Interestingly enough, the names inside our top 10 haven't changed one bit. The order certainly has, but the ten names listed are the same ten names from November. And that order is as close as ever. Svechnikov and Bouchard are the top two names reasonably consistently. But 3-7 is pretty interchangeable depending on who you ask. Hayton, McLeod, Thomas, Merkley, and Noel are fighting for that third spot and look like potential first round picks. In fact, nine different OHL players received a vote inside the top 3. What does all this mean? That the OHL playoffs and Under 18's (for some players) will be very important for determining just how this list looks come June.
As always, it's important to note the contributors, as without them and their terrific insight, this article does not exist. For the midseason list, the following helped out:
Corey Pronman - NHL Prospects Writer for TheAthletic (@coreypronman)
Dominic Tiano - Writer for The OHL Writers (@dominictiano)
Dylan Galloway - OHL Scout for Future Considerations (@dylangalloway_)
Peter Kneulman - Provides OHL coverage at OHL Writer (@PeterKneulman)
Mike Morreale - Staff writer for NHL.com (@mikemorrealeNHL)
Ryan Kennedy - Associate Senior Writer for The Hockey News(@THNRyanKennedy)
Peter Harling - Managing Editor of Dobber Prospects (@pharling)
Scott Wheeler - NHL Prospects Writer for TheAthletic (@scottcwheeler)
Steve Kournianos - Founder of The Draft Analyst(@TheDraftAnalyst)
Mark Scheig - OHL writer for The Hockey Writers (@THWMark)
Tony Ambrogio - PA Announcer for the Mississauga Steelheads & TSN editor (@Tony_Ambrogio)
Todd Warriner - CHL analyst for Sportsnet, Colour analyst for the Windsor Spitfires (@Todd_Warriner)
Chris Peters - NHL Prospects Writer for ESPN (@chrismpeters)
Grant McCagg - President of Recrutes Hockey (@grantmccagg)
Mark McKelvie - Play by Play voice of the Owen Sound Attack (@Mark14McKelvie)
Steve Clark - Play by play voice of the Niagara IceDogs (@ClarkPlaybyPlay)
Mark Seidel - Scouting Director for NACS Hockey (@MarkSeidel)
and of course...myself (@BrockOtten)
Here's the list:
1. Andrei Svechnikov - Forward - Barrie Colts
Total Votes: 18
High/Low Ranking: 1st (18x)
Comments:
“Just
a beast out there. He can practically score at will and his combination
of size, skill and smarts is impossible to overlook. He did what he
could with a small role at the world juniors and scouts were impressed.”
- Ryan Kennedy
“He’s
the full package scoring winger. Big bodied, sweet hands, deceptively
agile with an NHL-ready shot. He’s incredibly hard to knock off the puck
and can impose his will with the puck in the offensive zone when he
chooses to really turn it on. He’s one of the best OHLer’s I’ve had the
pleasure of watching.” - Dylan Galloway
“What
I like most about Svechnikov is the number of different ways he can
beat you. He has some great power elements in his game, goes to the net
hard and score from in tight. He also has that great shot to score from
distance. It seems like he's always attacking.” - Anonymous
"The comparables are obvious. Big, Russian, can put the puck in the net and does not shy away from traffic, or rough play. It's an easy Ovechkin comparison. You watch this guy play and his instincts are outstanding, his finish clinical and he's a guy who does not seem to take a shift off. I'll be watching the playoffs closely to see if he can elevate his game as Barrie has to stare down one of Hamilton or Kingston." - Steve Clark
"The comparables are obvious. Big, Russian, can put the puck in the net and does not shy away from traffic, or rough play. It's an easy Ovechkin comparison. You watch this guy play and his instincts are outstanding, his finish clinical and he's a guy who does not seem to take a shift off. I'll be watching the playoffs closely to see if he can elevate his game as Barrie has to stare down one of Hamilton or Kingston." - Steve Clark
"Continues to show that he is ready to
immediately make the jump to Pro. Has all the tools and does a
tremendous job of using his body to his advantage. His ability to go
wide and quickly cut in and drive the net causes nightmares for
defencemen. One thing I’ve noticed more as the season rolls on is
his determination. In multiple losses this season, he has still
managed to make an impact on the score sheet and has shown he doesn’t
check out early." - Mark McKelvie
“Just
a beast out there. He can practically score at will and his combination
of size, skill and smarts is impossible to overlook. He did what he
could with a small role at the world juniors and scouts were impressed.”
