Preliminary Media/Scout Top 10 for the 2019 NHL Draft

It's time for the first media/scout poll for the 2019 NHL Draft.

Much has been made of the talent available (or lack there of) from the OHL this year. Many scouts are calling it the worst group from the league that they have seen. One scout when asked to contribute said, "I'm not sure there are 10 guys from the OHL that I would draft." And while he was obviously joking, the point remains that this is not a strong crop. That is perfectly visible in this poll too. Only Ryan Suzuki, Arthur Kaliyev, and Thomas Harley received votes from every contributor. That's pretty remarkable. Scouts are still so divided on who the top 5 from the league are, let alone the top 10. As of right now, only Suzuki and Kaliyev look like sure bets to be first round picks. And even then, Suzuki is not a sure bet to be a lottery selection and Kaliyev still has his detractors (for instance, HockeyProspect just left him outside their top 31 for November). It will be interesting to see how this all plays out before June.

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 2018 were:

Corey Pronman - NHL Prospects Writer for TheAthletic (@coreypronman)
Dominic Tiano - Writer for The OHL Writers (@dominictiano)
Dylan Galloway - OHL Scout for Future Considerations (@dylangalloway_)
Mike Morreale - Staff writer for NHL.com (@mikemorrealeNHL)
Ryan Kennedy - Associate Senior Writer for The Hockey News(@THNRyanKennedy)

Scott Wheeler - NHL Prospects Writer for TheAthletic (@scottcwheeler)
Mark Scheig - OHL writer for The Hockey Writers (@THWMark)

Mark Seidel - Scouting Director for NACS Hockey (@MarkSeidel) 

Cam Robinson - Managing Editor for Dobber Prospects (@Hockey_Robinson)

Peter Kneulman - Provides OHL coverage at OHL Writer (@PeterKneulman)

Steve Kournianos - Founder of The Draft Analyst(@TheDraftAnalyst)  

Steve Clark - Play by play voice of the Niagara IceDogs (@ClarkPlaybyPlay)  

Dan Stewart - Director of the Newly Formed Drafts Prospects Hockey (@DStewartDP) 

Levi Hill - Independent Hockey Scout (@HillHockeyScout) 

Jason Maslakow - Head Scout of the Aurora Tigers and Scout for NACS Hockey (@LeafsMaz20)
Shaiyena Cote - OHL Scout for McKeens Hockey *(just comments, not rankings)*

One Anonymous Scout 

and of course...myself (@BrockOtten)

Here's the List:

1. Ryan Suzuki - Forward - Barrie Colts
Total Votes: 17
Highest Ranking: 1^st (14x)
Lowest Ranking: 2^nd (3x)
Comments:
"A player with a high end skill level and deft passing abilities. Uses a one touch pass for give-and-go type plays to create quick puck movement.  Great vision. An underrated scorer who finds open pockets in the offensive zone. Not a speedster but uses his edges well. Can play the point or half-wall on the PP and can kill penalties. Should be the first OHL player off the board." - Levi Hill

"A tremendous playmaker, and the former first overall pick in the OHL Draft, Suzuki can saucer cross-ice backhanders better than most on their forehand. After a strong first year with Barrie in 2017-18, he’s making a significant impact this year as the main weapon on the Colts. He owns more speed than brother, Nick, but trails him in the goal-scoring department. Suzuki has electric stuff and can bring you out of your seat. However, he's still prone to the odd poor decision and could stand to improve his defensive positioning to help round out his game. He's right on the cusp of being a top-10 talent in this crop." - Cam Robinson

"Incredibly smart player who really drives the offence through creative passing plays. He's always thinking ahead of the play, working his positioning to create space for himself and teammates and utilizes that elite hockey IQ to make it all look effortless. Suzuki isn't going to wow anyone with his flashiness, but that doesn't mean he can't be dynamic when the time calls for it." - Dylan Galloway

"His smarts and playmaking ability make him the most dangerous prospect in the OHL pool this season and there is still a ton of upside left to unlock, though it's good to see him shooting and scoring more." - Ryan Kennedy

"Love this kid.  An intelligent playmaking center who plays with his head up. Has quick hands, quick feet, sublime vision, creativity and a soft touch. Better skater than his older brother Ryan and makes strong decisions with and without the puck. Great production this season, I like him inside my top ten for the 2019 NHL Draft." - Dan Stewart

