This list definitely looks different than our preliminary one from the end of November (found here). Philip Tomasino and Jamieson Rees are the two big movers up the list. They play a similar game, built on speed, tenacity and skill and look like potential Top 40 selections come June. Meanwhile, Billy Constantinou is a faller as the trade to Kingston has not been great for his draft stock. Matvey Guskov is another faller as he has dropped out of the top 10 altogether. But, things are far from set in stone. The OHL playoffs and the Under 18's (for some) will help scouts fine tune their lists before June.
Another interesting development is the race for the top OHL prospect available. In November, it was nearly unanimously Ryan Suzuki. That is no longer the case. Several players received a first place vote this time around and Suzuki's stock seems to be falling. While he hangs on to the top spot for now, it seems like things are trending towards him not being the top OHL player available by the time June comes around, unless he really picks up his play down the stretch.
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_)
Mike Morreale - Staff writer for NHL.com (@mikemorrealeNHL)
Scott Wheeler - NHL Prospects Writer for TheAthletic (@scottcwheeler)
Chris Peters - NHL Prospects Writer for ESPN (@chrismpeters)
Cam Robinson - Managing Editor for Dobber Prospects (@Hockey_Robinson)
Peter
Kneulman - Provides OHL coverage at OHL
Writer (@PeterKneulman)
and of course...myself (@BrockOtten)
and of course...myself (@BrockOtten)
Here's the list:
1. Ryan
Suzuki – Forward – Barrie Colts
Total
Votes: 17
Highest
Ranking: 1st
(8x)
Lowest
Ranking: 3rd
(3x)
Comments:
“To
me, Suzuki remains the best playmaker from the OHL this season. The
thing is he can get away with not trying as hard and still be the
best player on the ice by scoring goals and setting up plays; he's
that talented and that smart.” (Mike Morreale)
“Suzuki’s
back half has been disappointing for a player with as much upside as
he has but that doesn’t mean he won’t figure it out. The talent
is there. Suzuki is gifted with the puck, evasive as a handler, and
dynamic as a playmaker. Once he gets a little stronger and learns to
shoot more, the ceiling many imagined for him when he went first
overall in the OHL draft may still be within reach.” (Anonymous)
“Incredibly
intelligent and gifted playmaker with an underrated shot. He's not a
physical player at all but I find he has such smart positioning that
he doesn't need to play physically. One thing I like about his game
is that he adjusts to his surroundings really well. If certain
passing lanes or passing plays aren't working he will adapt to the
other weaknesses he sees in the opponents games and capitalize on
that weakness. Undoubtedly the top prospect from the OHL this
season.” (Dylan Galloway)
“Like
his brother, Nick, he possesses excellent playmaking ability and has
a higher then average hockey IQ. Another similar attribute he shares
with his brother is an underrated, and under used, shot. Great
ability to play the point/half wall on the PP and find seems across
the ice. Looks off defenders. Was looking for an offensive explosion
this year but he's been hovering around a point per game.” (Levi
Hill)
“High-end
puck skills and vision put him a cut above among the OHLers for me. I
think he's got a chance to really grow into a nice player. The big
question I have is the same that other scouts have mentioned -- does
he hang on the perimeter too much? I think the skill is special
enough to allow me to overlook that in the hopes that with maturity
comes some more bite.” (Anonymous)
“The
numbers are likely going to fall off a little in the 2nd half without
Lucas Chiodo to create space and finish plays, but there's still
nobody in the OHL at Suzuki's age that sees the ice or anticipates
plays as well as he does. Suzuki's not only shown he can create plays
from nothing for his teammates, but if you give him space, he can
take matters into his own hands and burn you just the same.”