- Ryan Kennedy
“He’s
the full package scoring winger. Big bodied, sweet hands, deceptively
agile with an NHL-ready shot. He’s incredibly hard to knock off the puck
and can impose his will with the puck in the offensive zone when he
chooses to really turn it on. He’s one of the best OHLer’s I’ve had the
pleasure of watching.” - Dylan Galloway
“What
I like most about Svechnikov is the number of different ways he can
beat you. He has some great power elements in his game, goes to the net
hard and score from in tight. He also has that great shot to score from
distance. It seems like he's always attacking.” - Anonymous
“Just
a beast out there. He can practically score at will and his combination
of size, skill and smarts is impossible to overlook. He did what he
could with a small role at the world juniors and scouts were impressed.”
- Ryan Kennedy
“He’s
the full package scoring winger. Big bodied, sweet hands, deceptively
agile with an NHL-ready shot. He’s incredibly hard to knock off the puck
and can impose his will with the puck in the offensive zone when he
chooses to really turn it on. He’s one of the best OHLer’s I’ve had the
pleasure of watching.” - Dylan Galloway
“What
I like most about Svechnikov is the number of different ways he can
beat you. He has some great power elements in his game, goes to the net
hard and score from in tight. He also has that great shot to score from
distance. It seems like he's always attacking.” - Anonymous
“Just
a beast out there. He can practically score at will and his combination
of size, skill and smarts is impossible to overlook. He did what he
could with a small role at the world juniors and scouts were impressed.”
- Ryan Kennedy
“He’s
the full package scoring winger. Big bodied, sweet hands, deceptively
agile with an NHL-ready shot. He’s incredibly hard to knock off the puck
and can impose his will with the puck in the offensive zone when he
chooses to really turn it on. He’s one of the best OHLer’s I’ve had the
pleasure of watching.” - Dylan Galloway
“What
I like most about Svechnikov is the number of different ways he can
beat you. He has some great power elements in his game, goes to the net
hard and score from in tight. He also has that great shot to score from
distance. It seems like he's always attacking.” - Anonymous
“Just
a beast out there. He can practically score at will and his combination
of size, skill and smarts is impossible to overlook. He did what he
could with a small role at the world juniors and scouts were impressed.”
- Ryan Kennedy
“He’s
the full package scoring winger. Big bodied, sweet hands, deceptively
agile with an NHL-ready shot. He’s incredibly hard to knock off the puck
and can impose his will with the puck in the offensive zone when he
chooses to really turn it on. He’s one of the best OHLer’s I’ve had the
pleasure of watching.” - Dylan Galloway
“What
I like most about Svechnikov is the number of different ways he can
beat you. He has some great power elements in his game, goes to the net
hard and score from in tight. He also has that great shot to score from
distance. It seems like he's always attacking.” - Anonymous
“Just
a beast out there. He can practically score at will and his combination
of size, skill and smarts is impossible to overlook. He did what he
could with a small role at the world juniors and scouts were impressed.”
- Ryan Kennedy
“He’s
the full package scoring winger. Big bodied, sweet hands, deceptively
agile with an NHL-ready shot. He’s incredibly hard to knock off the puck
and can impose his will with the puck in the offensive zone when he
chooses to really turn it on. He’s one of the best OHLer’s I’ve had the
pleasure of watching.” - Dylan Galloway
“What
I like most about Svechnikov is the number of different ways he can
beat you. He has some great power elements in his game, goes to the net
hard and score from in tight. He also has that great shot to score from
distance. It seems like he's always attacking.” - Anonymous
“Just
a beast out there. He can practically score at will and his combination
of size, skill and smarts is impossible to overlook. He did what he
could with a small role at the world juniors and scouts were impressed.”
- Ryan Kennedy
“He’s
the full package scoring winger. Big bodied, sweet hands, deceptively
agile with an NHL-ready shot. He’s incredibly hard to knock off the puck
and can impose his will with the puck in the offensive zone when he
chooses to really turn it on. He’s one of the best OHLer’s I’ve had the
pleasure of watching.” - Dylan Galloway
“What
I like most about Svechnikov is the number of different ways he can
beat you. He has some great power elements in his game, goes to the net
hard and score from in tight. He also has that great shot to score from
distance. It seems like he's always attacking.” - Anonymous
“Just
a beast out there. He can practically score at will and his combination
of size, skill and smarts is impossible to overlook. He did what he
could with a small role at the world juniors and scouts were impressed.”
- Ryan Kennedy
“He’s
the full package scoring winger. Big bodied, sweet hands, deceptively
agile with an NHL-ready shot. He’s incredibly hard to knock off the puck
and can impose his will with the puck in the offensive zone when he
chooses to really turn it on. He’s one of the best OHLer’s I’ve had the
pleasure of watching.” - Dylan Galloway
“What
I like most about Svechnikov is the number of different ways he can
beat you. He has some great power elements in his game, goes to the net
hard and score from in tight. He also has that great shot to score from
distance. It seems like he's always attacking.” - Anonymous
“Just
a beast out there. He can practically score at will and his combination
of size, skill and smarts is impossible to overlook. He did what he
could with a small role at the world juniors and scouts were impressed.”
