Just under a week before the 2024 NHL Draft in Vegas, the final media/scout poll for 2024 is complete!
For comparison's sake, here was the preliminary (from mid January) list:
It's always interesting to note some of the major changes/trends from the beginning of the year to the end.
Firstly, I think it’s important to note the shifting narrative regarding this group. Early on in the year, scouts were disappointed with the group from Ontario and had major concerns that it was a weak crop. However, so many of the OHL’s draft prospects improved considerably in the second half and this really altered the perception of the class’ strength.
In terms of pure movement, Luke Misa is probably the faller in the class. He got a few 2nd place votes in January and 10 votes in total. But, on this final list, he got only six votes, with only one inside the top eight. There’s concern that his game didn’t improve over the course of the year and into the OHL playoffs, the way that others in the class did. Steelheads goaltender Ryerson Leenders also saw his stock drop. Anthony Cristoforo and Kieron Walton went from receiving three votes to zero on this final too.
As for risers, on the surface it doesn’t appear Beckett Sennecke rose a ton because he only flip flopped with Liam Greentree. However, he went from being ranked 7th and 8th on a few lists to ranked in the top four of almost every list. Jett Luchanko sold scouts polled in a similar way, emerging as a top five ranked player on most lists. The big ones are Marek Vanacker and Sam O’Reilly, who went from HM’s receiving only a couple votes to players on the top ten, receiving votes from most contributors.
As always, it's important to note the contributors, as without them and their terrific insight, this article does not exist. For the final list, the following helped out:
Corey Pronman - NHL Prospects Writer for TheAthletic (
@coreypronman)
Peter Baracchini - Draft Content at The Hockey Writers (
@PBaracchini)
Steven Ellis - Prospect Analyst for Daily Faceoff (
@SEllisHockey)
Hadi Kalakeche - Director of NA Scouting for Dobber Prospects (
@HadiK_Scouting)
Here's the List:
1. Sam Dickinson - Defense - London Knights
Highest Ranking: 1st (7x)
Lowest Ranking: 3rd (1x)
Total Votes: 12
Comments:
“Stud of a D on a powerful London Team. Game has evolved to have some offense but his size and strength are perfect for defending. No risk of him having a solid NHL career but is he a Star?” - Mark Seidel
“Plays like he's a five-year NHL veteran already. Big, strong, mobile, advanced defensively and proved this year that he has a ton of offensive upside, as well. I'd put him up against any other blueliner in the class.” - Ryan Kennedy
“I love Dickinson, and I think he’s thoroughly underrated by the average fan. A minute-muncher with the Knights, Dickinson can do a bit of everything. He’s calm with the puck, makes smart, quick decisions, and plays so well in transition. He’s 6-foot-3, moves really well and had one of the most productive seasons of any CHL defenseman. There are times he’ll get caught trying to do too much with the puck, but his versatility will make him an attractive option this year.” - Steven Ellis
“Dickinson is incredibly toolsy and he can take over a shift at times from the back end but there are a lot of questionable decisions, particularly on the breakout. When he plays engaged and shows a willingness to carry the puck a bit before making a pass in the neutral zone, he is excellent. When he is immediately looking to offload the puck on the breakout, he can cough up the puck in an alarming way. With that said, Dickinson shows some of the most impressive flashes of two-way play and minute munching ability of any defender in the draft class. He plays a game that NHL coaches will like because he takes care of his own zone despite having a bit more to give offensively.” - Tony Ferrari
“There’s a reason why Sam Dickinson has always been the top OHLer and a top-three pick in my eyes this season. He’s always been a consistent, two-way defender with great poise, awareness and confidence. He possesses a lot of NHL-ready qualities and traits in his game that automatically stand out. From his mobility and skating, to his defensive IQ and ability to defend the rush very well, Dickinson’s game is reliable and consistent. He can eat minutes, be relied on in any situation, pick his spots offensively to attack and shut things down effectively within his own zone. He was a pillar for the London Knights this season as he does it all. Coming in, the expectation was that he would take on more responsibilities and he went above and beyond in his draft year.” - Peter Baracchini