(Victor Findlay)
2. Arthur
Kaliyev – Forward – Hamilton Bulldogs
Total
Votes: 17
Highest
Ranking: 1st
(5x)
Lowest
Ranking: 6th (1x)
Comments:
“I’ll
be honest: I doubted Kaliyev’s ability to be more than a
straight-line shooter for much of his young career. But as the season
has progressed, his game has developed nicely and he has added some
creativity and a little playmaking flair. More and more, he has
convinced me that he may be able drive a line at the next level,
rather than require the right complement of linemates to be as
effective as possible.” (Anonymous)
“He's
got that big shot, he's very smart with the puck and scores a ton. I
wonder if the way he plays will translate to the NHL at the same
level as in the OHL. He doesn't play fast and his compete level is a
major flag.” (Anonymous)
“Kaliyev's
flaws are just as easy to spot as his strengths--he's too stationary,
plays with little pace, and heaviness comes and goes. But few players
in the OHL can scores goals like Kaliyev. On the goal line, top of
the circle, off balance or in stride, Kaliyev has that sniper's
ability to convert in just about any situation. He's already more
than tripled his shot assists total from last season--a testament to
his improving playmaking.” (Mitch Brown)
“Goal
scorer. Plain and simple. Does a lot of his damage in the 'Homeplate
area' and doesn't have the puck on his stick for long. Shooting
technique is a little different from most one-timer goal scorers.
Instead of going down on one knee and powering through the puck, he
uses a sweeping motion and 'swats' at the puck. Also tends to shoot
from the side of his body, hips facing the net.” (Levi Hill)
“I
know there are a lot of concerns about his consistency of effort and
I have those same concerns, but you simply can't deny that he scores
goals at an elite level for his age, he understands how to score and
he has excellent offensive sense. He's big and strong, too, and I
think as he matures he'll start to get a better understanding of the
grind of the next level. His shot is one of the best in the draft and
while he's not fast, he's good on his edges and covers ground
efficiently while always putting himself in good scoring positions.”
(Anonymous)
“My
opinion of Kaliyev has changed from earlier in the year, but not
completely as I still feel he spends too much ice time blending into
the background. However his goal scoring ability and offensive skills
are unquestionable. His NHL upside is really dependent on what he
does next. Work on his skating and a boost to his shift-by-shift
intensity is a must going forward for this Thomas Vanek like prospect
but the potential to be a real NHL game changer is there and it lies
in his hands.” (Dan Stewart)
3. Thomas
Harley – Defense – Mississauga Steelheads
Total
Votes: 17
Highest
Ranking: 1st
(1x)
Lowest
Ranking: 6th (2x)
Comments:
“Ok.
I'm a believer. He's surpassed my expectations. A two-way left-handed
defenseman who is smart and is always playing with his head up and
showing a lot of composure. He's been consistent each time I've seen
him; he just needs to refine and improve his shot.” (Mike Morreale)
“At
nearly a point per game, Harley is proving to be the top offensive
defenceman from the OHL for the upcoming draft. His ability to
utilize his speed and size to break the puck out of his zone and
enter the offensive zone with control is high end. In addition,
Harley is good at getting pucks on net and creating a lot of
opportunities in the slot for tips and garbage goals. Where Harley is
lacking is in the defensive zone. He gives up too much of a gap and
it can result in more opportunity for opponents to get a better shot
or make a play. Though this is still the biggest flaw I see in his
game, he has shown improvements in my last viewings of him and seems
to be working on becoming more aggressive at the blue line. Love his
upside, and fee like the defensive responsibility will come along
eventually.” (Dylan Galloway)
“An
efficient and play-driving defender with good size and speed. Harley
has not only accepted a larger role with Mississauga this year, he’s
thrived. Improved lateral quickness and overall speed from last
season makes him more of a threat off the rush. Oozes potential.”
(Cam Robinson)
“This
extremely smooth skating, smart, puck-mover looks like a high end
first rounder on many nights patrolling the blue line for Missy, but
there are those nights he also looks overvalued. Like he doesn’t
make enough of an impact on the game to be considered that high. This
two-way rearguard’s success is all depending on his involvement in
the offense, as when he is not skating with the puck or moving it
with a heady pass and following up the rush he looks somewhat
ordinary. When he is contributing at both ends of the rink his top
four NHL upside looks almost automatic.” (Dan Stewart)
“A
very impressive player to see live because of how he controls the
game offensively and how effortlessly he glides through the neutral
zone on multiple occasions a night. For a guy who does play a higher
risk offensive game, I give him credit because he rarely turns the
puck over and rarely seems to get caught pinching deep. His
progression from a year ago is just astounding. There is definitely a
lot of Thomas Chabot in his game as an offensive player. But as
everyone already knows, his play in his own zone does leave a lot to
be desired. I think my biggest issue is his unwillingness to use his
size and his overall lack of physical intensity. Along the wall,
forwards are given free reign to do as they wish. Defending off the
rush, it's much of the same as he sits back and allows the opposition
to dictate the play. Harley is unquestionably a first rounder if you
feel like he will eventually become tougher to play against in his
own end. But if that's something you don't see happening, you
probably wait until the 2nd...similar
to how teams waited on Nic Hague.” (Brock Otten)
“I
like the raw tools Harley has, particularly his skating and puck
skills. He's not dynamic per se, but he's skilled and confident with
the puck. Defensively, he needs work, but I like what he brings to
the table with that size and skill. He sees the ice really well.