"Suzuki has been the straw that stirs the drink for Barrie, which is something I always look for in a top draft prospect. He’s quick, has exceptional vision and is a shark in the neutral zone. I wish he shot the puck more because he owns a wrister with pinpoint accuracy and rarely flubs his one-time attempts." - Steve Kournianos 

"Top of the OHL class for good reason. His plus vision & creativity combined with his elusiveness & mobility make him a nightmare for defenders. Hockey IQ is on full display on a nightly basis with his sound positioning, defensive awareness and ability to create open ice. Quick soft hands and elite passing skills have me envisioning a high end playmaker at the next level." - Jason Maslakow

2. Arthur Kaliyev - Forward - Hamilton Bulldogs
Total Votes: 17
Highest Ranking: 1^st (3x)
Lowest Ranking: 4^th (1x)
Comments:
"His play away from the puck does still leave some to be desired IMO. It has improved, but I can see where the notions of laziness come from. He sure seems to move a lot quicker with the puck than he does when he needs to put pressure on an attacker or attempt to track down a loose puck. He's got that good size and he's a big kid, I think we'd all like to see him engage a little more physically without the puck, in terms of holding his position near the crease, or winning battles to create turnovers in all three zones. Will this ever be a strong suit to his game? Not sure. But not every player is going to be Patrice Bergeron or Blake Wheeler. Kaliyev has great value because of his physical gifts, his hockey sense/vision, and his goal scoring ability. And I think more credit needs to be given for him improving his playmaking ability this year." - Brock Otten

"Kaliyev is one of the better pure shooters in the class (and certainly atop his OHL peers in that regard), though I do worry he’s going to need the right kind of playmaking centre to thrive as an offensive weapon in the NHL. He’s not going to drive a line, even if he can finish." - Anonymous

"I really hummed and hawed about having him this high on my list after coming away from each viewing disappointed. Sure he is scoring some nice goals and making some impressive offensive plays, almost nightly, but he also just coasts for the majority of his ice time. At his best he is a power winger who utilizes his size with a heavy yet quick shot and creative hands. The rest of the time he is disinterested forward who just looks heavy." - Dan Stewart

"Already has an NHL caliber shot and release and is a prolific scorer.  As he was very inconsistent during the playoff run of the Bulldogs last year, I'll be keeping an eye on whether he can rise to an elite level in the post season, even if it is not a deep run for Hamilton.   Defensive game needs some work, but that is a very correctable feature of his game." - Stephen Clark

"One of the draft’s better shooters has proven to do a bit more than just fire puck on net, but Kaliyev’s ups and downs without the puck is the only thing that concerns me. He’s too big and strong to not be physical, but then again, it’s not 2008. You can tell goalies are nervous when he’s teeing one up from the circle." - Steve Kournianos

3. Thomas Harley - Defense - Mississauga Steelheads
Total Votes: 17
Highest Ranking: 2^nd (1x)
Lowest Ranking: 8^th (1x)
Comments:
"A solid two-way, left-handed defenseman with good vision, poise and skating. He also has good hockey sense; knows where to go with the puck. He just needs to improve his shot to become an even greater threat from the blue line." - Mike Morreale

"I want to say he caught everyone by surprise, but that is probably not the case. Despite a good rookie season, I wasn’t expecting this from Harley this early. To get an invite to participate for Team OHL in the Canada/Russia series speaks volumes. I like his size at 6’3. Skates extremely well with that frame and covers a lot territory with it and his reach. His defensive awareness has always impressed me. I guess I am more surprised at how much confidence and ability he has shown offensively, especially with the man advantage. Consistency will be key for him going forward, but for now absolutely deserving of this spot." - Dominic Tiano

"Harley has risen up my board more than any other player in this OHL class. He doesn’t have the big point shot typical of a top defencemen (especially one who is 6-foot-3) in the draft these days but he’s a confident, calculated defender who can slow the pace down to create careful zone entries or speed it up to find his forwards in transition with an outlet pass." - Anonymous 

"A big surprise for me this season, Harley has the total package on the back end. With his size, skating and ability to contribute in all situations, he has the opportunity to be a great pro." - Ryan Kennedy

"Offensively, Harley is one of the cleanest defenders in the entire draft. His skating is fluid; his passes are crisp and on the tape, and his poise and decision making make older, more-heralded prospects on his team defer puck distributing responsibilities to him more than you’d think. Still, he’s not physical and plays too nonchalant in his own end. I’d like to see him stand up at the line, own the ice and make life miserable for opponents." - Steve Kournianos