- Ryan Kennedy
“He’s
the full package scoring winger. Big bodied, sweet hands, deceptively
agile with an NHL-ready shot. He’s incredibly hard to knock off the puck
and can impose his will with the puck in the offensive zone when he
chooses to really turn it on. He’s one of the best OHLer’s I’ve had the
pleasure of watching.” - Dylan Galloway
“What
I like most about Svechnikov is the number of different ways he can
beat you. He has some great power elements in his game, goes to the net
hard and score from in tight. He also has that great shot to score from
distance. It seems like he's always attacking.” - Anonymo
Total Votes: 18
High/Low Ranking: 2nd (14x)/6th(1x)
Comments:
“He’s
got a big-time shot and as his junior career has progressed, he has
learned to use it more. Great poise with the puck and he may be the best
passer in the entire draft class.” - Ryan Kennedy
“I
can't get over how he is able to get so many shots through screens and
on goal. Just improving each and every time I see him. Another well
coached student of Dale Hunter - and it shows!” - Tony Ambrogio
“Bouchard just continues to plug along as one of the OHL’s top defencemen and one of the best blue liners in this draft. Bouchard
is an incredibly smart passer who has an incredible knack to get pucks
through a crowd and into the back of the net. His stock has been
shooting up due to the consistency at which he is producing and carrying
a London Knights team that sold off their top players at the deadline.”
- Dylan Galloway
"The
offensive production is no joke. His vision is off the charts good. His
ability to find that seam and anticipate movement and holes from the
point is elite. I think about a play I saw him make recently as a perfect
example. On the powerplay, with about three sticks in the slot, he put a
bullet pass on the stick of a teammate, cross ice, near the crease, who
was circling around the net. The precision and timing that required was
astounding. I do have some questions about his ability to defend and win
battles consistently in the corners. But I have zero questions about
his hockey sense." - Brock Otten
“The
numbers are pretty stunning, even as a late birth date where you expect
him to be a step ahead. Offensively, I think he's special. In talking
with some scouts very recently, there is some moderate concern about his
D-zone play. Still, the distribution skills, his shot, his vision,
they're all high end.” - Anonymous
3. Barrett Hayton - Forward - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Total Votes: 18
High/Low Ranking: 3rd (7x)/8th (3x)
Comments:
“Versatile
player with great leadership characteristics and a ton of upside. Slick
and skilled, he can find the open man and also lose defenders for his
own quick-strike goals.” - Ryan Kennedy
“When you are the 2nd
line centre on the best junior team in the country you are doing
something right. Hayton has improved his skating greatly since his 16
year old season. He has an NHL caliber shot and really shows his
strength on the puck in the Greyhounds possession system.” - Peter
Kneulman
“I
still don’t see what a lot of scouts see in Hayton. He’s got above
average tools but there’s nothing about his game that really pops and I
fear a great Ivan Hlinka and a bolstered team in the Soo has bloated his
status. There’s no question he’s a good two-way player who can drive
play, but I don’t think he has the ability to be a star at the next
level.” - Anonymous
“Hayton
has good size (6-1, 191) and does everything at top speed. There's no
hitch in his game when he wants to make a play. And when he wants to
make a play at top speed, he can do that too, so he's hard to cover. A
high ceiling here because once he gains more confidence and begins
figuring out the impact he can have, that's when his development will
take that next step." - Mike Morreale
“Hayton
is a top-notch playmaker with an excellent shot who makes his money
incorporating his teammates into the attack. You don’t need to spend a
lot of time watching him to realize how crafty and smart he is,
especially when the walls around him are collapsing. But he’s not just
an offensive force – Hayton is one of the top penalty killers among 2018
draft eligibles.” - Steve Kournianos4. Akil Thomas - Forward - Niagara IceDogs
Total Votes: 18
High/Low Ranking: 2nd (1x)/10th (1x)
Comments:
“He
works hard to get the puck and is an exceptional skater. Thomas plays a
fantastic two-way game and is unselfish and patient in everything he
does out there. He does a lot for a locker room with his demeanor and
hockey smarts.” - Mike Morreale
“Talk
to anyone and the first thing they'll mention is how much they like him
as a person. High character sells, but so does playing the game at a
fast pace as he does. I'd like to see him get a little grittier and
attack the net a little more because I think he has that ability.” -
Anonymous
"I
could put Barrett Hayton here (#3) but this is an "I've seen Thomas a
lot
