthony Mauro - Director/Founder of Draft Buzz Hockey (@draftbuzzhockey)
Todd Warriner - CHL analyst for Sportsnet, Colour analyst for the Windsor Spitfires (@Todd_Warriner)
Mark Seidel - Scouting Director for NACS Hockey (@MarkSeidel)
Dennis MacInnis - Director of Scouting for ISS Hockey (@ISShockey)
Ryan Kennedy - Associate senior writer for The Hockey News (@THNRyanKennedy)  
Mike Mackley - Writer with Overtime Sports Nation and Scout for the Powassan Voodoos (NOJHL) (@Macker61)
Peter Harling - Writer for the Kingston Frontenacs & McKeens Hockey (@pharling)

and of course...myself (@BrockOtten)

Here's the Top 10 with several honorable mentions:

1. Jakob Chychrun - Defence - Sarnia Sting
Total Votes: 16/16
High/Low: 1st (16x)
Comments:
"Jakob Chychrun is a beast of an athlete who still has considerable room for growth, which makes him a rare top prospect. Not only does the explosive D have considerable potential to improve his output (last year’s 6th overall is still sub PPG on that Sarnia team), but something in his mannerisms points to physical/skillset rawness still capable of getting better and more refined. Chychrun is a cornerstone top pairing defender whose wheels are powerful, his stick in the offensive zone is a lightning rod, and defensive mapping is shutdown like. This kid belongs at the WJC in December." - Anthony Mauro

"No brainer at #1 as this stud defenceman IMO is the only one who can unseat Austen Matthews at the NHL Draft. While still unlikely if it were to happen he would be the 5^th #1 in Sarnia/Cornwall Franchise history to go # 1 (Hawerchuk, Nolan, Stamkos and Yakapov) joining London for most #1 NHL picks. Has the skill set to jump to the NHL at 18 as he can be an offensive catalyst and a defensive rock." - Peter Kneulman

"Every NHL team wants to add a top pairing defenceman and the only way to do that is through the draft. Chychrun has the tools to be a top pairing franchise defenceman. He has size and skating ability that are pro ready now. He can keep up with the speed both physically and mentally. His hockey smarts are sound both defensively and offensively. He may not have elite level offensive skills and his transition to the NHL will be slower than Aaron Ekblad's was but make no mistake, Jacob Chychrun is a franchise defenceman." - Peter Harling

"Don't let the average offensive numbers fool you, Chychrun is already the best defender in the OHL. The potential is sky high at both ends of the ice. Mobility is top notch. So is the shot and his awareness of how/when to jump up in the play. Defensively, he's learning how to use his body consistently, but he's a rock. IMO he's ahead of where Aaron Ekblad was at the same age and that's saying something considering how good of a rookie NHL season Ekblad had. Most well rounded defender the OHL has had since Drew Doughty (although I've mentioned my Rob Blake comparison a few times). Really, the only thing that concerns me is the shoulder injuries. But if he stays healthy all year, I think that's moot." - Brock Otten

"Starting to pull away from the pack after he turned his quiet yet defensively effective start up a notch, now reaching levels that will challenge for top spot. Over the past handful of games, Chychrun is activating himself more offensively and it’s really added a lethal element to Sarnia’s attack. His ability to read the play and jump into action is elite and catches opposing defences off-guard. Chychrun’s strength and touch on the puck are approaching elite levels for a defenseman making him as dangerous as any forward in the league. Look for Chychrun to carry this momentum into the World Junior camp and challenge for a valuable roster spot." - Brendan Ross

"At this stage in the season he's hands down the top defenseman available in the 2016 draft. He plays a very impactful two-way game, has the build of an NHL blue liner already and offers great instincts. I like the fact he also enjoys playing physical and he has an edge to his game, much like his dad, Jeff Chychrun, did during his heyday in the NHL. Some scouts have compared his style and demeanor to Scott Stevens during his draft year." - Mike Morreale

2. Matthew Tkachuk - Forward - London Knights
Total Votes: 16/16
High/Low: 2nd (14x)/4th (1x)
Comments:
"Strong on the puck, good playmaker who gets to the net and finishes. Tenacious, good in traffic and sticks up for himself and teammates...just like his Dad. Playing with Marner and Dvorak means early season stats should continue." - Todd Warriner