4. Billy Constantinou - Defense - Kingston Frontenacs
Total Votes: 16
Highest Ranking: 3^rd (1x)
Lowest Ranking: Outside of the Top 10 (1x)
Comments:
"Average sized defender with great mobility. Uses spin moves and good edge work to elude defenders and create space to execute outlet passes.  Excellent at exiting the defensive zone while carrying the puck. Straight line skating is good but could improve. Plays with confidence from the back end. Risky plays at times, but that's his game. Rising up the rankings." - Levi Hill

"Constantinou emerged as the backbone of the IceDogs this season (which says a lot about a kid who doesn’t turn 18 until the end of March) before he was dealt in a blockbuster move to Kingston for Jason Robertson. He’s comfortable in his game (not always the case for talented defencemen who can fall prey to forcing offence during their draft year) and effective in its execution." - Anonymous

"I was glad to see he was traded because he clearly was not being used enough in Niagara. No way a kid with his skating and ability to confidently jump start an attack should be on a bottom pairing and not see power-play time. Sure, he coughs the puck up more than you’d like, but he and Suzuki are the only OHL draft eligibles I’d pay to see play." - Steve Kournianos

"As he's a D man, he's going to be more valuable.  As a puck rushing, scoring D man his value increases.   He has a good shot, but needs a lot of work defensively as he tends to go on these flights of fancy but cannot track back in time.  I think , like Ryan Merkley,  an NHL team will knock those edge off." - Stephen Clark

“A highly skilled defenceman who is capable of playing in many different situations. Having watched him play at least five games this season he is a player that just keeps getting better and better. His confidence is high and that combined with a great set of hands, playmaking ability and his smooth stride make him a complete package on the blueline. William has excellent speed and decent size coupled with a good ability to read the play which allows him to skate the puck and advance his scoring opportunities. I look forward to seeing him fine tune his skills as he prepares for the challenges that await at the higher levels.” - Shaiyena Cote

 
5. Connor McMichael - Forward - London Knights
Total Votes: 13
Highest Ranking: 2^nd (1x)
Lowest Ranking: Outside of the Top 10 (4x)
Comments:
"Super-smart player that you can use on the powerplay and trust on the penalty kill. Extremely good skater and not afraid to use it with or without the puck. Needs some much added strength but that won’t stop him from battling along the walls. It’s early, but no hesitation from me, right now, to say he’s the best two-way player from this class." - Dominic Tiano

"I love his offensive game and his sense around the net. It will be interesting to see how he fares numbers-wise now that the Knights have Alex Formenton back and Paul Cotter coming in from Western Michigan." - Ryan Kennedy

"Plays a solid all around game utilizing his speed to get up and down the ice on both the forecheck and back check. He's also able to play the role of playmaker and scorer, possessing good vision to find passing lanes as well as being able to rip a rocket of a shot." - Dylan Galloway

"A smart, two-way center who looked solid for the Knights last season after a mid-season trade from Hamilton but this year the fleet footed forward has developed into one of the team’s leaders both on and off the ice. The hard working goal scorer’s ability to create offensive chances is equaled only to his desire to break up opponents chances. Could rise even further on draft lists by seasons end." - Dan Stewart

"Like Kaliyev, McMichael is a shot-first offensive threat who will need complementary linemates to be as effective as he possibly can be in the program game. There’s no denying his knack for finishing off plays though and McMichael has taken on a leading role on a Knights team that is built around its defencemen, and not its forwards. He plays a clean, efficient game too." - Anonymous

6. Nick Robertson - Forward - Peterborough Petes
Total Votes: 14
Highest Ranking: 2^nd (1x)
Lowest Ranking: Outside of the Top 10 (3x)
Comments:
"He's got a ton of skill. He can create, and you saw against Canada at the Hlinka he's got a truly elite shot. I wish he was quicker for a guy his size but he's got tons of potential. Also very young relative to his peers." - Anonymous

"A quick-footed, goal scorer who gets to open ice before firing a dangerous one-timer or wrist shot. His offensive abilities stood out much more this summer at the Hlinka and again at the All-American Prospects Game than they have with the Petes this season. Dealing with a lingering injury to his wrist has slowed him down but at his size scouts need to see him produce offense consistently to keep him in the talk for a top round selection." - Dan Stewart