more" ranking. The underrated thing about Thomas is that he is
learning a new position on the fly. Moved to centre this year, Thomas
has become more of an
elite distributor and his face off percentage is 50% plus. He has
improved his 200 foot game as well, as last year he was well into the
minuses and this year is a plus player. The downside is that he can
disappear occasionally and does not stand out
when he does that. That said, the skating, the unselfish play, the
improvement in all three zones are hard to resist." - Steve Clark"Has really clicked with Miletic on the PP since Niagara got him. Isn't afraid to make the simple play to get out of trouble. Is a solid 200 foot player and can be counted on in 3 zones. Still has to compete much harder on every shift as he takes some shifts off because of frustration but that will improve with maturity." - Anonymous
"I really don't think there is much separating Thomas from Hayton. I think they are similar players with similar pro potential. Hayton gets more attention because he plays on a strong Greyhounds team, but Thomas is probably the more explosive skater, with Hayton being the better finisher. The thing with Thomas is that he just needs to get stronger. The effort is there on and off the puck. The hockey IQ is solid in all three zones. He has great individual skill. But he's too easily pushed off the puck at times and I think that is reflected by the low scoring numbers. He has a good shot and a good release, but he's not able to fight off checks with consistency to get into prime scoring areas with the puck. This is just a physical maturity thing and I see no reason as to why it can't improve. I said this on a radio appearance recently, but I think that by the time Thomas' OHL career is over, he could lead the OHL in scoring." - Brock Otten
"Really impressed me in recent viewings
for his intensity to retrieve pucks. He isn’t waiting for the game
to come to him and that’s stood out to me. At times it seems the
puck follows him, but that’s due to his ability to put himself in
the right spots. Has great distributing skills and is among the
top-five in the league when it comes to Powerplay Assists. His
inability to fill the net consistently is cause for concern, but with
his vision and creativity, maybe that won’t be his game." - Mark McKelvie
Total Votes: 18
High/Low Ranking: 2nd (1x)/9th (2x)
Comments:
“The only things that scare me about him are production and ability to get inside. Otherwise he's a great skater, highly skilled, great playmaking big center. That's a valuable piece.” - Anonymous
“McLeod
is an effortless skater who has finally begun to shoot more this season
and his game has taken a leap forward as a result. His athleticism
should help the rest of his tools, predominantly his ability as a
playmaker, transition to the NHL. He’s one of the safer bets up front as
a future NHL player -- even if it’s lower in the lineup -- after
Svechnikov.” - Anonymous
"I think McLeod is a bit of a tough one to evaluate. The size, speed, and hockey IQ combination is extremely alluring. Watching him work down low on the powerplay is a treat. Such a talented playmaker who has terrific anticipation and vision through traffic. Yet, there are times where I want to see more of him 5 on 5. I don't think he's necessarily a physical player by nature (certainly not as aggressive as his brother), but I'd love to see him using his size more to his advantage to dominate the middle of the ice and near the crease. That intensity level will need to increase before he becomes a pro hockey player." - Brock Otten
"I think McLeod is a bit of a tough one to evaluate. The size, speed, and hockey IQ combination is extremely alluring. Watching him work down low on the powerplay is a treat. Such a talented playmaker who has terrific anticipation and vision through traffic. Yet, there are times where I want to see more of him 5 on 5. I don't think he's necessarily a physical player by nature (certainly not as aggressive as his brother), but I'd love to see him using his size more to his advantage to dominate the middle of the ice and near the crease. That intensity level will need to increase before he becomes a pro hockey player." - Brock Otten
“McLeod
had a breakout performance in the playoffs last year and has continued
to produce in his draft year, but at times plays a soft game or a
perimeter game. The strengths in his game are his skating and shooting
abilities, but needs to improve his compete level at times.” - Peter
Harling
"Has all the tools that his brother has and a little better finish...Still has stretches where he stays on the perimeter but he can fly and attack with speed...His gave is evolving as a late '99 but he still has work to do." - Mark Seidel
6. Serron Noel - Forward - Oshawa Generals
Total Votes: 18
"Has all the tools that his brother has and a little better finish...Still has stretches where he stays on the perimeter but he can fly and attack with speed...His gave is evolving as a late '99 but he still has work to do." - Mark Seidel