"Tkachuk is a highly skilled winger with two-way capabilities. A player who combines a strong work ethic with tremendous hockey sense to be effective in all three zones, Tkachuk excels both as a playmaker and goal scorer. A player that shows deceptively good hands, Tkachuk boasts an excellent shot that combines a quick and deceptive release with strong accuracy and impressive velocity. Tkachuk also protects the puck effectively, shows above average pucks control and makes good decisions in possession. Tenacious on the forecheck, Tkachuk shows a willingness to engage physically and will use his size to his advantage excelling on net drives off the rush, while also showing no hesitance to play in and through traffic. On the defensive side of the puck Tkachuk is equally effective again showing his tremendous hockey sense and anticipation skills to be effective. A player who shows a willingness to clog the shooting lanes, Tkachuk is strong positionally, gives a strong effort on the back check and wins the majority of his puck battles. A player with an excellent work ethic and impressive attention to detail Tkachuk has made a seamless transition to the OHL." - Mike Mackley

"This pro-style forward has had absolutely no difficulty transitioning to the OHL game as the freshman winger is clipping along at nearly two points-per-game, good enough for second in the league at the time of this report. His skill in possession, relentless puck pursuit and impressively quick (and smart) hockey mind allows him to process plays quicker than his peers and dominate possession time. He’s tenacious and silky around the crease and while he’s not a pure dangler or brute force, his ability to create by exploiting lanes and openings is high-end.  This kid has NHL star potential." - Brendan Ross

"Matt Tkachuk is a chip off the old block as a power winger with eyes in the back of his head and a willingness to absorb a considerable physical toll to make plays. Everyone loves the points, but what really defines Tkachuk is the pro style methods he uses that make the true hockey nut smile. As easy as he makes the no look pass, he can just as easily throw a reverse hit to gain possession or relieve pressure in his own zone. Tkachuk is smart, plays the game hard, and has top line skill as a player that can play any style you need him to." - Anthony Mauro

“Grit and smarts are what stand out for me the most. The ultimate desire to just do better than his opponent in each situation make him dangerous with and without the puck. Has a very mature understanding of the game and reads what he needs to do or where to go to be successful very quickly. Kid just has elite will to compete and a head for the game.” - Dan Stewart

"I thought Jeremy Roenick said it best when he had the opportunity to coach Tkachuk at the All-American Prospects Game in Buffalo in September. He said Tkachuk's compete level and intelligence really stood out. He really knew where to go and it's rare to find a player that age with that type of ability. He plays a lot like his father, Keith. He's not the fastest but his hockey sense enables him to get into good position, and he plays with a lot of grit and emotion. Will challenge to go among the top five in the draft; he has a lot of characteristics that James van Riemsdyk possessed in his draft year." - Mike Morreale

3. Michael McLeod - Forward - Mississauga Steelheads
Total Votes: 16/16
High/Low: 3rd (5x)/7th (2x)
Comments:
"A tremendous all around player. Great leadership skills and it seemed every goal he scored as a rookie was a highlight reel goal. Not to put too much pressure on him, but he reminds me of Jonathan Toews, although I am not sure he will provide the offence Toews does once he gets to the NHL." - Tony Ambrogio

"Mr. Safe is a guy who plays a very well rounded game, utilizing his size and speed to drive the play in both the offensive and defensive zones. Not the highest of offensive ceilings in this class but will be at worst your NHL teams two-way second or third line centre.” - Dan Stewart

"His speed just kills. End-to-end rushes don't happen often anymore but McLeod can pull them off and he has great finishing skills, too. Great face-off guy as well." - Ryan Kennedy

"Definitely a potential Top 10 pick for me. Tremendous speed and ability to protect the puck, which makes him very tough to contain off the rush and coming off the wall. Is also very aggressive in taking the puck to the net and plays that power game, occasionally flashing physical play. The underrated component to his game is his two-way play and face-off ability. Already one of the best in the OHL at the dot. Because of all these things, he is the prototypical center that NHL teams covet now and for that reason he's going to be highly coveted in the lottery. Also, don't be surprised if he gets an invite to the Canadian WJC camp come December." - Brock Otten

"Speedy speedy speedy pivot who has the skill and size to thrive in the NHL game. Creates space for his opponents as defenders must respect his speed but give him too much room and he will punish them with his vision. Close in on that space to quickly and he will blow past you with his speed." - Peter Kneulman