"He had a phenomenal Hlinka/Gretzky that made him a potential 1st round pick but injuries have hampered him. He moves much better than his brother and he has that same nose for the net but he has to remain healthy & show that his smallish frame can hold up to the rigors of the pro game & he can become an offensive threat every night." - Mark Seidel

"I probably shouldn’t have him on my list just yet because injuries have slowed him down. I’m not worried about his diminutive size. Has excellent feet, and a superb shot and release. Uncanny knack to get open and go unnoticed in the offensive zone and popping into areas to create lanes for his teammates." - Dominic Tiano 
 
7. Matvey Guskov - Forward - London Knights
Total Votes: 11
Highest Ranking: 3^rd (2x)
Lowest Ranking: Outside of the Top 10 (6x)
Comments:
"There's a lot to like about the 6-foot-1, 177-pound left-handed center. His strongest asset is his hockey sense, but he skates really well, has good scoring touch, plays an honest 200-foot game and, occasionally, likes to get physical." - Mike Morreale

"Guskov is one of the most complete players in this OHL class. He skates well, plays both ends of the ice equally effective and is one of the hardest working players you'll see." - Mark Scheig

"Guskov is still adjusting to life in the OHL but there’s no questioning that there’s offensive upside below the surface and he already plays a strong two-way, North American-style game that’s built upon a solid foundation." - Anonymous 

"Good skater, intelligent player, uses the combination to find open areas and making himself an option. Does not shy away from the hard areas. Good playmaker with solid vision. Shot is okay but most of his goals will come from in close." - Dominic Tiano

8. Vladislav Kolyachonok - Defense - Flint Firebirds
Total Votes: 9
Highest Ranking: 2^nd (1x)
Lowest Ranking: Outside of the Top 10 (8x)
Comments:
"The unknown coming import Kolyachonok made London take a long look during training camp before eventually being traded to Flint where he sat idle until visa issues got resolved. Now that he's back playing look for this slick skating competitive defenceman to make a massive push up the draft lists. He skates very well and plays a new-age style. Don't be surprised to see Kolyachonok work his way into Top 15 conversation.  He's confident, skilled and fleet of foot. His best asset may be that he plays with swagger and wants to be a difference maker. He is just getting his feet wet." - Anonymous

"The 6-foot-1, 180 pound left-handed defenseman from Belarus has really impressed as an OHL rookie. He's a solid skater, stabilizes play in his own end and has a relentless motor. He'll get physical when needed and is considered a two-way D-man. He just needs to improve his offensive-zone play, shot accuracy and strength." - Mike Morreale

"He is put in some very tough situations with Flint but he has been good by using his reach, fast feet & ability to move the puck. It will be a baptism by fire this year but he keeps getting better and he has a very high ceiling." - Mark Seidel

"Slowly gaining an appreciation for him after taking a while to get to see him play. Tough given how unpredictable (or do I say volatile) Flint has been. But I am starting to see what people love about him. Great mobility on the back-end. Good compete level. Makes good decisions with the puck. Like many of my contemporaries, I want to see more of him before I move him up my list. There are guys that I am just more familiar with right now." - Brock Otten

9. Blake Murray - Forward - Sudbury Wolves
Total Votes: 9
Highest Ranking: 3^rd (1x)
Lowest Ranking: Outside of the Top 10 (8x)
Comments:
"Has gone from a potential first round pick to an afterthought on a lot of scouts lists after a cool start to the season. But I've still got him ranked pretty highly. Willing to bet that bad shoulder was really hampering him. With a weak crop from the OHL this year, I just don't see how you can leave a 6'3, power center with goal scoring potential off your top 10 from the league. Consistency is definitely a major issue. He needs to be more engaged shift to shift, game to game. But his 9 goals are still among the best of any draft eligible OHL player this year, and he's one of the highest scoring players on the Wolves. His blend of power and skill is still too tantalizing." - Brock Otten

"I had high hopes for Murray coming into this season and he has shown well but he hasn’t progressed like you’d hope a 6-foot-3 centre with his skillset would progress. He needs to hang onto the puck a little more in order to begin to work towards becoming less of a chip-and-chase, cycle-dependent player than he is today." - Anonymous

"Size? Check. Skating? Check. Offensive Skills? Check. Sense? Check. Intensity? Well…not consistently. And there you have the catch. Murray was to be one of my favorites in the OHL this year after what I saw from him last season but after watching him play a few games this year I always come away with the same feeling; the urge to yell, “Com’on kid, get engaged in the game already!” He will need to ramp up the intensity or continue to drop like a rock even if he is producing some points." - Dan Stewart