6. Serron Noel - Forward - Oshawa Generals
Total Votes: 18
Comments:
“Noel
had a good Top Prospects game and may have improved his draft stock. He
is a giant of a winger that uses his size well to his advantage, but is
not an overly aggressive player. He is a competent skilled player that
can handle the puck well, makes plays and has creative offensive
vision.” - Peter Harling
“Big,
strong kid with a much upside as any draft eligible. Takes it to the
net, decent hands, still getting stronger a figuring out body. Good
character kid.” - Todd Warriner
"The word “raw” gets thrown out a
lot with Noel and for good reason. He’s got size and he skates
well, but there are still moments where he doesn’t look
comfortable. He’s got good finishing ability and his size is going
to allow him to get his looks. I like what he offers physically, but
it seems sometimes that becomes too much of a focus because of his
size. He does good work along the boards and in his own zone. I still
don’t think he’s figured out how he wants to play regularly. But
that’ll come with time and I think anyone would give a player of
his size and talent all the time in the world." - Mark McKelvie
"I'm a big fan and I'll tell you why. Watch the Generals play and count the number of prime time scoring chances this guy creates, or is on the receiving end of. If he was able to finish off even half of those scoring chances, he'd be top 20 in scoring (easily). But the coordination, focus, and finishing ability just aren't quite polished yet as he learns to utilize his size advantage. As he gets stronger, will we see those components to his game improve? I think it's very likely. Maybe there is a slight risk that he's another Colton Gillies type. But there's also a chance that he develops into a top notch power forward who can take over games. The risk/reward is worth it IMO, especially with him being ranked in the mid/late first round right now." - Brock Otten
“I've
been fairly high on Noel for most of the season and a lot of that has
to do that I think his upside is through the roof. He moves well for a
player of his size and I think he has good offensive instincts. There's a
rawness to him that raises the risk factor in terms of projecting him
out, but I think that's a risk I'd be willing to take in the latter half
of the first round.” - Anonymous
7. Ryan Merkley - Defense - Guelph Storm
Total Votes: 17
High/Low Ranking: 2nd (2x)/Outside of the Top 10 (1x)
Comments:
"Every draft seems to have one of these right? A guy who has limitless potential, and talent but also the ability to deliver self inflicted wounds. Merkley is the easiest guy to break down in terms of strengths and weaknesses. The skating and the offensive ingenuity are without question elite and he can QB a PP. The defensive disasters and mercurial temperament are also obvious. He's caught up ice at times, and makes some baffling decisions. Plus, there's the fact he played Paul Bunyon and took a whack at someone and got a three game suspension. The comparable? There's a little Tony DeAngelo in him, a 1st round draftee but on his third team already." - Steve Clark
8. Rasmus Sandin - Defense - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
7. Ryan Merkley - Defense - Guelph Storm
Total Votes: 17
High/Low Ranking: 2nd (2x)/Outside of the Top 10 (1x)
Comments:
“Elite
vision, great skater, great skill. That's one heck of a package
offensively. I get the warts there, and those warts look very bad some
nights, but if he gets past 10 that's a lot of ceiling on the table.
He's much smarter in my opinion than past dynamos like Murphy and
DeAngelo.” - Anonymous
“There
are real concerns about Merkley’s defensive play, his approach with his
teammates, and his commitment, but I’m told he has taken steps in all
of those areas and his offensive gifts are so far ahead of pretty well
any defender in this class not named Dahlin that I still think he
deserves to narrowly be at No. 2 ahead of Bouchard.” - Anonymous
“Merkley
obviously has elite offensive talents with the puck. His dynamic
skating with the puck and the way he bobs and weaves his way to the net,
making defenders look silly along the way will definitely cause some
GM’s to salivate. What might cause some sobering up is Merkley’s
weaknesses on the defensive side of the puck and occasional selfish play
with the puck. If Merkley wants to stop his slide down the draft
rankings he will need to show significant growth in working with his
teammates and reducing the amount of risk he takes when breaking out or
transitioning the puck.” - Dylan Galloway
“A
world class skater with world class offensive abilities. If I am down a
goal in the last minute, Merkley would be the first player I would send
over the boards. There have been doubts about his defensive game and
some question whether he cares to put the effort in the d-zone.