"Has been impressive in his second season with the Steelheads. He has taken on a leadership role as a captain on the team and has been impressive as a playmaker. He can basically do everything at such a high pace. He has great speed and acceleration and is a natural center. His wrist shot is pretty impressive. He's Nathan MacKinnon-like in the fact he can make things happen at high speed; it's impressive. STRONG on his skates and can move and competes hard. he can do all things well." - Mike Morreale

"Solid, smart, difficult to play against. Good size, strong on faceoffs and defensively. All while posting good offensive numbers. A solid citizen, future captain." - Todd Warriner

4. Alex Nylander - Forward - Mississauga Steelheads
Total Votes: 16/16
High/Low: 3rd (5x)/6th (2x)
Comments:
“Nylander is another player to make a seamless move to the OHL. Dynamic is definitely one way to describe his hands and skating technique. His offensive skill set can catch opponents off guard every time the puck is on his stick. He’s still undersized physically, but his competitive instincts make up for it.” - Matt Grainda

"I’ll admit that watching him at the Ivan Hlinka, I thought he was soft. I’ll easily admit that so far, he has proven me wrong. Nylander has shown the willingness to engage and not shy away from the physical game. He is elusive and almost always seems to sneak away from whoever is covering him. He’s an excellent skater with excellent vision and playmaking abilities. He’s already over a point per game and that will only get better as he gets more acclimated to the OHL game." - Dominic Tiano

"His puck carrying and hockey IQ is elite. He generates offense every time he touches the puck in an OHL game. He's also a little bigger than his brother which allows him to maintain possession in the corners better. So fun to watch but does need to work on some of his physical attributes." - Contributor who wishes to remain anonymous

"What’s impressive is how well Alex Nylander is doing with Mississauga and he’s not even dominating like he can. We are seeing him in spurts with highlight reel flashes, but he can do better and will. With one on one ability that can pull fans out of their seats, he has shown to be a dual threat as a scorer and playmaker. Off the puck, Nylander is undersold. He busts his ass to track down opponents and stop them from reaching his team’s back half of the ice. Nylander is a light player along the boards and needs to improve there as the season goes." - Anthony Mauro

"Phenomenal hands and stick skills...Very slippery...Still needs to trust his teammates more...Willing to engage physically more than his brother...Opportunistic scorer." - Mark Seidel

"The younger brother of Maple Leafs top prospect William Nylander, Alex Nylander was a big coup for the Mississauga Steelheads and his presence in the lineup has added a feared offensive element that was lacking previously. Much like his older bro, Alex possesses a set of silky puck handling mitts with an ability to create scoring chances with ease. He appears to be more aggressive than William and welcomes contact more and that bodes well for his versatility moving forward. Nylander has the potential to rise up this list and that’ll come as he better learns how to play within the North American system, committing to his responsibilities more consistently. Given his offensive skill set, ability to extend possession and knack for creating offence, it’d be hard to think Alex Nylander falls too far past the Top 10." - Brendan Ross

5. Max Jones - Forward - London Knights
Total Votes: 16/16
High/Low: 2nd (2x)/10th (1x)
Comments:
"There were a lot of complaints about his production early on, but the criticisms were not warranted IMO. Anyone who saw him play early, knows he could have easily had 2 goals a game if he wasn't gripping his stick so tightly (way too many shots fired high and wide). Since then, we've got a few hat tricks and his game has really settled down. Impacts the game physically and on the score sheet; is a real throw back power forward. Would love to see him become more of a force on the forecheck and in general without the puck though. If you're comparing him to a guy like Lawson Crouse (from last year), I think that Crouse is 100% the more complete player, and the smarter player, but Jones' offensive skill set is more dynamic. Kind of see a bit of Dustin Brown in his game." - Brock Otten

"He can be dynamic at times due to his speed, skill shot and physicality and leave you in awe. He can also go around and start doing stupid crap in terms of puck plays and going after guys, although to his credit, he's doing far less of the latter this season than he did in his USHL time." - Contributor who wishes to remain anonymous

“Love the blend of size, aggressiveness and nasty physical edge as well as underrated smarts Jones displays each game. Glad the kid is capitalizing on his limited chances recently with that wicked shot he can unload and think he could be a steal if NHL teams don’t recognize how dominant he could become.” - Dan Stewart