"I've been disappointed so far this year as he seems to have stalled. In the next half it will be important for him to take that next step. Not only increase his production but start putting it all together and make those around him better. He has the size and speed but now it is up to him to use that efficiently and effectively which should come with more experience." - Peter Kneulman

10. Philip Tomasino - Forward - Niagara IceDogs
Total Votes: 7
Highest Ranking: 3^rd (3x)
Lowest Ranking: Outside of the Top 10 (10x)
Comments:
"A strong puck handler who loves to wheel, he hasn't shone as brightly as some other OHLers this season. This is mostly the result of him being deployed as a shutdown centre on a Niagara squad with aspirations of a lengthy playoffs run. However, each time I've watched him, he's done something that shouts NHL-talent. He owns a high skill level and can process the game quickly and effectively. Tomasino would really benefit from a move to the wing amongst the team's top six forwards and some power play action." - Cam Robinson

"Possessing explosive speed with excellent edges, Tomasino is excellent at moving the puck up the ice through the zones. Tomasino utilizes a really active stick in all areas of the ice, closing lanes and getting pucks loose on the defensive side, as well as being creative and dynamic with the puck on his stick in the offensive zone." - Dylan Galloway

"He's going to get hurt by lack of opportunity on a deep team who will likely get deeper post-deadline but he's got all the tools. Speed, skill, vision and not a small guy too. I can see him having a Christian Dvorak/Chris Tierney kind of career trajectory." - Anonymous

"It has been tough to get quality ice-time in Niagara because they are so deep but in the absence of Akil Thomas, Tomasino has shown that he has all the necessary tools to become a NHL player. He has very good feet and his willingness to drive the net has been impressive." - Mark Seidel

"I really thought about putting him higher to tell you the truth.  When Akil Thomas went out with injury he stepped in seamlessly and elevated his game.  Now he's playing on a line with Jason Robertson and Akil Thomas and the points will pile up.  Jaw dropping foot speed and agility have put him on the fast track." - Stephen Clark

Honorable Mentions

Graeme Clarke - Forward - Ottawa 67's
Total Votes: 5 
Highest Ranking: 6^th (1x)
Comments:
"Not the best skater in the class, but I really like the work Clarke has put in to improve from a year ago. Possesses an excellent shot and release, willing to drive the net, very good on the forecheck and battles hard along the walls even though he needs to add some strength." - Dominic Tiano

"Just outside my Top 10 list right now, and currently out with a shoulder injury, I have to say that I've been very impressed with the improvements that Clarke has made to his game this year. He's still not a dynamic skater, but he's greatly improved his play away from the puck and added some pest like qualities to make himself more than just a trigger man. The shot is still a major asset, and his hands are elite, but it's great that he recognized that in order to have a chance to be drafted in the first three rounds, he would have to evolve. Shows dedication." - Brock Otten 
 
Nick Porco - Forward - Saginaw Spirit
Total Votes: 5
Highest Ranking: 5^th (1x)
Comments:
"Porco has a lot of untapped potential in his game but has shown flashes of just how brilliant he can be. It starts with his speed. He is one of the fastest skaters in the OHL and can blow defenders away on the rush. He's also demonstrating an ability to finish when given the opportunity. As this season goes along, I expect Porco will be one of the fastest risers in the OHL when he continues realizing just how good he is." - Mark Scheig

"After a very disappointing rookie season in Saginaw, Porco has demonstrated the skill that made him the 4th overall pick in the OHL Draft and that is the ability to score. Last year he was a tick slow to make decisions and it hurt him but he is playing with confidence has become a very effective player for the Spirit." - Mark Seidel

Mike Vukojevic - Defense - Kitchener Rangers
Total Votes: 5
Highest Ranking: 4^th (1x)
Comments:
"Not too many players on this list see the kind of key minutes that Vukojevic does for his team in Kitchener. He's out there in nearly every situation, in key moments. The only action he doesn't really see is on the powerplay, which will hinder his offensive production. The hockey sense offensively is good, IMO. I just don't think he possesses the confidence yet. And while I don't think he'll ever be a big point producer at the NHL level, he brings so many other things to the table. Not a first round talent IMO, but a guy who should be considered in the 50-70 range come June because of how well he projects as a modern day shutdown defender. Similar players like Martin Fehervary, Adam Ginning, and Mattias Samuelsson went in the second round last year." - Brock Otten

