The
2019 OHL Priority Selection is set for Saturday, April 6th.
That is a little over a week away. As scouting agencies and OHL teams
finalize their lists ahead of the draft, OHL fan bases begin to draw
curious as to the players that their teams will bring into the fold.
The
last few years I've partnered with TheScout to bring you an extremely
in depth Draft Primer. This year, I bring you a different preview of
the draft; a mock draft. And since I do not see as much minor midget
action as I would like to, I have obviously brought in some great
minds who have seen these draft prospects play a ton.
Helping
out with this first round mock draft are:
Steven
Ellis – Writer/Digital Content Producer for The Hockey News
(@StevenEllisTHN)
Ryan
Stacey – Scout with TheScout.ca (@ryan_stacey5)
Prospect
Pipeline – Independent OHL Draft scout/resource – Prospect
Pipeline (@NHLProspectLine)
Of
course, if you're looking for more information on the upcoming OHL
Draft, make sure you check out TheScout who will be releasing their
final list and other great resources in the coming week. You can also
check out Prospect Pipeline who also have some fantastic OHL Draft
(and NHL Draft) content for you to read.
Without
further ado, here is our mock with many honorable mentions:
Due
to Wright’s exceptional status grant, this selection is obviously a
slam dunk. Wright is just such a complete player. He processes the
game a step ahead of his peers and is already quite a complete player
who can see the ice in all situations for Kingston next year. The key
for Kingston will be surrounding him with players who can thrive from
his playmaking ability and help to take pressure off of him. This
year’s Import Draft and next year’s Priority Selection (where
Kingston will likely pick high again) will be key to their potential
turn around. (Brock Otten)
2.
Flint Firebirds - Brennan Othmann – Don Mills Flyers –
Left-Winger
After
selecting savvy centerman Evan Vierling with their 2018 1st round
selection, the Firebirds make an investment to their forward group
and select sniper Brennan Othmann. Othmann is a naturally gifted
scorer who combines evident shooting ability with size and speed. In
transition, he shows intelligence in spacing and offensive formation
allowing him to insert himself with perfect timing and create
high-quality offensive chances. With steady production all year, and
an elevated output to help secure the OHL Cup, Othmann brings a full
offensive arsenal and gives Flint a top-tier scoring winger to ride
with Vierling and lead their offence for the foreseeable future.
(Ryan Stacey)
3.
Erie Otters - Brandt Clarke - Don Mills Flyers - Defenceman
On
many occasions this season, Clarke looked like the best player on the
ice for Don Mills - even better than Wright. Clarke is a fantastic
skater that gets himself out of tough positions easily and is very
smart at distributing the puck. He's patient, but smart when making a
pass and always has his head on a swivel. Clarke is willing to jump
into rushes and rarely stays out of position long due to how fast he
gets back to his own zone. Clarke will run the power play of whatever
team ends up drafting him and it's safe to say he's this year's Jamie
Drysdale. He’ll be a game changer next year. (Steven Ellis)
4.
Barrie Colts - Connor Lockhart - Kanata Lasers - Centre
With
a slew of highly talented players available to the Barrie Colts at
fourth-overall, the club doesn’t hesitate in nabbing Connor
Lockhart -- an energetic player who can make an impact in all three
zones of the ice. A tireless skater with an unwavering engine,
Lockhart can dictate the pace of play and create offence
single-handedly owing to his creativity. Boasting a powerful and
accurate shot alongside innate playmaking abilities, Lockhart’s
game is reminiscent of Philadelphia Flyers forward Travis Konecny. In
short, Lockhart will stand as a pillar within the Colts’ roster
long into the future. (Prospect Pipeline)
5.
Peterborough Petes - Mason McTavish - Pembroke Lumber Kings - Center
Compensation
for the fact that Will Cuylle was a no show (and subsequently dealt
to Windsor), the Petes jump at the chance to draft another power
forward in McTavish. Possessing one of the best shots in the draft,
McTavish’s power game could complement Peterborough very well as he
could be the perfect linemate for someone like Nick Robertson next
year and the year after. And with Paquette and possibly Gallant
moving on, the organization needed to address depth at the position
anyway (Brock Otten)
6.