Sometimes you can question his reactions in certain situations. I just
don't see the improvement I was looking for from him. If I was up a goal
protecting the lead in the last minute of a game, I would be looking at
my other 5 defencemen first. And therein lies the difference for me
between Merkley, Sandin and Bouchard. I would have no issue with the
latter two in any situation, but I can't say the same for Merkley. I am
not sure I would use a top-20 pick on Merkley when I am not sure his
offensive game would outweigh the defensive liabilities at the NHL
level.” - Dominic Tiano"Every draft seems to have one of these right? A guy who has limitless potential, and talent but also the ability to deliver self inflicted wounds. Merkley is the easiest guy to break down in terms of strengths and weaknesses. The skating and the offensive ingenuity are without question elite and he can QB a PP. The defensive disasters and mercurial temperament are also obvious. He's caught up ice at times, and makes some baffling decisions. Plus, there's the fact he played Paul Bunyon and took a whack at someone and got a three game suspension. The comparable? There's a little Tony DeAngelo in him, a 1st round draftee but on his third team already." - Steve Clark
8. Rasmus Sandin - Defense - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
High/Low Ranking: 3rd (1x)/Outside of the Top 10 (2x)
Comments:
“I
feel that team drafting Sandin is going to get something really
special, particularly if he falls outside the top 20. I like everything
about his game. He's smart, and he knows where to go to give his
teammates options. He's a big threat on the power play and he has a big
shot from the point and his hockey IQ is off the charts. He gained
experience in the Swedish Hockey League before coming to North America,
so he has that experience against men.” - Mike Morreale
"The type of player you really gain an appreciation for the more you see him. Early on, I saw a player who I thought lacked flash and upside. But the more I see him, the more I recognize how effective his relatively mistake free game is and how pro-ready he is. Honestly might have one of the best stretch/exit passes of any defender in the OHL. Just has great vision up ice. He has a great hockey IQ in both zones too. With Timmins out of the lineup at times, we've also seen him become more aggressive in leading the rush and looking to create scoring chances by jumping up into the play. With a strong playoff run, this guy could quietly slide into the top 20 IMO."
"The type of player you really gain an appreciation for the more you see him. Early on, I saw a player who I thought lacked flash and upside. But the more I see him, the more I recognize how effective his relatively mistake free game is and how pro-ready he is. Honestly might have one of the best stretch/exit passes of any defender in the OHL. Just has great vision up ice. He has a great hockey IQ in both zones too. With Timmins out of the lineup at times, we've also seen him become more aggressive in leading the rush and looking to create scoring chances by jumping up into the play. With a strong playoff run, this guy could quietly slide into the top 20 IMO."
“Sandin’s
is a cerebral two-way defender with excellent wheels who is starting to
put up points for a team loaded with firepower. He won’t dazzle you
like most of the top-rated defense prospects for the 2018 draft, but he
picks his spots to go end-to-end, and his one-on-one play and puck poise
are pretty close to pro level.” - Steve Kournianos
“There
is a reason the Greyhounds went from good to Elite once Sandin
committed to the program. Very aggressive in the defensive zone. Does
not give the opposition much time or space and isn't afraid to use the
body. Offensively he shows great vision and play making ability and has
thrived on the Greyhounds 2nd power play unit and has helped make it as dangerous as their top unit.” - Peter Kneulman
“We
knew the scouting report on Sandin prior to arriving in the OHL, and
he's been exactly as touted and then some. He's one of those guys that
is just good at everything he does. I know there are questions about his
size and how he will handle the defensive game at the NHL level. But I
see a guy who knows how to position himself, has the ability to keep
people to the outside and boxes the opposition out in front of his
goaltender, While he is not a physical defenceman, he doesn't shy away
from that aspect. He has good upper body strength and can battle along
the walls. Offensively, he's not at the level of a Bouchard or Merkley,
but he continues to rack up points. He uses his high hockey IQ, knows
when to jump into the play, make an excellent pinch - he rarely gets
caught - and sees the ice very well and makes excellent passes. He has a
wealth of international experience and known to have excellent
leadership qualities. The tell tale story for me was when Conor Timmins
was at the World Juniors and now out with an injury. Sandin filled in
admirably and the Greyhounds didn't miss a beat.” - Dominic Tiano
Total Votes: 10
High/Low Ranking: 3rd (1x)/Outside of the Top 10 (8x)
Comments:
“Dellandrea
is by far my fastest riser not only in the OHL, but in the entire NHL
Draft. He in my book is a top-20 overall pick. His Central Scouting
ranking most likely reflects on him playing on a poor Flint team. He's
the star of the show in Flint and has played outstanding since the
trades of Kole Sherwood, Ryan Moore and Nick Caamano. His best
performances came in games against Sault Ste. Marie and Sarnia which
includes a five-point game. What gives him a huge bump for me is his
world-class attitude. He's handling a difficult situation well while
improving his play. He projects as a future number-one center at the
next level. Teams value character and skill. Dellandrea has both. He's a
solid first-round pick for me.” - Mark Scheig
“My
live viewings of Dellandrea early in the year left me a tad
unimpressed, but he has been a lot better of late. He drives the net
incredibly aggressively and does everything right on a team that