Another underrated element of Harley's overall package is his
understanding of himself as a player and the way he needs to play to
keep improving.” (Anonymous)
4. Philip
Tomasino – Forward – Niagara Icedogs
Total
Votes: 17
Highest
Ranking: 1st
(2x)
Lowest
Ranking: 7th (1x)
Comments:
“Surrounded
by talented forward group in Niagara has allowed Tomasino to learn
more from veterans Jack Studnicka, Jason Robertson and others.
Explosive first step and agility to manoeuvre the puck around fore
checkers and defenseman in his zone entry. Will skate puck deep into
zone and skate with it, protecting it well while looking for best
option. So quick on his edges and can skate out of danger anywhere on
the ice.” (Marshall Mackinder)
“Tomasino
could become one of the bigger sleepers in this draft. He’s equal
parts passer and shooter and athletic and patient. All of that bodes
well for his game translating effectively at the pro level. He works
hard, he’s a right-handed forward, he’s responsible off the puck,
and it feels like he’s only just beginning to scratch the surface
of his potential. That room for growth is exciting in an OHL class
that lacks a ton of upside.” (Anonymous)
“High
energy player who can move the puck up the ice with excellent speed.
The way he weaves through skating lanes with ease makes him an
exciting player to watch, and he's highly effective at entering the
zone with control and with speed. Can score goals in an electric
manner. Biggest knock I would put on his game is he can sometimes
over stick handle or stickhandle his way into dead ends.” (Dylan
Galloway)
“Tomasino's
game is built around separation peed, but he's not a straight line
player like many other speedsters. He makes controlled, timed rushes,
using crossovers and stickhandling to slice through defenders
laterally just often as he burns past on the outside. He also leads
all OHL forwards in steals on the forecheck in the CHL Tracking
Project, showing that he keeps the pace up without the puck, too.”
(Mitch Brown)
“Continues
to skyrocket up the rankings, and rightfully so. He's playing with a
confidence now that's allowed him to take more risks and let his
skill really shine. It was going to be tough for him to get ice-time
on a loaded Niagara team, but he's playing so well that the IceDogs
have no choice but to put him out there. Few players his age on
contending hockey teams affect the outcome as much Tomasino does.”
(Victor Findlay)
“After
really thinking about it the last month or so, I've decided to move
Tomasino to the top of my OHL draft list. His game has so many
different layers to it. You've got an elite skater who plays with an
infectious energy and has no fear on the ice. Impacts the game as a
forechecker. Impacts the game as a puck carrier. Opens up space for
his linemates when he doesn't have the puck. And I haven't even
mentioned his hands and how skilled he is with the puck. He's playing
with some pretty damn good OHL players and NHL prospects right now
and on a lot of nights, he looks like the best of them...as a kid who
won't turn 18 until after the draft. Yes, turnovers can be an issue.
Yes, he needs to get stronger. Yes, his play in his own zone is
inconsistent. But in a year where the OHL may not have a lottery
selection, I think Tomasino possesses the most potential to be an
impact NHL player and that's why I've continued to move him up my
list.” (Brock Otten)
5. Connor
McMichael – Forward – London Knights
Total
Votes: 17
Highest
Ranking: 1st
(1x)
Lowest
Ranking: 7th (4x)
Comments:
“Even
with all of the talented forward depth in London, McMichael has been
the driving force on a consistent basis all year for London. Hockey
smarts, zone entry and his determination around the net has him in
the drivers seat in London. Potential 50 goal scorer. Improving
defensively makes him a more than capable 200 foot player at the next
level.” (Marshall Mackinder)
“McMichael
is shoot-first centre and one of the best players in the draft class
at getting to the net. From the CHL Tracking Project, McMichael gets
more shots from the top of the crease than 99 percent of 400 CHL
forwards. The variety is what makes McMichael so
dangerous--one-timers, deflections, pouncing on rebounds--you name
it, he'll finish it. While McMichael isn't much of a puck carrier
through the neutral zone, he's a crafty playmaker around the goal.”