Windsor Spitfires - Danil Zhilkin - Toronto Marlboros - Forward
With
this pick, Windsor is getting a pure goal scorer with tremendous
skill and smarts with the puck. Zhilkin made an immediate impact with
the Toronto Marlboros at the Toronto Titans Early Bird Tournament,
recording a tournament-leading nine goals while finishing with 12
points. He isn't the most fluent skater, but he has good speed and
can pivot fairly quickly. Zhilkin isn't afraid to get physical and if
he could be most consistent, he’d be very tough to contain (Steven
Ellis)
7.
Sarnia Sting - Francesco Pinelli - Toronto Red Wings - Centre
Pinelli
is a talented offensive pivot who has game breaking capabilities with
the puck on his stick. Nearly leading the Toronto Red Wings to an
improbable upset of the Don Mills Flyers in the OHL Cup, he possesses
the ability to lead an offensive and generate for teammates on each
and every shift. He demonstrates powerful skating, poise and
perseverance under pressure and an ability to shoot the puck that is
rivalled by few in the class, making him an easy selection for Sarnia
as they further enhance their overall offensive structure. (Ryan
Stacey)
8.
Hamilton Bulldogs - Brett Harrison - London Jr. Knights - Centre
Since
their move to Hamilton, the Bulldogs have selected a forward with
each and every one of their first round picks in the OHL Priority
Selection. And, in 2019, that same trend continues as the Bulldogs
select Brett Harrison from the London Jr. Knights. With great size
and strength standing 6-foot-1 and 165-pounds, Harrison is an
intimidating force and one of the most natural goal scorers eligible
for this year’s draft. A 42-goal scorer for the Jr. Knights during
their 2018-19 regular season, Harrison is a complete package who
should develop into Hamilton’s first line centre owing to his
stellar skating and offensive abilities. (Prospect Pipeline)
9.
North Bay Battalion - Liam Arnsby - Don Mills Flyers - Center/LW
Arnsby
just seems like the perfect fit for the way Stan Butler likes to play
the game. Competitive and versatile forward who can slot anywhere in
the line-up, who can bring physicality, and who possesses a high IQ
in all three zones. Fresh off a great performance in the OHL Cup
Final, Arnsby should compliment North Bay’s competitive group of
young forwards well and offers up solid offensive upside too. (Brock
Otten)
10.
Owen Sound Attack - Ethan Del Mastro -Toronto Marlboros - D
In
terms of safe, reliable defencemen, Del Mastro is one of the best
options around. He's great at managing the puck and moves well with
and without it. His above-average skating ability allows him to beat
forwards to the puck before dishing it out and is rarely found out of
position. Del Mastro has good size for a kid his age and you'll be
persuaded to play him more in physical bouts. Del Mastro is a smart
defenseman that will make an immediate impact in the OHL and will fit
in in a top-four role nearly out of the gate. (Steven Ellis)
11.
Peterborough Petes - Francesco Arcuri - Don Mills Flyers - LW/C
Arcuri
is an intriguing player due to his ability to rotate in his offensive
deployment. He offers creativity and crisp passing which translates
well as a facilitator, while also demonstrating a quick shooting
ability which elevates his potential as a goal scorer. In addition he
plays with a determined drive and selfless attitude, which fuels his
desire to retrieve pucks and grind his way through the dirty areas
with physicality and perseverance. With the earlier selection of
established center Mason McTavish, Peterborough elects to go with the
multidimensional Arcuri who can contribute in whatever role he is
assigned, complimenting a diverse Petes forward group. (Ryan Stacey)
12.
Mississauga Steelheads - Logan Mailloux - Toronto Marlboros - Defence
The
Mississauga Steelheads need a stable two-way defender on their blue
line for years to come, and Logan Mailloux of the Toronto Marlboros
fits the bill. Already of OHL size despite his young age, Mailloux
improved dramatically over the course of the 2018-19 season and now
stands as a potent force in all three zones of the ice. An impressive
skater considering his 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame, Mailloux should be
able to step into the Steelheads’ lineup next season and make an
immediate impact. Given his current trajectory, Maiiloux could very
well develop into one of the best defenders selected within the 2019
OHL Priority Selection. (Prospect Pipeline)
13.