“Not only is Dickinson in contention as the draft’s best skater, but I think he has the clearest understanding of how to use his skating ability to be a consistently impactful player. He’s so good off the puck offensively. I don’t get the concerns over hockey sense that some in the scouting community have. He picks such intelligent spots to jump up in the play; it’s the equivalent of an NBA or soccer player who is terrific at moving without the ball. He can leverage his quickness to create mismatches. Early in the year, he struggled with turnovers, especially in the neutral zone. But later in the year, he kept his exits simple and picked his spots better. I think my only true concern is the lack of bite he shows defensively at times. But, I have no doubts that Dale Hunter fixes that in the coming seasons, working with him to be more assertive. I think he plays in the NHL in 2025/26.” - Brock Otten
2. Zayne Parekh - Defense - Saginaw Spirit
Highest Ranking: 1st (3x)
Lowest Ranking: 5th (1x)
Total Votes: 12
Comments:
“If any defender in this draft can hit the 70-point marker in the NHL, it’s Parekh. He finished the OHL regular season with 33 goals and 96 points in 66 games to lead all U-18 OHLers. It was the third most productive U-18 season ever by an OHL defender, and he’s one of just two that age to crack 80 points in the 21st Century – the other being Ryan Ellis, who delivered an 89-point season in 2008-09. Parekh was far and away the best offensive defenseman in junior hockey this year, and he was good at the Memorial Cup, too.” - Steven Ellis
“Parekh’s the most talented defenceman in a class full of them. I understand the concerns some have about his posture, and a lack of hardness, but he’s got star-level skill and talent and I think he’s made important progress in a lot of areas.” - Anonymous
“He's a unicorn among defensemen available in this draft because the upside is so huge. He never seems to get rattled, is full of poise and confidence and has the skills and, ultimately, the brain to get things done. He's just a smart player, can score, has a good touch and has the ability to turn a game around at the drop of a dime. He's got good vision, competes. He looks to outsmart opposing forwards when it comes to defending his zone, and he'll improve that area in the coming years before entering the NHL.” - Mike Morreale
“Everything he does offensively is just so translatable. I think he could quarterback an NHL power play today. The look-offs, the deception, the manipulation from the point, the give-and-gos into space, the weak side activation, the composure and skill to execute in tight spaces under pressure… the tools and habits with the puck go on and on and on. I also don’t think his defensive game is half as bad as it’s been made out to be. He has the occasional lapse in judgment or insufficient effort, sure, and he isn’t the strongest, but he times his interventions well, keeps his gaps relatively short, and I love the forethought that goes into his neutral zone pinches. He’s always scanning, taking in his surroundings, and he always takes at least one opponent out of the play with each pass. There’s so much to love in Parekh’s game. He has the highest ceiling of any D in the class, and is my top-ranked defenceman for that exact reason.” - Hadi Kalakeche
“The upside and offensive skill are undeniable. Parekh could put up huge numbers in the NHL eventually but will he be able to be trusted in situations that will afford him those opportunities, that’s the biggest question. His defensive game can be very passive and he shies away from physicality in a way that is concerning to a lot of people. He’s improved as a player who defends with his stick and that’s a welcome sight but there are strides to be made defensively. Offensively, the kid is manipulative and cerebral. He has a great shot and doesn’t settle for point shots, attacking up ice. He is a slick passer and he loves to slip defenders with delays and stop ups. He’s very fun.” - Tony Ferrari
“Zayne Parekh was the OHL’s Defenseman of the Year and First Team All-Star, and for good reason as he put up 96 points, scoring 33 goals. He’s absolutely dynamic from the back end as he continues to show that he’s the best creative and dynamic puck mover in this class. He’s extremely confident and deceptive in his skillset and play, leading an attack in transition or jumping into plays and engaging on the cycle. He sees the ice perfectly, getting into shooting lanes easily, pushing defenders back to create more space and wiring his swift and accurate wrist shot on net. The concerns about his decisions defensively and lack of engagement remain, but it’s hard to ignore his offensive game and ability to be a big-time producer at the next level.” - Peter Baracchini
“I know Zayne is an elite skater, a dynamic puck mover, and checks off many boxes for scouts (including myself). I just have struggled to see an elite pro player here. A lack of competitiveness and defensive awareness makes me question his ability to avoid becoming a defensive liability at the next level. He doesn't possess a physical presence, and I don't find that he strikes fear in opponents away from the puck. Parekh could make me look bad with this one, but that's what scouting and learning are all about.” - Chase Rochon