struggles to do a lot of things. If he were playing on a more
competitive team, he’d be a monster.” - Anonymous
“Scouts already know that Dellandrea is a smart two-way centre with good size. But in recent viewings not only has Dellandrea continued to be a consistent performer for the Firebirds in the defensive zone, he has also stepped up his game in the offensive zone as well. Dellandrea’s smarts and impressive skating allow him to get into position to either open himself up for a pass or create a passing or shooting lanes and get the puck on net with high effectiveness.” - Dylan Galloway
"Has very little to play with in Flint but keeps producing..Has put up 48
points on a depleted forward group...Plays away from the puck...Reminds
me of Josh Bailey...Great leadership and compete levels and has become
the future of the Firebirds." - Mark Seidel
“Scouts already know that Dellandrea is a smart two-way centre with good size. But in recent viewings not only has Dellandrea continued to be a consistent performer for the Firebirds in the defensive zone, he has also stepped up his game in the offensive zone as well. Dellandrea’s smarts and impressive skating allow him to get into position to either open himself up for a pass or create a passing or shooting lanes and get the puck on net with high effectiveness.” - Dylan Galloway
Total Votes: 9
High/Low Ranking: 8th (2x)/Outside of the Top 10 (8x)
Comments:
“I
have concerns with how his season is going. I don't like his feet, I
don't like his compete, but he has so much damn skill and IQ.” -
Anonymous
“There
are a number of other players I considered putting at No. 10, from
Aidan Dudas to Cameron Hillis and Giovanni Vallati. The truth is, after
an outstanding rookie season last year, McShane hasn’t taken the steps
you’d expect out of a player who’s as talented as he is. Still, I think
he’ll find another gear. There’s a lot to like about what he brings and
Oshawa doesn’t have a ton of weapons.” - Anonymous
“Strong
playmaker with excellent vision that can extend possessions down low
thanks his strong balance and puck protection. McShane is a threat in
open ice because he always seems to find the open man with the best
opportunity to score, but he frequently turns seemingly harmless puck
battles in the corner into quality chances for his mates.” - Steve
Kournianos
"I've seen flashes of really good skill from him, good playmaking ability. I don't know if it's consistently there enough yet. But there's enough that intrigues me about him to keep him a little higher on my list than a few others." - Anonymous
Honorable Mentions
Kevin Bahl - Defense - Ottawa 67's (6 votes)
"I've seen flashes of really good skill from him, good playmaking ability. I don't know if it's consistently there enough yet. But there's enough that intrigues me about him to keep him a little higher on my list than a few others." - Anonymous
Honorable Mentions
Kevin Bahl - Defense - Ottawa 67's (6 votes)
Comments:
“Bahl goes 6-foot-6, 231 pounds, but he's a smooth skater and knows how to use that long stick to his advantage when taking away space from opposing forwards. I'd like to see him use that size down low a little more and not allow players to gain position easily, but he understands his role and he plays it well.” - Mike Morreale
"The game is getting smaller but I still love big nasty defenders that have skills and can skate...His suspension served notice that he will be a tough player to play against for the rest of his junior and Pro career..Passes it like a pro...May not be a 1 or 2 but will be a hell of a 3 at a minimum." - Mark Seidel
"Hanging on to a spot in my top 10 by the slimmest of margins, just ahead of a couple undersized forwards in Cam Hillis and Aidan Dudas. And it's because I do think he's going to make a solid pro hockey player. I'm not usually one who advocates for drafting these hulking defenders, but I think Bahl is different. Don't like him picking up a 10 game suspension recently, but I do really like the fact that he had turned up the physical aggression dial in the new year. Really interested to see how his offensive game continues to develop. Again, I see a lot of potential there if he can upgrade his shot and increase his confidence with the puck. Never wish a team bad fortune, but I really want to see Bahl at the U18's this year in a key role; to see how he responds to that on the big ice." - Brock Otten
"Continues to improve his game and I
think his potential is through the roof. He has monster size and has
ramped up his physicality throughout the season. He recently crossed
the line and received a lengthy suspension. Hopefully that doesn’t
deter him from throwing the body because he has become one of the
toughest defenceman to play against and he has opponents keeping
close tabs on him. He moves well for his size and makes a good first
pass. Bahl isn’t putting up much offensively, yet he scored a goal
in an OHL-Russia game and in the Top Prospects game. Talk about
picking good spots to show that part of your game. I think his game
has taken a big step throughout the season and it’s exciting to see
where it’ll reach next year and beyond." - Mark McKelvie
Blade Jenkins - Forward - Saginaw Spirit (6 votes)Highest Ranking: 9th (2x)
Comments:
"Another guy I will get my first look at live on Thursday. Pried away
from the US National Developmental Program by Saginaw, who drafted him
4th overall in 2016. He's been worth the wait and has bee solid in his
first OHL season. The
temptation would be to rate him as high as Noel, as he's a big guy who
has the ability to put the puck in his net. I may have to revise my Top
10 after seeing him live. He was an enviable prospect when he was
drafted by Saginaw and seems to have met all
expectations." - Steve Clark
“Jenkins
has established himself on a surprising Saginaw team as a go-to for
offense. After a slow start, he's starting to produce. Many questioned
his skating coming in. He's one of the most noticeable players night in
and night out for the Spirit. As evidenced by his jump to 24th on
Central Scouting, there are teams who consider him a first-round talent.