"Transition has taken time to the OHL but he is really coming now...Healthy dose of nastiness to his game...Pro shot...Impossible to move off the puck." - Mark Seidel

"Like Tkachuk, another big physical kid with good hands. A little less polished but competes for space and has shown a nice touch around the net of late, and is a better skater. Not playing with the same quality of players as Tkachuk but alway makes an impact. Good upside." - Todd Warriner

"A powerful, dynamic forward with a lot of impactful levels to his game. He's your traditional north/south type of player that performs at a high level and isn't afraid to use his 6-3, 205-pound frame to an advantage. He plays the game similar to the way Shane Doan, Milan Lucic and Rick Nash play, engaging physically by driving into traffic and pushing his way to the net for a good scoring chance for himself or a teammate." - Mike Morreale

"Highly skilled power forward. Jones does it all .. He's big and strong and plays with jam .. This kid runs over people to make plays ..Very tough on the wall. Has a great shot and finds teammates in the OZ. Excellent on the PP, front of the net. Has the total package." - Dennis MacInnis

6. Olli Juolevi - Defence - London Knights
Total Votes: 16/16
High/Low: 4th (3x)/8th (3x)
Comments:
"Juolevi stepped onto OHL ice for the first time and immediately became a top defender in the league. He’s blessed with a well-balanced blend of offensive abilities and sound defensive awareness, while the latter can still be improved at times because he is prone to the odd poor decision. In possession as a puck moving defender, Juolevi emits a rare confidence in both rushing the puck with his advanced skating abilities and eluding pressure to make a seeing-eye outlet pass. He’s a special talent on the power play with his poise and smart puck decisions. He gets compared to former Knights standout import Olli Määtta and it’s for good reason -  although, he may be better in terms of mobility." - Brendan Ross

"Poised and patient, a good skater with a good shot. Plays in all situations, good instincts to join rush. Tireless and efficient. 2nd coming of Olli Maatta." - Todd Warriner

"Early in the season, I felt Juolevi was making bad pinches and bad decisions at the opposition blue line. Growing pains though and he’s much improved there as he gains experience in North America. Juolevi is a very capable two way defender. His positioning in his end is top notch with a very active stick and closes gaps quickly because of his skating. His quick transition game is top notch." - Dominic Tiano

“Olli Juolevi is very likely the definition of calm, cool and collected on the London blue-line. A fluid and efficient skater, Juolevi can make a great outlet pass and has tremendous poise in both the offensive and defensive zones. His quick mobility and smart positioning really help him cut down the attack.” - Matt Grainda

"Highly intelligent two-way defender with impressive puck skills and skating abilities. Not a flashy player, Juolevi uses his tremendous hockey sense and elite skating ability to play a complete game. Juolevi shows poise and patience in possession, rarely committing turnovers or forcing plays. However he tends to be a pass first defenseman, showing impressive touch on his stretch passes and deceptively strong vision as he often finds a player who you would not assume is the first option. Defensively Juolevi contains the rush efficiently, forcing the opposition to low percentage areas on the ice before effectively separating player from puck. In his own zone Juolevi will engage physically but uses his body to separate player from puck rather than to throw thundering body checks. An efficient stick on puck defender, Juolevi transitions fluidly and moves the puck quickly. A player who is extremely poised under pressure, Juolevi exudes confidence in possession. Juolevi's hockey sense and skating are easily his best attributes however his offensive game continues to round out, which will only enhance the 6'2 Finns repertoire." - Mike Mackley

7. Logan Brown - Forward - Windsor Spitfires
Total Votes: 15/16
High/Low: 6th (1x)/Outside the Top 10 (1x)
Comments:
"Scouts won’t be quick to forget the fact that Logan Brown was company with Sean Day as top prospects who couldn’t get up enough to make HC U18 Hlinka in August. That said, those same scouts will be quicker to give up their grudge because of his massive size and soft hands. Brown is a really difficult assessment because he isn’t a dominant personality, which is what you want out of a top ten pick. A lot of criticism comes from his pace of play, which is more surveying than blitz attacking and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Regardless, it would be wise to not overscout a 6’6 forward having a very good season." - Anthony Mauro