3. Beckett Sennecke - Wing - Oshawa Generals
Highest Ranking: 1st (2x)
Lowest Ranking: 6th (1x)
Total Votes: 12
Comments:
“Established himself as the Top Prospect in the OHL because he has the best offensive upside of any OHL'er in '24 Draft,. Big body with tremendous skill. Nose for the net. Will go into traffic. Questions of character are overblown.” - Mark Seidel
“Really came on strong in the playoffs for the Generals. Big kid with great creativity and playmaking ability went through a growth spurt over the summer and scouts think he might still be growing. Could be a center with more development.” - Ryan Kennedy
“I like the fact he's big, physical and likes to play and go to the hard areas of the ice. He can already create a lot of things for his team but is still a raw player with a lot of room to grow and develop. Could become a Blake Wheeler-type of player at the next level. Has certainly been a riser in this draft class and should be chosen among the top-15.” - Mike Morreale
“Sennecke turned the corner from lanky teenager to full-on wizard in the second half of the season. Absolutely blew me away with how consistent his flashes of skill became in that playoff run. He’s the best improviser in this draft not named Ivan Demidov. Sometimes, it seems like he lucks his way to the low slot on his skill runs, but when you watch closely, you see how well he reacts to every move from defenders. If they step out towards him, he cuts across. If they sit back, he angles straight at them. He knows how to create advantages for himself with his hands, speed control and routes, and he’s a sneaky good back-checking pickpocket. The top-six potential went from theoretical to fairly realistic in his case.” - Hadi Kalakeche
“It feels like Sennecke is the shiny new toy of the draft world and while I appreciate the growth in his game, I think the hype has gotten a little out of hand. Sennecke has plenty of one-on-one skill and he is a very skilled playmaker. He was excellent for Oshawa throughout the playoffs, putting up some big numbers but he still has a tendency to disappear at times and his defensive play seemed to take a bit of a step back as his offensive game flourished. There’s plenty to work with but he has plenty of work to do as well. The top ten might be a bit rich but he could provide excellent value in the mid-first round.” - Tony Ferrari
“I was trying to tell you early on in the year that it was only a matter of time before Sennecke exploded, given his unique skill set. We saw that later in the year. Now, granted, it also coincided with the return of Cal Ritchie, but I don’t think that takes away from Sennecke’s accomplishments and growth. With another play driver, it was almost like a weight was removed from his shoulders. His confidence grew exponentially. I do truly believe his upside is significant. When he’s playing at 6’3, 200lbs in the future, he could be an absolute force with his quick strike ability, creativity, vision, and physicality.” - Brock Otten
4. Liam Greentree - Wing - Windsor Spitfires
Highest Ranking: 3rd (3x)
Lowest Ranking: 7th (1x)
Total Votes: 12
Comments:
“Big frame that finishes opportunities but his feet have to get better and he too can disappear. Defensively needs work but goals are important. Very poor U18 Championship.” - Mark Seidel
“Sniper and potential power forward who played on a young, rebuilding team. Great producer who showed his character by earning the captaincy at 17 years old.” - Ryan Kennedy
“Greentree did a lot of heavy lifting for the Spitfires this year. He makes himself difficult to play against, thanks to his frame, giving him a chance to make the NHL as a power forward. He mixes power and skill as well as anyone in the top half of the draft, and I feel like he won’t have an issue adjusting to the pro game. He had a quiet U-18s but he does enough things well to still be a first-rounder.” - Steven Ellis
“He's got a knack for the net and is definitely a natural goal scorer. He'll got to the hard areas to retrieve pucks and find teammates and he's also a natural-born leader. He always makes plays that are taken for granted but needed in certain areas of the ice or points in a game. He's got a good hockey brain and has the look of a player determined to become even better.” - Mike Morreale
“Greentree does so many things so well but his skating holds him back a bit. He is strong and plays with power. His shot is excellent and he always tries to get it off from the slot or around the net. He can make some impressive passes with a defender draped all over him. If Greentree can add just a bit to his skating, he could be an excellent complimentary player at the next level playing in a team’s top six.” - Tony Ferrari