Kitchener Rangers - Colby Saganiuk - Pittsburgh Penguins 16U - Center
Without
an NCAA commitment, Saganiuk may be the highest profile American
player who could be convinced to head north to the OHL. Undersized,
yes, but Saganiuk is a fantastic skater with the potential to be a
high impact offensive player. Currently at the USDP U17 camp, he may
still take some convincing. But the Kitchener franchise has never
been afraid of a recruitment battle. With a mid 2nd and an early 3rd,
in addition to drafting well last year, Kitchener can afford to roll
the dice here on a potential #1 center and hope that if he does not
commit that they can deal his rights. Of course, they could also wait
until that Oshawa 2nd to see if he is still available, but he likely
does not get by Saginaw at the end of the first. (Brock Otten)
14.
Guelph Storm - Braedon Kressler - Mississauga Senators - Center/Right
Wing
Kressler
played two seasons of minor midget hockey with the Senators and was
the best player for nearly his entire time at the level. He isn’t
the biggest player on the ice, however, what Kressler lacks in
stature he more than compensates for speed, skill, and tenacity. The
team relied on him often this year to be a dynamic scoring threat and
he didn’t disappoint. Again, he isn’t a big kid, but he does a
great job of getting the puck on net and has the skill to be a
valuable asset. (Steven Ellis)
15.
Sudbury Wolves - Wyatt Johnston - Toronto Marlboros - Center
Sudbury
had a strong contribution from their 2002 draft class with players
like Jack Thompson and the uber talented Quinton Byfield establishing
themselves as OHL regulars this season. With this selection, the
Wolves look to enhance their surge by selecting a safe, efficient
player and they get one in Wyatt Johnston. Johnston is a slick moving
center, who has a developed skill set with patient puck movement
tendencies and a well-timed release. He also has a adapt ability to
makes plays one-on-one, finishing with highlight reel goals on
multiple-occasions, which should further his value in the eyes of the
Sudbury fan base. (Ryan Stacey)
16.
Oshawa Generals - Brenden Sirizzotti - Whitby Wildcats - RW
Brenden
Sirizzotti scored just three fewer points in the ETA this season than
Quinton Byfield did for the York Simcoe Express in 2017-18 -- a major
reason for his selection in the first round. An explosive and highly
energetic player, Sirizzotti’s natural offensive abilities will
boost an Oshawa Generals squad short on young, high-end talent up
front. With Anthony Salinitri and Brandon Saigeon moving on from the
OHL come the end of the 2018-19 campaign, the Generals will require
an elite talent to skate alongside the likes of Ty Tullio and Lleyton
Moore for years to come -- fortunately, Sirizzotti fits the bill.
(Prospect Pipeline)
17.
Niagara IceDogs - Artem Guryev - Toronto Marlboros - Defense
After
dealing two top shelf younger defenders this year in Billy
Constantinou and Lleyton Moore, I feel pretty confident that Niagara
will look to add to their blueline with this selection now that they
have been given it back. Originally thought to be forfeited due to a
player recruitment violation, the OHL recently awarded it back to
Niagara, lessening the sanctions. Could also see guys like Jack
Matier or Paul Christoplous here, but Niagara opts for the Russian
rock in Guryev. His size and physicality should play immediately in
his own end. While his offensive potential is still a bit of an
unknown, his solid instincts at both ends and his size/mobility
combination make him a good bet to be a solid OHL defender. (Brock
Otten)
18.
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds - Landon McCallum - Brantford 99ers -
Right Wing
McCallum
was one of the main offensive catalysts for Brantford, especially
when Maddox Callens wasn't in the lineup. McCallum can go from being
the fastest, most skilled player on the ice to a fiesty pest that
gets under your skin. A strong two-way forward, McCallum's speed
gives him the edge in tight battles and his wrist shot has impressive
velocity and power. In many cases, McCallum was in charge of carrying
the 99ers on his back and didn’t struggle to do so. (Steven Ellis)
19.