"Another divisive prospect, I may have him higher than others because draft results still historically favor big kids with potential. Brown is certainly big with his 6-foot-6 frame, plus he has that Joe Thornton playmaking center upside that all teams crave." - Ryan Kennedy

"Logan Brown has tremendous size and really good offensive skills. Deceptively quick with the puck on his stick, Brown is able to protect and shield the puck better than most of the league. His size alone will instantly put him in the must-watch category. Great vision and set-up play along with a powerful shot.” - Matt Grainda

“Oh boy, the potential and upside this kid has shown make me want to push him all the way into the top 10 on our groups big board for the draft, not just the OHL, after a few of his viewings. His size, puck protection, skating potential, shot velocity and placement as well as his vision and playmaking skills make me think he has the potential to become a Ryan Getzlaf/Rick Nash hybrid type player if everything goes right. But there is some risk involved with projecting this player and his consistency.” - Dan Stewart

"At 6’6” and 225 pounds you have to love his size. He needs to improve his first step speed but once he hits top speed he can move. Brown protects the puck very well. He has excellent vision and can make plays at top speed, usually successfully. Brown definitely needs to work on a couple of things, mainly his play without the puck and his defensive game. Those can be taught, but his offensive skills cannot." - Dominic Tiano

"Teams looking for a potential number one centre can look to Logan Brown. Brown is a playmaking centre with size and is a powerful and agile skater. He uses his height to protect the puck and is strong along the boards dominating puck possession. His great vision makes players on his wings better and he has defensive awareness as well. Potential first line centre with Joe Thornton or Ryan Getzlaf upside." - Peter Harling

8. Mikhail Sergachev - Defence - Windsor Spitfires
Total Votes: 13/16
High/Low: 5th (3x)/Outside the Top 10 (3x)
Comments:
"I love the completeness of this kid's game already. Even though he's an OHL rookie, we're seeing great defense, nice offensive moves and an edge." - Ryan Kennedy

"Combines impressive physical attributes with an impressive skill set to be one of the more versatile defensemen in the 2016 NHL draft. A player that is extremely tough to play against, Sergachev uses his size to his advantage and shows a willingness to engage physically. Not your typical physical defenseman in the sense that Sergachev shows strong mobility, along with impressive offensive traits. In his own zone he shows an active and effective stick, along with impressive contain abilities and an uncanny ability to separate player from puck and transition up ice fluidly. Offensively Sergachev boasts a powerful point shot that he gets through with relative ease, thanks to his ability to create shooting lanes with subtle body movements. He makes impressive decisions without the puck as he knows when to join the rush and when to retreat while also making smart and calculated pinches in the offensive zone. Sergachev is poised beyond his years both mentally and physically." - Mike Mackley

"Smooth as they come...Tremendous acceleration...Poised beyond his years...Is better than Provorov was at the same stage last year...Smart on the PP...Has some meanness and isn't afraid to engage physically." - Mark Seidel

"Big, strong with effortless power and skill. Defends well, committed, coachable. Loves the game, and is focused on getting better. Moved to Windsor in summer and hasn't looked back. Terrific 1st month." - Todd Warriner

“Jumped over the pond and right into the Spritfires top pairing where he sees loads of five-on-five, PP and PK time. He has not missed a beat as a guy who likes to play physical defensively as well as rush the puck, or at least join the rush, and contribute offensively. His blast from the point is a real weapon for him.” - Dan Stewart

"I prefer him to Olli Juolevi at this point because I think the upside is higher. Sergachev impacts the game in every way imaginable, and with his size/mobility, you've got a potential top pairing defender if you draft him. His game is certainly not flawless, but he's gaining confidence with every game he plays in the OHL. While his ability to run the power play has been noticeable since game one, it's his effectiveness in leading or jumping up in the rush that has really been growing lately. Look no further than his 4 point performance against Mississauga on Saturday as evidence of that. He'll be a big time riser in the second half IMO." - Brock Otten

9. Alex Debrincat - Forward - Erie Otters
Total Votes: 14/16
High/Low: 4th (1x)/Outside of the Top 10 (2x)
Comments:
"For good reason the 5’7’’ dynamo was under the microscope to prove he wasn’t just a byproduct of a McDavid led team – that he's done. He already has three 5PT efforts (one of them was a 5G game without Strome around), and has 8 more goals than games now in the heart of the season. He’s small, but this is a kid who is using his size to fuel how he plays. He has the vision and desire to exploit gaps in coverage near the net, size to slip through, and audacity to believe he will score. He’s smart enough not to put himself in bad scenarios, and it’s not like you’re picking him for his boardplay. If you want pure offense, go with DeBrincat." - Anthony Mauro