“The Windsor Spitfires had a rough season in the OHL, but Liam Greentree was the lone bright spot as he finished with 36 goals and 90 points. Greentree may not be the quickest player on the ice, but his decision making, offensive instincts and ability to find the open ice to be an offensive threat. He uses his size to his advantage, both in puck protection and engaging physically to win puck battles. He’s a dual threat offensively, possessing a powerful shot with pinpoint accuracy, but also the instincts to work and setup plays with his puck distribution. Without the puck, he’s constantly disrupting plays and taking advantage of other player’s mistakes when he transitions to offense, making him extremely dangerous.” - Peter Baracchini
“Talented, big forward with excellent puck skills and vision can effortlessly create scoring opportunities for teammates. He possesses a powerful and precise shot that can score goals from any location. Improving his skating speed and strength could enhance his ability to win battles and attack the net with greater frequency.” - Dominic Tiano
5. Jett Luchanko - Center - Guelph Storm
Highest Ranking: 2nd (1x)
Lowest Ranking: 6th (4x)
Total Votes: 12
Comments:
“Has gotten better all year. Started the year off the radar because of injuries last year but has been incredible. Plays fast, high hockey IQ and will be able to play up and down your lineup.” - Mark Seidel
“ Could be the next Easton Cowan, thanks to the similarities in their game (not to mention their frames). Luchanko was great at the world under-18s and brings a lot of smarts and a great motor to the table.” - Ryan Kennedy
“Glad I listened to you pump his tires, Brock. Took me a while to see the vision with Luchanko, but it’s there. His athleticism, defensive game and skating are impossible to ignore — he’s a fluid and explosive carrier with some of the best defensive stickwork among forwards in the entire draft. But I was looking for at least one puck skill around which he could build an offensive game, and I think he’s got that in his playmaking savvy. He reads the game two steps ahead, finds players in space with area passes, and has an innate sense of timing. He’s the ultimate facilitator — a player who will uplift his teammates on any line. I don’t see the top-six upside, but he’s got NHL tools for days.” - Hadi Kalakeche
“A big riser throughout the season, Jett Luchanko really stood out on a struggling Guelph Storm team as the main producer and play driver. He led the team in scoring with 74 points, but it’s his well-defined, 200-foot game that instantly stands out. Luchanko’s a complete and competitive centreman with great situational awareness on both sides of the puck. He has shown flashes of brilliance with his playmaking, timing and ability to pick off plays or catch opponents off guard with his positioning and smarts. He’s constantly scanning the ice and reading the play very well as it unfolds in order to force mistakes and regain possession. He’s been one of my favourite players early on in the season and still is to this point.” - Peter Baracchini
“Luchanko is an elite skater with excellent speed and agility. His quick first steps, top-end speed, and ability to separate give him an edge. Luchanko also possesses sharp edge work that allows him to change direction and maneuver in full flight. He can slow down or accelerate to create space for himself or teammates. While speed and skating skills are assets, hockey sense is crucial to utilize them fully. Fortunately, Luchanko has hockey intelligence to complement his skating talents.” - Dominic Tiano
“Jett possesses the most elite combination of skating and smarts of all draft eligibles from Ontario this season, and these are most valuable to my scouting views. Jett may not be the biggest player on the ice, but the opposition is always aware of his presence from his physical play and high competitive level. I see a ceiling of a Brayden Point-type player at the pro level for Luchenko.” - Chase Rochon
6. Cole Beaudoin - Center/Wing - Barrie Colts
Highest Ranking: 5th (4x)
Lowest Ranking: Outside of the Top 10 (1x)
Total Votes: 11
Comments:
“People want to say Boone Jenner which is fair but he has Zach Hyman traits. Hardest worker on and off ice and a Coaches dream. Best work ethic I've seen in a Prospect, Feet are improving but still a little choppy. Guaranteed to play.” - Mark Seidel
“Beaudoin was excellent at the U-18 World Championship, looking great as a bottom-six threat that did just about everything He just missed out on a point per game with Barrie this year, but between the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, the U-18s and his strong play throughout the season, we’re looking at a multi-faceted scoring threat with size and a nice shot.” - Steven Ellis