Saginaw Spirit - Roman Schmidt - Don Mills Flyers - Defense
Saginaw
looks to score big for the second year in a row, this time electing
to go with defender Roman Schmidt. As a second year minor-midget,
Schmidt plays a developed style of game which coincides perfectly
with his larger stature. Physically demanding and all-around mature,
he plays a man's game with a powerful stride and force in his shot
attempts. He possesses a thorough thought process and intelligent
stick placement which easily counteracts any minor skating
discrepancies. Should he forgo his commitment, he is a player that
can jump in and be impactful right away for the Spirit. (Ryan Stacey)
20.
London Knights - Stuart Rolofs - Kanata Lasers - Left Wing
The
London Knights already boast a stellar core of forwards heading into
the 2019-20 season, but the addition of an OHL-ready Stuart Rolofs
will only add to the unparalleled depth that they possess. Rolofs is
a strong and skilled power forward with high-end natural goal scoring
abilities. With an electric release and impressive power behind his
wrist shot, Rolofs has consistently hovered around a goal-per-game
rate over his past three seasons. With excellent instincts, Rolofs
displays the potential to become a reliable sharp-shooter from the
half wall on the power play, as well as a potent force along the wing
on the rush. He should be able to step right into the Knights’
lineup next year and play sheltered, but effective, minutes.
(Prospect Pipeline)
21.
Ottawa 67's - Deni Goure - Chatham-Kent Cyclones - Center/Right Wing
One
thing that I could see the 67’s looking to add at this pick is a
skilled winger who can score. There are a few options available that
fit that description, but Ottawa opts for Goure who possesses one of
the best shots and highest goal scoring potential of any forward
available. He likes to push the pace and play the game at a quick
tempo to utilize his creativity with the puck and that type of player
will fit in well with the likes of Clarke, Rossi, Quinn, Tolnai, and
the other great young forwards that Ottawa has in the fold. (Brock
Otten)
Honorable Mentions (Personal Favourites & Best Remaining)
Honorable Mentions (Personal Favourites & Best Remaining)
Brock
Otten
Paul
Christopoulous - Don Mills Flyers - Defense
Such
a smart two-way defender. With his right shot and his ability to
quarterback the powerplay, I do not think he lasts long on draft day.
After his strong OHL Cup performance, I could easily see him as a
first round pick. Projects as a solid, all around top 3 defender and
should play in the OHL next year.
Jack
Matier - Soo Thunderbirds - Defense
Size
and skating combination from the back-end. Right handed shot. A raw
player who has among the highest potential of any defender available.
Another guy that I could easily see as a first round pick.
Benjamin
Gaudreau - North Bay Midget Trappers - Goaltender
IMO
the top goaltender available and if that’s the case, he’s
probably an early second round pick (Oshawa with Flint’s pick?
Sudbury with one of their two 2nd’s?). Has the size and
athleticism/quickness combination that all scouts look for now in
goaltenders.
Daniel
Michaud - Quinte Red Devils - Center
Smooth
skating power center who has a high upside, although could take some
patience in terms of development. I liked his game at the OHL cup.
Jack
Beck - Toronto Marlboros - Right Wing
Playmaking
winger with an extremely high hockey IQ. Should be able to play a
3rd/4th line role in the OHL already next year because he skates well
and because he understands how to play in all three zones.
Steven
Ellis
Adam
O’Marra - Oakville Rangers - Center
O’Marra
was the best player on a weak Oakville Rangers team, often dominating
the play and leading the offensive charge. He didn’t look out of
place when called to play for the Aurora Tigers of the OJHL late in
the year and even saw some time with Oakville’s midget team, too.
Slick and crafty with the puck, O'Marra is smart when dancing around
in the offensive zone and has a nice quickness to his game.
Ethan
Esposito - Mississauga Senators - Center
Every
time I watched Esposito play for the Sens, he was the most effective
player on the team. Often, he was one of the only players
consistently getting scoring chances, he could run the power play, he
got under the skin of his opponents and never seemed to miss any
shots. He's a smaller kid which could hurt him as he moves up to the
OHL, but in terms of pure skill, Esposito is a diamond in the rough.