(Mitch Brown)
“McMichael
is a really smart player, and he's taken advantage of the absence of
Alex Formenton. With Formenton now returning, it'll be interesting to
see how McMichael handles what will likely be a decrease in ice time.
Smarts and speed make him skilled and easy to trust at both ends of
the ice, but it's clear he's got a real knack for goal-scoring.”
(Hannah Stuart)
“He's
really rising up the boards for me and I think he's deservedly
getting first round attention now. He's not there for me yet, but
just on the fringe as I need to get some more looks at him before
making that decision. Watching his improvement year over year and
even throughout this season, he's shown better offensive sense than I
thought he had. The speed element is also awfully enticing.”
(Anonymous)
“A
two-way guy whom I really wonder if his offensive game will translate
well to the NHL as his numbers really are driven from working harder
and reading the play better than his junior aged opponents do. His
intelligence is high-end as is his work ethic, and ability to find
open ice to get his shot off. He is a natural leader so even if he
does not end up a top six NHL scorer I would not bet against a long
pro career as a do-it-all type third line contributor.” (Dan
Stewart)
“Arguably
the most consistent first-year eligible in the OHL among in terms of
playmaking, McMichael has done more than enough to be mentioned with
Suzuki and Kaliyev as the league’s top draft prospect, and on a
stacked London squad no less. McMichael, who can play center or wing,
is as good a finisher as he is a playmaker. He’s strong on his
skates, can assume a top-line role and absolutely wire the puck.”
(Steve Kournianos)
6. Nick
Robertson – Forward – Peterborough Petes
Total
Votes: 17
Highest
Ranking: 2nd (2x)
Lowest
Ranking: 10th (1x)
Comments:
“Robertson
can fly, handles the puck well at full speed (which is a top speed
that already stands close to the top of this draft class), works as
hard as anyone off the puck to win races and battles, and has a nose
for the net that enables him to finish off plays. While he could
learn to use his linemates a little better, if he doesn’t it may
mean that his ceiling is closer to third-line forward than
second-line forward.” (Anonymous)
“Skill
level is really high. One of the most skilled players in the draft
with a great shot. Small and not a speedster but few people make as
much happen with the puck as he does. He's also one of the youngest
players in the draft.” (Anonymous)
“Really
like the puck skills and smarts of Robertson. He combines elite
passing and vision with nice edge work and skating speed. Though he's
obviously lacking the height and weight, I find he does a pretty good
job of utilizing his speed and body positioning to get to the net.
Robertson also possesses a good shot, however his backhand is lacking
strength and when he drives the net on his off-hand wing he seems to
struggle to get anything dangerous into the slot or on net. I love a
lot of what Robertson brings to the table.” (Dylan Galloway)
“The
young brother of Jason lacks the same size but makes up for it with
dynamic puck skills, a strong skating stride and impressive balance.
This is facilitated by his wide base and strong core. He’s elusive
in traffic and creative with his lines. Can finish or distribute with
equal precision.” (Cam Robinson)
“The
wrist injury really threw his season for a loop, but he's starting to
get his feel back now. Talented player who showed well at the CHL Top
Prospects game, but his attitude towards the game is what separates
him from most. He's a positive thinker with well above average work
ethic and determination. Part of me thinks looking up to his brother
Jason fuels his competitive drive. He genuinely wants to be
as good as him, if not better, and is willing to do whatever it takes
to get to that level.” (Victor Findlay)
“Robertson
had some injury issues that keep him out or ineffective early in the
season but he has since become healthy and been one of the top
dual-threat offensive forces in the League. A quick-footed, offensive
winger with special vision, soft hands and a wicked shot. He finds
open ice like a pro when he does not have the puck and draws in
defenders when he does before dishing a well-timed, accurate pass to
an open teammate. He could be the best NHLer to come out of this OHL
draft class when all is said and done.”