“DeBrincat is off to a dynamite start. The current OHL scoring leader has done an excellent job taking control of the Erie offense. His skating and quickness are elite and his toughness helps make up for his size. There is no fear in his game. The kid is very elusive and his lightning quick shot is hard to contain.” - Matt Grainda

"Is one of the more intriguing prospects we'll scout this year. He has an obvious and unique skill set which combines well with his tenacity to score. His size (5-7, 163) is not an asset, but it's not affected him from being able to consistently generate offense. He has the potential to be one of those special smaller players that finds his way to the NHL; similar to Brian Gionta and Johnny Gaudreau." - Mike Morreale

"A truly special player. Has one of the best shots in the league (NHL caliber release). But it's his tenacity, with and without the puck, that sets him apart. Works hard to get his scoring chances, and does such a good job of finding scoring lanes and loose pucks. But, at 5'7 there will be questions about durability. Same reason Robby Fabbri fell and he isn't 5'7. I will say this though, in all the times I've seen Debrincat play, I don't think I've ever really seen him take a licking. He doesn't put himself in vulnerable positions very much, despite playing the game hard. Picks his spots well. That could quell the concerns of some teams. Especially when you talk about a guy currently on pace for 100 goals on the season." - Brock Otten

10. Dmitri Sokolov - Forward - Sudbury Wolves
Total Votes: 6/16
High/Low: 6th (1x)/Outside of the Top 10 (10x)
Comments:
"He's one of the top Russian players of this year's draft class since he possesses Patrick Kane-like playmaking skill to complement a very strong shot. He has a bull-like frame (5-11, 220) but is so skilled it's hard to believe. He's posting solid offensive numbers in his first season in North America with the Wolves." - Mike Morreale

“The big Russian has a bullet of a shot, the hands and creativity of a wizard and the body of a moose. The conundrum of the OHL crop so far as he has so much talent and ability to take over a contest but is lazy and lacking drive most shifts. His conditioning is a concern, but not just the baby fat he carries, but more the major concern centering on his unwillingness to rectify it and work hard to improve himself.” - Dan Stewart

"Sokolov is widely ranked quite high, and some scouts believe he could be a top ten, even top five ranked prospect by the end of the year. So far it has not worked out as apparently he reported to camp over weight and with a conditioning problem. The skills are there, but it takes more than skill." - Peter Harling

"Good scorer at this level but won't score at the next level unless his skating and compete level improve. Looked slow and conditioning might be an issue. Not the same player I saw 11 months ago when he was tearing up the U-17 tournament." - Dennis MacInnis

Honorable Mentions

Victor Mete - Defence - London Knights (4 votes)
Highest Placement: 9th (2x)
Comments:
"Couldn't be more impressed with his progression this year as a defensive player. Defends similarly to a guy like Travis Dermott in Erie. Short and stocky with great mobility and anticipation. Always seems to be in the right place positionally this year.  Offensively, he's a more natural playmaker when compared to Juolevi and Sergachev, so if he can continue to prove his worth in his own end, he's only going to see his value go up." - Brock Otten

"I believe we're at a point where NHL teams recognize the abilities of offensive defensemen who may not have tremendous size. This will help a player such as Mete, who can certainly put up points from the back end." - Ryan Kennedy

"Size will be an issue with Mete but I see a player vastly improved defensively. He uses his smarts along with his skating to keep players to the outside and deprive them of scoring opportunities. He’s also learned to better pick his spots in the offensive zone and it’s paid off. There’s no questioning his offensive upside. It’s there in spades. The only question was how he would handle the defensive game with his size. So far, asked and answered." - Dominic Tiano

"Best skating dmen in draft class. This guy just gets better and better every game. Very gifted offensive player. Uses his quickness to his advantage all over ice. Not a huge rear guard but he plays within his means and doesn't get himself into positions that will hurt him. Must continue to learn when/when not to jump into rush." - Dennis MacInnis