Matteo
Giampa - Niagara North Stars - Center
Small
yet crafty, Giampa showed on various occasions that he can completely
dominate a shift from a skill perspective and that his speed is
rather deadly. His hands are quick, he almost always wins the battles
to the puck and his wrist shot is rather quick, too. His talent is
first-round quality, but his game isn’t rounded enough to truly
warrant it.
Ryan
Stacey
Sasha
Pastujov - Detroit Compuware U16 - Right Wing/Left Wing
Pastujov
is a highly skilled forward who has game breaking abilities with the
puck. An excellent distributor he excels at involving his teams in
various plays, and continually exerts varying offensive sets. One of
the highest ranked players in the draft, his commitment is the only
thing keeping him out of the Top 10.
Dylan
Duke - Detroit Compuware U16 - Center
Duke
faces a similar situation as he is a top ranked player but falls out
due to his commitment. Displaying a full acronym of defensive and
offensive ability, he is hard on the puck, physical and exerts
himself with an elite level of positional awareness. Look to hear
Duke’s name as he moves through the US Development Program.
Thomas
Johnston - Whitby Wildcats - Left Wing/Center
Johnston
has been a steady riser all season and completes a powerful trio on
the Whitby top line. He is a smart, two-way dimensional player who
displays creative and drive when engaged in the cycle game. Displays
steady passing, a great motor and a goal scoring ability which relies
on quick hands and unpredictability which has generated a lot of
output in the seasons final month.
Lawson
Sherk - Halton Hurricanes - Center
Sherk
was the SCTA player of the year and rightfully so. Hes strong on the
puck and comfortable in transition, feeding off of linemate Burroughs
to create a strong 1-2 punch atop the Halton offensive core. Ability
to produce offensively, he is also impactful in his own end,
showcasing a quick stick and a favourable quality of stripping the
puck and leading transitions.
Jon-Randall
Avon - Peterborough Petes - Center
While
not a first-round player Avon is a speedy offensive presence who can
flat out fly. Speed is the name of his game and it generates an
unpredictable offensive effort, while also being applied in the
forecheck. With overall smarts and effort to compliment offensive
ability, he's a likeable player which would be a key addition to any
team.
Prospect
Pipeline
Cole
Hipkin – Brantford 99'ers - Defense
A
strong defender for the Brantford 99ers this season, Hipkin is a
mature two-way player who can drive the pace of play in all three
zones of the ice. In addition to his solid skating abilities, Hipkin
features good size and the ability to consistently diffuse offensive
plays as they are devised by his opposition.
Ryan
Winterton – Whitby Wildcats - Center
A
staple on the Whitby Wildcats’ top line this past season alongside
Brenden Sirizzotti and Thomas Johnston, Ryan Winterton is a stable
and consistent offensive performer who also happened to lead the ETA
in goals with 38. Although no stranger to bulging the twine,
Winterton stands as a threat to pass too, a quality which makes him
an unpredictable threat in the attacking zone.
Connor
Punnett – North Central Predators - Defense
Size,
strength, and skill are the key features of Connor Punnett’s
overall game -- a major reason why the youngster stands as OHL-ready
ahead of the 2019-20 campaign. An intimidating presence on the blue
line given his ability to shutdown opposing players both physically
or with his accurate stick, Punnet is also a smooth and purposeful
skater who can navigate the ice with ease and isn’t afraid to rush
the puck deep into his offensive zone.
Marc
Boudreau – Toronto Marlboros – Left Wing
Somewhat
overshadowed by the likes of Danil Zhilkin, Wyatt Johnston, and Jack
Beck on the Toronto Marlboros’ roster this past season, Marc
Boudreau’s game continues to progress and impress. A strong and
steady skater, Boudreau is a lethal offensive player in the making
owing to his impressive work ethic, steady hands, and elite-level
hockey IQ.
Devon
Savignac – Sudbury Wolves – Left Wing
One
of the hardest working players we witnessed during the 2018-19
season, Devon Savignac is a tireless skater and competitor who
strives to make a difference each and every shift. With speed to burn
and the skill-set to match, Savignac can toy with defenders in his
attacking zone and features the unique ability to process, analyze,
and react to the game while moving at top speed.
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