(Dan Stewart)
7. Jamieson
Rees – Forward – Sarnia Sting
Total
Votes: 15
Highest
Ranking: 5th (6x)
Lowest
Ranking: Outside of the Top 10 (2x)
Comments:
“A
reliable spark plug who does not take a shift off. Wins foot races to
the puck, protects it well along the wall and uses strong lower body
to drive to the net where he wont stop until whistle blows. Gets
under the skin of opponents and plays in all situations. Dynamic
two-way player who shows grit and determination every shift he
takes.” (Marshall Mackinder)
“Rees
creates space and lanes like few draft eligibles can, using his rare
combination of explosive cutbacks and hands that match. He's also one
of the most well-rounded and versatile of the OHL class, scoring near
the top in scoring chances/60, passes leading to scoring chances/60,
controlled entries/60, and controlled exits/60. While Rees can
finish, playmaking is his best skill: His 0.59 primary assists per
game leads the OHL draft class by a large margin. (Thanks to
Prospect-Stats.com).” (Mitch Brown)
“Rees
has been impressive since his return from a small kidney laceration
he received earlier this season and he has brought his high energy,
competitive, skilled game each and every night as the team’s second
line centre in Sarnia. His quick and creative hands, shifty skating
and impressive vision and smarts are typically on display as is the
odd unexpected physical element for a guy with his size. Still needs
to stay out of the infirmary and make an impact for a long stretch to
shake the injury prone tag but he definitely has the potential to be
a really strong NHL point producer.” (Dan Stewart)
“Even
when he's not hitting the score sheet, Rees makes himself noticeable
from shift to shift. I love that about his game. He's everywhere out
there. He's tenacious on and off the puck. When it's on his stick, he
possesses the elite skating ability and puck skill to make something
out of nothing. But when it's with an opponent, he does anything he
can to get it back. In a few months, the U18's (barring a miracle run
by Sarnia) will be a huge event for him to showcase his skill on a
bigger stage. But, I think durability is going to be something scouts
have concerns about. A guy like Robby Fabbri was built the same way
and played the game the same way. And look at all the trouble that
he's had staying healthy. Rees had the nagging ankle injury last
year as a rookie, then the lacerated kidney this year. As much as I
love him as a player and a prospect, if you're thinking with the mind
set of an NHL scout, this will likely be a real concern.” (Brock
Otten)
“IMO
Rees makes Sarnia must watch hockey. He can make so many things
happen on the ice with his speed and he becomes electric with the
puck on his stick. I like that he does most of his damage 5 on 5. He
is only 5'10 but when I watch him it doesnt seem to be a deterrent as
he knows how to get under his opponents to gain leverage when
battling for the puck.” (Peter Kneulman)
8. Vladislav
Kolyachonok – Defense – Flint Firebirds
Total
Votes: 15
Highest
Ranking: 4th (1x)
Lowest
Ranking: Outside of the Top 10 (2x)
Comments:
“I
think he's just starting to scratch the surface of what he's going to
be capable of. His skating and footwork are excellent, he has some
good offensive instincts. I think it's just a matter of growing into
his frame a bit more and gaining confidence with the puck. He can
force plays and get caught in the wrong spot, but I think his
physical tools are really intriguing. He's going to require some
patience, but he has a chance to be a really good defenseman down the
line.” (Anonymous)
“The
Belarusian blue liner is a strong skater who plays a two-way game
with intelligence, composure and poise. He is a skilled puck mover
who can make a strong pass or start the rush, however, he is not a
real offensive chance taker and only takes what is available. Because
of this not pushing the pace of play his point production at the next
level is likely limited. His willingness to play physical can be
inconsistent from game to game and he is still developing his game
both offensively and in his own zone but the raw tools are
intriguing.” (Dan Stewart)
“The
Belarusian can skate and think the game so well. He's an encouraging
and interesting prospect who could go late in the first round or
early second. He's been a bright spot for a Flint team that has
struggled this season.” (Mike Morreale)
“Solid
skating defenseman who has picked up his game offensively from the
blue line lately. Good hard low shot that gets through to the net
often. Sees a ton of ice time in Flint and shows good mobility and
makes smart decisions with the puck. Good size and likes to use it
along the wall. Active stick in passing lanes and quick to get puck