“Beaudoin was lights-out during the testing portion of the NHL Scouting Combine, topping the VO2 Max test duration at 13:45 while leading in the bench press at 8.71 watts per kilogram of body weight. The kid is a beast at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds. To me, he has an unmatched work ethic and already exhibits a pro-style game at a young age. He's got underrated hockey sense with some offensive skills that teams overlook.” - Mike Morreale
“He’s a freak athlete. Impossible to contain along the boards, but not just because of how strong he is. He leverages his frame extremely well, and reads his opponents’ angles well. He’s a retrieval artist, but once he gets the puck and shakes off a defenseman, I end up wanting more. His hands are a bit clunky, which forces him to play quick-touch hockey. Great shot, decent small-area passing game, but I’m hoping he can develop some better fine motor skills. He’ll be unstoppable if he does. Still about as clear a 3C as they come without that, though.” - Hadi Kalakeche
“For a player with skating concerns, he sure wins his share of races to the puck and to the net. It ain’t pretty, but it works. He’s such a hard worker that I have a hard time believing that he won’t find a way to improve his overall skating profile in order to be a pro. The way that he embraced a workman’s like role for Canada at the U18’s was so impressive. When McQueen went down, that team needed him to be a horse (given they were already thin down the middle), and he accepted that challenge to the hundredth degree. The key for him, IMO, is continuing to improve his shooting mechanics and reads without the puck in the offensive zone. He has a heavy shot. There’s scoring upside. But the release needs to get quicker and he needs to find those soft spots more consistently. If he can do that to become a multifaceted offensive threat, I think he’s got a chance to be more than just a bottom sixer, like how some have already pegged him.” - Brock Otten
7. Marek Vanacker - Wing - Brantford Bulldogs
Highest Ranking: 6th (3x)
Lowest Ranking: Outside of the Top 10 (2x)
Total Votes: 10
Comments:
“There’s a lot to like about Vanacker’s game. He’s not great defensively, for sure, but he moves so well with the puck and creates quality scoring chances on a consistent basis. He was just a depth forward a year ago, but now he’s the one doing so much of the heavy lifting for Brantford. While I’m projecting him as a second-rounder, some teams like him as a top-32 pick. If there’s one thing he’s good at, it’s working until he’s got nothing left in the tank.” - Steven Ellis
“Vanacker plays a really well rounded game and doesn’t shy away from getting involved at both ends of the ice. He isn’t going to blow anyone away but he plays the game with some really simple, effective passing and underrated ability along the way. He is an excellent third player on a line who can help fill the gaps of his linemates. He focuses his passing to the front of the net and loves to get off the wall and find his way into the slot.” - Tony Ferrari
“If there was one player that really continued to improve throughout the season and improve his stock, it’s Marek Vanacker. From his fantastic speed on the rush to his awareness and ability to create space for himself in the offensive zone, he’s quickly become a name that can be a middle-six forward with great upside. He has a lethal shot with tremendous accuracy and is constantly finding the open ice to get into those high danger areas. If he can learn to be a more consistent player without the puck, then his stock would increase as he has the tools and potential.” - Peter Baracchini
“Marek Vanacker has shown immense skill by increasing production fivefold over the last year. This dramatic improvement is no mere stroke of luck. He is an elite skater and one of the quickest players in the draft class, excelling in edgework, first strides, and top speed. His ability to rapidly accelerate and decelerate on his blades throws off opponents. Leveraging his skating prowess, he attacks the net with and without the puck. Adding more lateral agility could make him even more dangerous, though his skating raises no major concerns.” - Dominic Tiano
“ Vanacker is someone who stepped up in a big way this year. I wasn't expecting him to crack my top 10 in this draft but I can confidently say he has deserved this. Every time I attended the new rink in Brantford this season, Marek was better than the last. This is one of my biggest green flags in scouting and has made me think a team will be getting great value with Vanacker in the second round this year.” - Chase Rochon