Will Bitten - Forward - Flint Firebirds (4 votes)
Highest Placement: 9th (1x)
Comments:
"Will Bitten is a kid you want on your team as a building block, plain and simple. He’s having a break out season, and showing he can top off an intense, diligent game with fireworks. Bitten’s wheels are unbelievable and unremitting and he has been a 3 on 3 ace. He has a good handle on the puck for someone who is maxed out, and really doesn’t look all that much different than a guy like Konecny. Bitten is internationally decorated, strong in all situations, and is a breakaway threat with edge. If you’re looking for an underground player who could be highly rated on individual team’s lists, look no further." - Anthony Mauro

"Plays EVERY shift like his hair is on fire...Has a surprising physical component despite his size...Will surprise people with his offense...A winner..." - Mark Seidel

"An electric player who has helped Flint exceed expectations early on this season. Breakaway speed and game breaking ability who seems to be doing it all on his own in Flint. One of the more entertaining players to watch as he can explode at any moment." - Peter Kneulman

Tim Gettinger - Forward - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (2 votes)
Highest Placement: 8th (1x)
Comments:
"At USA camp for the Hlinka Team, he was dynamite; very impressive. He was a little inconsistent but he has the potential to be a great pro because of his size (6-5, 206), skill and skating for as big as he is." - Mike Morreale

“Gettinger is another very, very large offensive talent with some great hockey sense. He can patiently find the open spaces on the ice and maneuver himself into position for a scoring opportunity. Watch out when he’s taking a shot, because it’s coming in hot. Always seems to find the net with pressure on him." - Matt Grainda 

Adam Mascherin - Forward - Kitchener Rangers (2 votes)
Highest Placement: 8th (1x)
Comments:
"Mascherin boasts some of the most pure offensive traits of any player available in the 2016 NHL draft as the 5'9 winger is absolutely lethal in the offensive zone. Mascherin's best trait is arguably his shot, an asset that was pro ready when Mascherin was 15 years old.  On top of his lethal shot, Mascherin boasts elite skating ability, combining an explosive first stride with impressive straight line speed. A player that shows strong change of direction and pace abilities, Mascherin can be extremely difficult to contain off the rush, as the bullish winger can power his way to the net, beat defenders with his speed or stick handle around/through defenders. A knock on Mascherin was his lack of work ethic in his own zone and poor attention to detail on the defensive zone. That has since improved tremendously as Mascherin routinely gives a full effort on the back check and has become much more engaged in the defensive zone, clogging shooting lanes, and creating turnovers." - Mike Mackley

"I have been a fan of his since he AP'd for Georgetown in the OJHL his minor midget year. Was a point per game player for them in the playoffs and even earned the trust of his coach to be on the ice down a goal with less than a minute in the 3^rd (he created the turnover that led to the tying goal). After an adjustment period last year the large step he has taken this year has been a key in the great start for the Rangers." - Peter Kneulman

Sean Day - Defence - Mississauga Steelheads (1 vote)
Highest Placement: 9th (1x)
Comments:
"No one in this draft is as intriguing as this guy. When you watch him you think, "there is NO way he is 17 years old." Then other times you watch him and you realize, "Yup, he IS 17" Shift to shift you just never know what you are going to get. But when he is on, look out!" - Tony Ambrogio

Nathan Bastian - Forward - Mississauga Steelheads (1 vote)
Highest Placement: 10th (1x)
Comments:
"At 6-foot-4, 208 pounds, he can play a power forward game and he thinks the game really well. He can sense opportunities. He can move the puck to the right guy in position and uses that size to possess the puck and hang onto it. He's also got the nice skills to complement that power game, so he's not solely reliant on power. I think as he gets more confident in a larger role there's some real good upside here." - Mike Morreale

Markus Niemelainen - Defence - Saginaw Spirit (1 vote)
Highest Placement: 10th (1x)
Comments:
"Rangy and still growing, has some offensive ability and early numbers on a weak team. Looks more comfortable everyday. Lots of upside both in terms of size and offensive ability." - Todd Warriner

Travis Barron - Forward - Ottawa 67's (1 vote)
Highest Placement: 10th (1x)
Comments:
"Call him a dark horse, but for me Barron is the type of two-way forward who will be more appreciated in the NHL than junior – and I'm sure at least one franchise will snap him up early because of it." - Ryan Kennedy