out of zone with crisp breakout pass.” (Marshall Mackinder)
9. Billy
Constantinou – Defense – Kingston Frontenacs
Total
Votes: 10
Highest
Ranking: 7th
(6x)
Lowest
Ranking: Outside of the Top 10 (7x)
Comments:
“He
was a model of consistency, going pointless back-to-back just twice
in his time with the IceDogs, but has not had the same impact in
Kingston. The obvious question now becomes: Is the real Bill
Constantinou the one we saw in Niagara or the one currently in
Kingston? Or is he somewhere in between? Constantinou’s skating is
excellent, except that maybe he could add a step in his first couple
strides. If his edgework, lateral movement, backwards skating and
overall agility isn’t the best in the draft class, it’s
definitely top-2. When carrying the puck, it allows him to slice
through opponents almost at will. His ability to move laterally and
control the offensive blue line makes him an excellent powerplay
quarterback. Defensively, I don’t want to say the move to Kingston
has exposed a flaw in his game. The horses aren’t there in Kingston
and what it has done is forced him to play more on the defensive side
of the puck. His gap control is very good. He recognizes the need and
has the ability to keep players to the outside. Once he adds more
muscle, he will become more adept at winning battles along the wall
and in front of the paint. His strength has been and always will be
the transition game with an excellent ability to clear his zone with
an excellent first pass or to take care of business himself and skate
out of danger.” (Dominic Tiano)
“An
efficient and explosive right-shot blueliner who has the ability to
act as a one-man breakout. Dictates the pace through the neutral zone
with his acceleration and expert edgework. Finds seams to distribute
to his mates. Adjusting to life on the bottom-feeding Frontenacs’
squad after being accustomed to the high-flying offence in Niagara.
Having the play in his own end so often is aiding in his developing
two-way ability.” (Cam Robinson)
“He
can be a somewhat frustrating player to watch due to some of his
decisions with the puck, but I don't think there are a ton of
defensemen who move the way that he does and I see a lot of potential
in his game. I worry about the hockey sense sometimes just due to the
risks he takes, but I like aggressive players and guys who make
mistakes because they're trying to make plays. I think maturity is
going to help him take the next step.” (Anonymous)
“The
flash and flair is obvious the second the puck on his stick.
Constantinou is an offense-first playmaker who doesn’t need to be
asked or told to activate himself inside the opposing zone. Yes, his
defensive play is suspect and at times he tries to fix everything by
himself. But playing for a bottom feeder like Kingston isn’t easy,
and Constantinou’s elusiveness and playmaking reveal a player with
point-producing potential at higher levels.” (Steve Kournianos)
10. Hunter
Jones – Goaltender – Peterborough Petes
Total
Votes: 8
Highest
Ranking: 8th (1x)
Lowest
Ranking: Outside of the Top 10 (9x)
Comments:
“He
likes to play big in all situations and is quick getting into
butterfly. Jones (6-4, 197) has a good (left) glove hand and rebound
control and can locate pucks through traffic. He'll just need to
improve playing the puck on his backhand and his skating; could go as
early as late in the second round.” (Mike Morreale)
“He's
got that prototypical size, doesn't get too scrambly in the nets and
has solid lateral quickness. I think his poise in the net is
particularly encouraging. I know he's really gotten a lot of love
especially lately and I think he deserves it. I don't think there are
too many goalies that will end up going ahead of him, but I'm just
more comfortable with a number of skaters ahead of him at this
point.” (Anonymous)
“Jones
hit a real rough patch of hockey around the trade deadline, and had a
forgettable month of January. But he's still showing the athleticism
he improved in the offseason, and he's got the size necessary to
get NHL looks. The mental game will be the biggest obstacle for Jones
in his progression. When he doesn't get into his own head and focuses
on the right areas, he's still a great goaltender.” (Victor
Findlay)
“A
six-foot-four, blocking style goaltender with solid lateral mobility
who plays with confidence and has progressed well in his draft year
are all elements that grab your attention as well as the attention of
NHL scouts. As one of the top minute playing OHL goaltenders Jones
has looked strong and played big in the Petes net this season. After
seeing spot duty last year, just fifteen contests as a rookie, he has
been a model of consistency under a heavy workload which NHL teams
also like. He has solid NHL upside.”