"A good sized,minute munching D that can play in all situations. While his scoring stats aren't quite up to par with other D prospects his strong shot from the point should see an increase there over time. Very poised and calm with the puck and makes smart decisions while under pressure. Apt at keeping attackers to the outside with his good positioning, strong stick work and defensive awareness." - Jason Maslakow 

Hunter Jones - Goaltender - Peterborough Petes
Total Votes: 5
Highest Ranking: 5^th (1x)
Comments:
"One must begin by asking themselves where the Petes would be without Jones. No goaltender has played more minutes, faced more rubber, stopped more shots and is top 5 in goals against average and save percentage. His won-lost record would be better if not for some key injuries to the Petes. He’s got that coveted size for a goaltender at 6’4” with some excellent athleticism. He stands tall in the butterfly taking away the top of his goal, reads and reacts quickly with great anticipation, and he just steals games he has no business stealing." - Dominic Tiano

"Where do you put a goalie in this ranking?  I think Jones surprised a lot of people with pretty significant leap this year, but I've seen lots of goalies peak and then struggle to fine their footing the rest of their jr career and in the pro's going forward.   He's a big goalie at 6'4 but you tend to forget that as he's so agile.  I like him, but how do you really project a 2nd year OHL goalie and be able to see how he does as a pro?  It's not easy, but Jones could be one of the safer bets to be a solid guy for any NHL team." - Stephen Clark 

"Maintaining a .922 SV % while leading the league in minutes played & shots faced, Hunter Jones has done the most to raise his draft stock out of any goalie in the OHL thus far. At 6'4" he is an imposing presence between the pipes that uses his size well to take up the net. He worked hard in the off season to improve his conditioning and his progress from a tough rookie year last season has been noticeable. Improved puck tracking and rebound control combined with his quick reflexes and athleticism should have him climbing draft rankings as the season progresses." - Jason Maslakow

Jamieson Rees - Forward - Sarnia Sting
Total Votes: 5
Highest Ranking: 6^th (1x)
Comments:
"If we are talking talent alone Rees is much higher on this list, same as Kaliyev and Murray would be. But the reality is the energetic center has struggled to stay on the ice due to health issues, his most recent injury a lacerated kidney. Has the speed, quickness, creativity and vision to produce offensively but he has to be on the ice to do so." - Dan Stewart

"Rees is forgotten a player after only appearing in 3 games thus far this season but do not sleep on this kid. It will be interesting to watch him upon his return but a pro shot and a high offensive potential make him intriguing." - Mark Seidel

Cole Mackay - Forward - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Total Votes: 3
Highest Ranking: 3^rd (1x)
Comments:
"Mackay is an intelligent, hardworking player who makes strong reads and can spread out the ice with a fluid north-south game. He lacks dynamic acceleration and top speed but uses his hockey sense to quickly assess and make simple yet effective decisions. Not an overly big winger but doesn't shy away from battles. His elevated role in The Soo has been rewarded with strong production early on. He seems to always be on the right side of the puck - a coaches dream." - Cam Robinson

"On a Greyhounds team that needed players to step up in the absence of departing forwards like Boris Katchouk, Mackay has risen to the challenge as my early front runner for the best non-Suzuki/Kaliyev forward in this OHL class. He probably tops out with middle-six upside but he plays with enough versatility and pace to be intriguing." - Anonymous

Joe Carroll - Forward - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Total Votes: 3
Highest Ranking: 3^rd (1x)
Comments:
"Carroll (6-2, 197) reminds me a lot of Vegas Golden Knights forward Alex Tuch. He's a power-forward, with good size and skill. I think there's good upside here, but he'll need to work on his defensive-zone coverage." - Mike Morreale

"Has the tools to get into the 1st round. Starting to heat up for the Greyhounds now that he is getting healthy. Great size and skill combo. Fantastic shot. Very cognizant of what is going on around him defensively. Thrives in a puck possession system where he can use his size and puck control to prolong plays." - Peter Kneulman

"I became a big fan of his in the playoffs last year for the Greyhounds.  Good size, ability to play physical and a more than decent finishing touch are all part of his game." - Stephen Clark