“On one hand, the shoulder injury that he played through all year definitely explains some of the consistency issues without the puck. From game to game, it probably impacted him at varying levels and that had to have impacted his physical engagement. That makes me believe that when he gets healthy, we’ll see him become a consistent force as a high energy guy. On the other hand, I wonder if NHL teams will be scared by the injury. Shoulder injuries are tough due to their lingering nature. And next year, his development will be negatively impacted by his rehab; he likely gets a pretty late start to the OHL season. As is, I like the upside as a speedy goal scorer. But, there are a whole bunch of components of his game that have me a bit concerned, such as can he find a way to create at the NHL level when his speed is neutralized?” - Brock Otten
8. Henry Mews - Defense - Ottawa 67’s
Highest Ranking: 4th (1x)
Lowest Ranking: Outside of the Top 10 (2x)
Total Votes: 10
Comments:
“I love Mews’ offensive abilities, and he put them on full display at the U-18s. Defensively, I feel like he was physical, cut off angles well and did a good job of keeping the puck in the zone in all situations. Mews made some smart decisions with the puck and was the team’s top power-play quarterback, a role I expect him to thrive in once he’s an NHLer. The decision-making with the puck still needs to work, even if I felt it was a bit more refined here.” - Steven Ellis
“Mews turned into a bit of a polarizing prospect this season, struggling with his identity as a player a little. He’s got some upside, though, and could really click within the right system (preferably one that involves its D).” - Anonymous
“I’ve got a soft spot for Mews’ game. He’s really effective at rushing the puck up the ice, slowing down at the blue line, and floating a pass to a teammate in-stride. His skating is so fluid, and he jumps into every single play without hesitation. I just wish he’d make quicker reads on both sides of the puck. His carrying game being so good has made him a bit less capable when it comes to passing out of his zone. I like the rush defence, though. He handles 1-on-1 scenarios fairly well, and reads the game well enough to avoid committing his feet early. He’ll never be an elite shutdown guy, but if his reads improve, he’s going to take off massively. I like the upside.” - Hadi Kalakeche
“Henry will be one of the most interesting case studies I have encountered in my early scouting career. I know he hasn't popped off in junior as most have hoped, but this is coming from a lack of consistency. This is a concern and why he has dropped on most public lists. I'm banking on the belief that with the proper development and maturity, Henry could be a dynamic offensive defenseman at the pro level in the long run. This will be a development project with a high-risk reward variable. I see a team willing to take that risk in the late first.” - Chase Rochon
“I truthfully just don’t know what to make of Mews. I think I’ve said that most of the year. I see a creative player. I see a player capable of making some terrific reads with the puck, especially in transition. I see a player whose skating is a strength. There’s offensive upside. I also see a player who unquestionably improved his defensive play and engagement over the year. He was way better at the U18’s than I thought he would be. Yet…I find myself hesitating over what his future projection is. Those types of defenders can be dangerous at the draft; we’ve seen them strike out more than be home runs. Granted, a lot of that could be coming from his lack of experience at the position. If I was a scouting director, Mews might just be the kind of guy that I’d let other teams draft, only because I’m just so conflicted.” - Brock Otten
9. Sam O’Reilly - Center/Wing - London Knights
Highest Ranking: 6th (1x)
Lowest Ranking: Outside of the Top 10 (2x)
Total Votes: 10
Comments:
“Another product of London that just keeps getting better. You are drafting the player he is today but knowing that he will be playing for Dale Hunter for the next 2 years boosts him way up in my mind.” - Mark Seidel
“He plays a 200-foot game and was very versatile for a loaded London team this season. He can play all three forward positions as a right-handed shot and seems to be one of those guys who you could put anywhere in the lineup. One reason why coach Dale Hunter trusted O'Reilly in big spots was the fast the 18-year-old only made the adjustment to forward three years ago, moving from defense to right wing playing in the Greater Toronto Hockey League. Former London players like Robert Thomas (St. Louis Blues), Bo Horvat (New York Islanders) and Luke Evangelista (Nashville Predators) figured out quickly what Dale wanted defensively and were each rewarded for it. O'Reilly's on that similar path.” - Mike Morreale