(Dan Stewart)
Honorable
Mentions
Blake
Murray – Forward – Sudbury Wolves
Total
Votes: 5
Highest
Ranking: 7th (1x)
Comments:
“Murray
did get off to slow start this season but has picked up the pace and
has been on tear the last month. Playing with confidence and showing
the potential to be a play making power centreman. He does not have
to carry the team offensively this season like he did last year as an
underager and has a supporting cast around him that allows him to
play his game. Trustworthy and honest player who keeps it simple. not
flashy at all but needs to focus on being consistent every game and
not take any shifts off.” (Marshall Mackinder)
“Murray
has great hands, even when he's at his top speed, and he forechecks
hard. I'd like to see him add some more strength in his upper body,
though, and I would've liked to see him produce more offensively this
season, though he's looking better recently. But there's potential
there.” (Hannah Stuart)
“Consistency
issues have been a bit of an issue with Murray, but when he's playing
well it's impossible to ignore how good he can be. He's got the
talent to be in the conversation with Kaliyev, Tomasino, etc. and his
size makes him an attractive asset. But can he answer the call when
the Wolves need him the most this year? How bad does he want to win?
The playoffs might reveal a lot of those answers.” (Victor Findlay)
“I
said this on twitter lately, but with 12 goals in his last 14 games,
Blake Murray is now tied for third behind Kaliyev and McMichael for
draft eligible goal scoring in the OHL with 26. That's good for top
10 in the entire CHL too (behind Cozens, Legare, Lafreniere,
Beaucage, Mercer, and Pelletier). Those guys are all considered
possible top 50 selections (or higher). So why is Murray consistently
being underrated? This is a 6'3 forward who can play on the wing or
down the middle. He can skate. He can shoot the puck. Yes, there are
consistency issues. He needs to battle harder away from the puck. He
will need to show more as a playmaker. Rounding out his game is a
must. But, in a year where we're talking about the lack of high end
talent that the OHL has to offer as a scouting community, how is this
guy not considered a Top 10 prospect from the league given how high
his ceiling is?” (Brock Otten)
Graeme
Clarke – Forward – Ottawa 67's
Total
Votes: 4
Highest
Ranking: 9th (2x)
Comments:
“I
think Clarke’s skating sometimes gets an unfair shake in the
scouting community. It’s the same debate I had about Jason
Robertson during his draft year. It is in some cases described as
having a laziness to his effort. But my opinion is that he is such an
intelligent player that he is able to slip into seams and high
scoring areas without expending a lot of energy. And once he gets
there, he is able to fire off a lethal shot. To these eyes, those are
two big reasons why he is scoring at a 20.9% rate. I am often asked
who has the better shot/release: Clarke or Arthur Kaliyev of the
Hamilton Bulldogs. I think you could flip a coin. Clarke has superb
puck handling ability. In tight, he can dangle with the best of them.
On the rush, he handles it with ease. What he lacks is a separation
gear, but skating is an area he has worked on hard and will continue
to work on and improve. He also has an ability to slow the play down
with the puck on his stick. While he is a goal scorer first, he has
excellent vision and can slow the play down with possession to give
his teammates time to find space and deliver a good pass on the
forehand and backhand.” (Dominic Tiano)
“Clarke's
point totals won't blow you away, but he's creating plenty of offence
in a secondary scoring role. Clarke's 12 5v5 goals ranked second to
only Tomasino among draft eligible OHLers, ahead of Kaliyev and
McMichael, once adjusting to per 60 minutes. He's a creative player,
owning the ability to beat defenders in a number of ways before
firing off his dangerous wrist shot. However, Clarke can disappear
for stretches and lacks separation speed.” (Mitch Brown)
"I feel like I've said this a few times in my write-ups, but with the OHL facing a bit of a down year I think you need to put a premium on potential. And Clarke has some of the highest offensive potential of any player in the age group. His shot and release among the best of any young player in the OHL and he electrifying one on one skill. He can create a lot of space for himself with his hands. I think he's already made big strides in his skating, play away from the puck, and playmaking vision, but those are all areas that will be crucial in determining whether he becomes a top 6 forward at the NHL level. I don't think there's any doubt that he eventually becomes an elite OHL player and Eddie Powers contender. It's just whether he continues to work hard to make the adjustments necessary to progress beyond that. But as I've said, the improvements have been noticeable so far and you have to tip your hat to Clarke (and the 67's organization) for that." (Brock Otten)
Matvey
Guskov – Forward – London Knights
Total
Votes: 4
Highest
Ranking: 8th (1x)
Comments:
“If
you look past the misleading point totals, you can see a lot to like
about Guskov. The fluidity of his skating, and his speed, are
attractive parts of his game, along with his puck skills and hockey
IQ. I'm definitely interested to see if he can make the switch to
center eventually, but he's doing pretty well on the wing as-is.”