Nikita Okhotyuk - Defense - Ottawa 67's
Total Votes: 2
Highest Ranking: 5^th (1x)
Comments:
"Throwback defender with good mobility who projects as a shutdown defender, similar to Vukojevic. Has become one of the league's better open ice hitters. I think he has shown more skill with the puck than Vukojevic has and profiles as a better puck mover, but his offensive hockey sense and vision aren't as good. Not quite as big as Vukojevic either. But, at this point, these guys deserve to be close in the rankings. However, he's not in my top 10 currently" - Brock Otten

"The physical Russian gets overshadowed a bit on the deep Ottawa blueline but his toughness and ability to make plays is an appealing combination. A vicious open ice hitter that has a lot of the tools remind me of a young Alexei Semenov, the former Oiler 2nd rounder." - Mark Seidel

Kyen Sopa - Forward - Niagara IceDogs 
Total Votes: 2
Highest Ranking: 8^th (1x)
Comments:
"Sopa is on the older side of this draft class but he has fit in seamlessly with the IceDogs as a rookie and he’s a lot stronger on his skates than you’d expect out of a 5-foot-9 winger who plays as fast as he does. There may be sleeper value in him as an option come June and I expect his offensive gifts and finishing ability will only continue to show themselves between now and then." - Anonymous

"I love kids who work as hard at the end of a shift in a 6-0 game as they do when it’s 1-1 late in the 3rd. Sopa is a gritty two-way import who’s tenacity on the puck is starting to pay off on the stat line." - Steve Kournianos 

Matthew Struthers - Forward - North Bay Battalion

Total Votes: 1
Highest Ranking: 8^th (1x)
Comments:
"He's seemed to really take off early on this season. He's skilled, he makes plays, and seems to be quicker too." - Anonymous

Tag Bertuzzi - Forward - Guelph Storm
Total Votes: 1
Highest Ranking: 9^th (1x)
Comments:
"Tag Bertuzzi shows a tremendous amount of compete on nearly every shift I've seen from him. Bertuzzi shows a strong ability to get and maintain possession of the puck through awesome strength on his skates and incredible body positioning. He really shines below the goal line where he has an innate ability to hold defenders at bay with sharp turns and excellent balance, as well as smartly finding space for him to skate into. Once Bertuzzi has created space for himself he becomes a highly intelligent passer, distributing the puck all over the offensive zone like a QB from the pocket. His shot definitely needs some work but I like his toolset as a playmaking power forward." - Dylan Galloway

Petr Cajka - Forward - Erie Otters
Total Votes: 1
Highest Ranking: 10^th (1x)
Comments:
"Cajka is one of the main reasons the Otters have managed to stay competitive in the early going. After taking some time to adjust to North America, he's starting to show why some have him on their draft radar. He's an above average skater who can play both ends of the ice and is starting to show a knack of scoring both as a finisher and distributor. I expect he'll rise up some draft boards by the time the season is over." - Mark Scheig

Jacob LeGuerrier - Defense - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Total Votes: 1
Highest Ranking: 9^th (1x)
Comments:

"Has 0 goals in 123 OHL games, so you know his game is predicated on being a stay at home D man, though he did score two goals in the playoffs last year.   To me, the fact that he dressed all 20 games for the Soo in the playoffs and played a fairly regular D shift is telling about the trust factor the coaching staff had in him.  Another big body , but he can translate well into a stay at home shut down type D man at the next level." - Stephen Clark

Danil Antropov - Forward - Oshawa Generals

Total Votes: 1

Highest Ranking: 10^th (1x)

Comments:

"To be honest, I really was not impressed with Antropov last year in the playoffs versus Niagara, so I will be very interested in seeing how he does with what is expected to be a longer post season run for Oshawa. He's still 17 years old and close to 6'3 and we know his dad developed into a very solid big body NHL player, and I'm always a believer in having NHL bloodlines helping your game and draft stock. Just because I have not seen it, does not mean that his game is not one that will thrive the rest of his career going forward." - Stephen Clark 

Nando Eggenberger - Forward - Oshawa Generals
Total Votes: 1
Highest Ranking: 4th (1x)
Comments: 
“A player with good size and a good shot, Nando is a strong force who can set up plays just as well as he can score. Eggenberger is a Swiss import player playing his first full season in North America and adjusting well to the change in ice size. I had the chance to watch him play several games at last year’s World Junior Championship where he captained Team Switzerland and even then he was a clear standout for size and dominance on the ice. He makes his presence known with his physicality and ability to get to the net. A player like Eggenberger will (and has) thrived playing the North American game and it will be exciting to see where he falls come the 2019 draft.” - Shaiyena Cote