“Finishing third overall in rookie scoring in the OHL with 56 points, Sam O’Reilly was a great surprise and producer for the London Knights. O’Reilly is very opportunistic as he’s always finding himself in the right spots at the right time for a scoring chance. He displays great intensity and physicality in the tough areas on the ice and is always winning battles along the boards or in front of the net. When he has the puck, he isn’t afraid of driving it to the middle of the ice or crash the net and make a move in tight to freeze goaltenders. His weakness was his skating and speed, but I feel like there have been strides made to get quicker throughout the season. He’s smart and displays a strong work ethic.” - Peter Baracchini
“Though O’Reilly’s skating mechanics lack refinement, he can still gain sufficient speed to take on opponents one-on-one. Developing more agility and lateral mobility on his skates would further enhance his game. O’Reilly has an exceptional work ethic and tireless drive. He strives relentlessly on offense to reach the net, forecheck tenaciously, and engage physically when needed. Moreover, he applies the same diligent effort in the neutral and defensive zones. With his keen hockey sense, excellent anticipation, and ability to visualize plays in advance, he leverages his vision and playmaking talents to create prime scoring chances for his teammates.” - Dominic Tiano
“Honestly, the only thing missing from his game (outside of an increased role) is a more dynamic stride. He’s really grown on me late in the year as I tried to pay closer attention to him in the playoffs and at the Memorial Cup. He’s got the skill. He’s got the hands. He’s got the vision and sense. It’s just that he’s not able to be a consistent play driver without better quickness and confidence moving East/West. Putting it all together is tough for him right now. When his stride improves and he builds confidence (like all London players), he could be a really, really good two-way pivot. As is, he’s already one of the best defensive forwards available this year. There’s a lot of Scott Laughton here. However, that may just be the low end of his ceiling.” - Brock Otten
10. Luke Misa - Center/Wing - Mississauga Steelheads
Highest Ranking: 5th (1x)
Lowest Ranking: Outside of the Top 10 (6x)
Total Votes: 6
Comments:
“Misa’s game is defined by his skating ability. He’s a tricky projection as a 5-foot-10 centre, but I think he’s a smart enough player to potentially make it work.” - Anonymous
“Pure pace. Misa’s always darting at high speeds, whether on the puck in transition or on the back-check to pick a carrier’s pocket. His defensive work rate is fantastic, and I love the playmaking skill that he blends at top speed. I used to think he was a top-20 lock because of those strengths, but having watched more of him in the final stretch, I don’t think Misa is nearly as effective when forced to slow down. He loves to dictate the pace of play, but when he can’t, his game falls apart pretty quickly. He overskates lanes, darts right into opposing sticks… Still, his physical and mental pace is unmatched. I’d take a bet on him in the second round.” - Hadi Kalakeche
“A transition machine, Misa has been the guy that everyone forgets when it comes to the OHL in the 2024 NHL draft. He is an excellent forechecker and although he doesn’t use booming physicality to be effective, he is such a fox down low. He swipes the puck off of defenders' sticks or comes out of a pile with the puck when it doesn’t seem like he should. He is a skilled playmaker and his shooting talent forces goalies to respect it. He is smaller and he needs to get stronger but he is going to be well worth the pick if he lasts until day two of the draft.” - Tony Ferrari
“I feel like Luke Misa still isn’t getting the recognition he deserves and is still being overlooked. While he needs to add more strength, he plays at a quick pace and is always driving a play that gets results. He’s a very elusive, deceptive and dynamic playmaker as he can easily draw opponents in and manipulate plays effectively. He’s a very quick and agile skater, especially when he generates speed in the neutral zone and is able to push defenders back on the rush to create more space for him to work with. He excels in small spaces on the ice and doesn’t back down from a battle.” - Peter Baracchini
Honorable Mentions
Ben Danford - Defense - Oshawa Generals
Highest Ranking: 7th (1x)
Total Votes: 6
Comments:
“For a defenseman with Danford’s offensive potential, it’s crazy he had just one goal during the regular season with Oshawa. But he’s a guy his teammates like to rely on because he’s rarely caught making a mistake distributing the puck. I’ve seen Danford play both sides on the blueline this year but I think he’s got something going on the left side – it fits his shot better.” - Steven Ellis