His hockey sense clinches that for me.” - Mark Scheig
“At
6-1, 195, Jenkins is beginning to figure out his tools and how to start
dominating shifts for Saginaw. He is No. 24 on NHL Central Scouting's
midterm list of North American skaters eligible for the 2018 NHL Draft,
but I believe has the ability with a solid second half to move higher
when the final rankings are released in April. He just needs to keep
building towards that.” - Mike Morreale
Aidan Dudas - Forward - Owen Sound Attack (3 votes)
Highest Ranking: 9th (1x)
Comments:
Highest Ranking: 9th (1x)
Comments:
“Enjoyed
a coming out party as a late addition to the Top Prospects game and his
skill and high energy were on display as Dudas stole the show. Dudas is
a very undersized player with a engine that never quits, he has an
explosive first step and the hands to keep up with the feet. It is hard
not to cheer for the underdog, and Dudas has his work cut out for him to
make the NHL.” - Peter Harling
"Has been scratching and clawing all
season to earn some love and it’s finally starting to come his way.
The knock will always be his size, yet Dudas has figured out what
players his size need to do in order to be successful. He brings a
ton of energy and is arguably the hardest worker every night. Dudas
is relentless on pucks, routinely coming out of board battles with
possession. He frustrates opponents with his ability to stop on a
dime and change directions. He’s a decent skater and keeps his head
up to avoid big collisions. Dudas’ shot has improved and so too has
his ability to find shooting lanes. He has great playmaking ability,
but does have a tendency to hold the puck for too long." - Mark McKelvie
Highest Ranking: 6th (1x)
Comments:
“Skating
has improved drastically, stocky and strong. All 3 zones, decent skill,
good engine. Lots of upside just 1st season.” - Todd Warriner
"Just missed my top 10. He's right there with Aidan Dudas at #11 for me. Hasn't been quite as good for me the last few times I've seen Guelph, but I still really like this kid's potential. It's important to remember that this is his first year playing in the OHL after coming over from the Prep scene. He's going to go through stretches where he's a non factor, but there are other nights where he's the best player on the ice. Really excited to see where his play is at next year when he's spent a year getting stronger and faster. Prime time playmaker who has a great hockey IQ. Best candidate of any player on this list who two years from now we say, "man, how did this guy go in the 2nd/3rd round." - Brock Otten
"Just missed my top 10. He's right there with Aidan Dudas at #11 for me. Hasn't been quite as good for me the last few times I've seen Guelph, but I still really like this kid's potential. It's important to remember that this is his first year playing in the OHL after coming over from the Prep scene. He's going to go through stretches where he's a non factor, but there are other nights where he's the best player on the ice. Really excited to see where his play is at next year when he's spent a year getting stronger and faster. Prime time playmaker who has a great hockey IQ. Best candidate of any player on this list who two years from now we say, "man, how did this guy go in the 2nd/3rd round." - Brock Otten
Sean Durzi - Defense - Owen Sound Attack (2 votes)
Highest Ranking: 9th (1x)
Comments:
“I know I have him rated higher than most, but I like the way he plays and the smarts he shows.” - Tony Ambrogio
"I don't care that he has been through a draft already because this kid has a chance to become a very good NHL defender...Tanner Pearson went in his 2nd Draft and he proved Mike Futa and the LA Kings correct...Kid has elite offensive IQ and ability to make plays...His durability is a bit of a concern.." - Mark Seidel
"I don't care that he has been through a draft already because this kid has a chance to become a very good NHL defender...Tanner Pearson went in his 2nd Draft and he proved Mike Futa and the LA Kings correct...Kid has elite offensive IQ and ability to make plays...His durability is a bit of a concern.." - Mark Seidel
Giovanni Vallati - Defense - Kitchener Rangers (1 vote)
Highest Ranking: 10th (1x)
Comments:
“Prospect
Game late addition, performed well and raised some eyebrows. Skating
and skills, size are all good, still needs to be more consistent with
decisions but lots of upside as a mobile puck moving Dman every teams
needs.” - Todd Warriner
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