(Hannah Stuart)
“Good
combination of skill, size and skating ability. Raw but a great
toolbox. Works hard and is a great complimentary player on a skilled
line. Would like to see him play center, where his skill set could
shine through more. Will be a solid pro.” (Levi Hill)
“He's
really growing on me as a prospect. The last couple of times that
I've seen London play, he's had a couple near end to end rushes that
resulted in goals or great scoring chances. He really seems to be
gaining confidence in his power to use his skating ability and length
to dominate the transition game. There's definitely a rawness to his
game. I don't think I really have a grasp of the type of player he
will or could become. Is he a center or a wing in the future? How
much potential does he have as a goal scorer? Can he be the driving
force on a line as a playmaker? All great questions. But the size and
skill package is alluring enough to move him up my list. There's a
lot to like about his game.” (Brock Otten)
Mike
Vukojevic – Defense – Kitchener Rangers
Total
Votes: 2
Highest
Ranking: 8th (1x)
Comments:
“Reliable
at both ends of the ice, and doesn't try to make the game
complicated. He's contributing more offensively this year and I don't
know if that's confidence or just that he's playing with a D partner
where he's more comfortable jumping into the rush, but I like it.”
(Hannah Stuart)
“There's
a lot to like about Vukojevic, even if he's not an offensive machine
on the back end. He's playing for a young undermanned Rangers 'D'
corps and putting up decent points, even though his game is more
about defense than offense. You need solid, athletic guys like him at
the next level.” (Ryan Kennedy)
Joe
Carroll – Forward – Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Total
Votes: 2
Highest
Ranking: 8th (1x)
Comments:
“Carroll
has a knack for anticipating plays with good vision and skills and
reminds me of Vegas Golden Knights forward Alex Tuch. He'll need to
work on his defensive-zone coverage but he's a future NHL power
forward.” (Mike Morreale)
“I
absolutely love what Carroll brings to the table. I think he will be
a steal for someone late in round 2/3. He has been stuck on the 3rd
line for the Hounds this year but what are you going to do with Frost
and Hayton above you? Statistically speaking he has been snake bitten
with a 7% shooting percentage which is more surprising given the
great shot that he has. Has the size and the defensive game to play
at the next level. He just needs to bring things together offensively
to push up that ceiling which I feel he has the ability to do.”
(Peter Kneulman)
Cole
Mackay – Forward – Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Total
Votes: 1
Highest
Ranking: 9th (1x)
Comments:
“McKay
is the type of player you wish could play on all four lines. Shows
determination, work ethic and relentless pursuit of the puck while
putting up points long the way. Leaves it all on the ice and gives
100% every shift. Has benefited by playing with Morgan Frost at times
but shows can be play in any situation with anybody. Coachable and
takes his assignments and makes most of them. Smart player and
anxious to see his production and stock continue to rise.”
(Marshall Mackinder)
Nick
Porco – Forward – Saginaw Spirit
Total
Votes: 1
Highest
Ranking: 10th (1x)
Comments:
“Possesses
some good straight away speed, though he needs to get better at
generating speed East/West and through his crossovers. I've liked his
puck skills and he's got some nifty stick work in the offensive zone.
Porco might be a bit of a project for the team that drafts him, but I
like his raw skills and think with the right development you can mold
him into a good productive player at the next level.” (Dylan
Galloway)
Jacob
LeGuerrier – Defense – Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Total
Votes: 1
Highest
Ranking: 10th (1x)
Comments:
“I
feel he is the most important piece on the Greyhounds blueline and
the most under appreciated piece on the team. Frost, Hayton and the
OAs rightfully get a lot of the publicity but Jacob has been a rock
on a blue line that really didn't have much depth going into the
season. Coach Dean has trusted him with the toughest assignments
night in and night out. Has him play in all situations and the
offensive game has really come along since December.” (Peter
Kneulman)
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