“He’s like a weighted blanket when he gets his arms around a forward along the boards. Just stifles them. It’s not all raw strength, either — it’s technique and timing. Danford has grown on me a lot as a pure shutdown guy, but I struggle to see the offence. He lacks explosiveness and can’t really handle the puck while moving his feet as well as I wish he would. The defensive details are all there, though — tight, stable neutral zone gap, matches his opponents’ footwork with fluid edges, pivots proactively on dump-ins, boxes out hard, times his interventions well when leaving the net-front to challenge carriers off the cycle… If he can learn to activate a bit more and improve his coordination, maybe there’s some two-way upside, but as he stands, he strikes me as an insulator/suppressor on a second pair at best.” - Hadi Kalakeche
“Danford’s competitiveness in his own zone stands out. He just doesn’t want to give his opponents anything. He takes away time and space with solid gap control and has a very active stick. He battles hard along the walls and behind the goal line. He can make life difficult for opponents in front of his own net. Yet he’s not really considered physical because he doesn’t go out looking to make a hit. Physicality comes in many forms though. He’s also an excellent shot blocker.” - Dominic Tiano
“I’ve been driving the Danford hype train on social media the last month or so. As I’ve said on a few podcasts recently, I feel like quite a few folks in the amateur scouting community wrote off Danford early in the year because of his struggles with the puck. No question, he needs to take better routes to the puck and improve the quickness of his decisions. However, his skating ability is terrific and with the right development, he should be able to leverage that the same way that Dickinson does in London. We saw him really start to build confidence in his offensive abilities in this year’s OHL playoffs (and to close out the regular season). Even without improved offensive abilities, he’s an absolute warrior in the defensive end who could anchor a penalty kill at the next level in the future.” - Brock Otten
Carter George - Goaltender - Owen Sound Attack
Highest Ranking: 8th (1x)
Total Votes: 3
Comments:
“I think he becomes a Starter in the NHL. Lots of reasons to not take the risk but he has the "it" factor. Last guy I watched with the "It" factor was Carter Hart. Technically sound but his size is a concern but he will overcome all issues.” - Mark Seidel
“Might have been one of the more consistent goalies this year as he rarely had an off game. He brings a good mental approach to the position; winning the Bobby Smith Award as OHL Scholastic Player of the Year and the Ivan Tennant Award as the league's top academic high school player this season. George knows where pucks are going because that's the play that should be taking place, and a lot of times he's already there when the shot is coming.” - Mike Morreale
“After his stellar performance and making some highlight reel saves in the gold medal game against Team USA at the World U18 Championship, Carter George showed that he could very well be the top goalie selected. With his quick reflexes and ability to track the puck extremely well, he was one of the main reasons why Canada came out with a gold medal. George has shown great athleticism, as well as strong lateral movements in the crease. He’s quick to square up with shooters and excels at playing the puck. Considering that there aren’t a lot of high-end goaltending prospects from Canada, George could definitely become one of them.” - Peter Baracchini
Ryerson Leenders - Goaltender - Mississauga Steelheads
Highest Ranking: 8th (1x)
Total Votes: 1
Comments:
“Carter George gets a ton of love and he certainly deserves it but Ryerson Leenders has been the goalie that I think is best among the OHL draft eligibles. His athleticism is solid, he plays within his frame and doesn’t get wild with his movements. He is smaller, as most of the best goalies in this draft are, but he makes the most of his size. Leenders reads the play well and if he can continue refining his movement skill, particularly laterally, then Leenders can carve out a solid career.” - Tony Ferrari
Lukas Fischer - Defense - Sarnia Sting
Highest Ranking: 8th (1x)
Total Votes: 1
Comments:
“Big body Defenseman that had the toughest matchups all year because of poor Sarnia D. Eats minutes and not an offensive genius but will be a good, solid Pro for a long time.” - Mark Seidel
Luca Marrelli - Defense - Oshawa Generals
Highest Ranking: 9th (1x)
Total Votes: 1
Comments:
“A steady smart defender that may end up as a 3rd pairing NHL guy but there aren't a lot of weaknesses in his game. Fluid, but doesn't really have an identity.” - Mark Seidel
Jakub Fibigr - Defense - Mississauga Steelheads
Highest Ranking: 10th (1x)
Total Votes: 1
Comments:
“I'm unsure if I see Fibigr going high on draft day, but I think he can be a steal when we look back at this draft in time. A young talent with great habits who hardly makes poor plays. He often knows his role and makes great exits. I think some defensive engagement can be cleaned up, but this shouldn't be a problem with the right development.” - Chase Rochon
