It's time for my first official ranking for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. I say official because I release a preseason ranking in the summer (which can be found here).
The list includes detailed reports on the Top 30 and small snippets on the other 20 that make up the Top 50.
A reminder that this list does not include potential re-entry candidates (players already passed over in the draft). A guy like Kristian Epperson is off to a tremendous start, but I do a separate list for these types later in the season.
This is going to be such a fun group to follow this year. It's definitely conceivable that three of the first four players taken in 2025 are from the OHL. I believe that we could also see a significant number of OHL players taken inside the top 50. The depth isn't quite as good as it's been at other points in the last decade, but the high end talent makes it a very strong crop overall.
Here's my list:
1. Michael Misa - Center - Saginaw Spirit
As of writing this, Misa leads the OHL in both overall scoring and goal scoring. Simply put, he’s been the best player in the OHL this year, finally emerging as the dynamic and consistent play driver he was drafted to be (as an exceptional status player). Coming into the year, the criticism among scouts was fairly consistent, they wanted to see him step out of the shadows as a complementary piece with Saginaw to be the team’s primary offensive catalyst. He’s answered that call. So why is Misa my number one in an incredibly strong, top heavy crop from the region? I love Misa’s overall game and the way that it projects to the NHL. People speak about Porter Martone’s complete game as being the reason that he should be a first overall candidate, but I’d actually argue that Misa’s attention to detail, competitiveness, and two-way game is more consistent than Martone's. He’s one of the league’s best two-way players and with added strength, we’re seeing him more dialed and effective physically. There’s absolutely no question in my mind that he can stick down the middle as an NHL center. With improvements made to every part of his game, Misa is a serious contender to supplant James Hagens as a potential first overall selection…at least in my opinion. He does everything Hagens can do, but is bigger and more consistent off the puck.
2. Matthew Schaefer - Defense - Erie Otters
Simply put, I love Schaefer. I really have no criticisms of his game. Usually it takes junior players a little while to get their game back following mono, but Schaefer hasn’t missed a beat. He is one of the most, if not the most, complete defenders to come out of the OHL in the last decade. The skating is elite. The rest grades out well above average. To top it off, this is a potential future captain at the next level. One of the most mature teenagers I’ve had the pleasure of chatting with in this league. I think you’re looking at someone who can make an impact at the NHL level similar to Drew Doughty in his non injury prime. He has the chance to be a real defensive cornerstone and a potential Norris candidate. IMO he’s the top defenseman in this draft class and it isn’t even close. Like Misa, I believe that Schaefer is going to continue to get better over the year and prove himself a worthy challenger for first overall. If the team picking first has a real need for a cornerstone on the back-end, Schaefer is going to be difficult to pass up.
3. Porter Martone - Wing - Brampton Steelheads
Let’s set the record straight, having Martone ranked third does not mean that I dislike him. Far from it. He’s a very worthy top five selection this year. He’s a bit of a unicorn in today’s game the same way that the Tkachuk brothers are. He blends power and skill the way that few today do. When all is said and done, he’s going to be the kind of player who can make an impact the same way that Mark Stone does in Vegas, or the same way that a guy like Brendan Morrow did in Dallas. He’s going to play in all situations. He’s going to be on the ice whether his team is up a goal or down one. Few wingers can say that. So why is he third? Someone has to be in this amazing group. Firstly, I’m taking the franchise center or the franchise defender over the winger. Secondly, I’ve been left wanting more in regards to Martone’s decision making with the puck at times this year. Offensive zone turnovers have been a bit of an issue from him trying to force plays to the middle of the ice. Thirdly, even though I expect this part of his game to be an asset at the next level, I’ve found his defensive and physical engagement to be inconsistent this year. The Steelheads have been one of the biggest disappointments in the OHL this year and a lot of that stems from the team’s poor defensive approach; Martone is complicit there too. The reality is, depending on who you ask, who you prefer of these top three is going to be different now and the rest of the year. And it’s likely to fluctuate for everyone. Right now, Martone is third for me.
4. Brady Martin - Center - Soo Greyhounds
I’ve flip flopped on Spence and Martin a lot early in the year…and I’ll probably continue to do so over the course of the season. It’s a true toss up for me, even though they are very different players. I do appreciate Spence’s pro ready game and sheer athleticism just a little bit more, but it comes down to upside perception and again, favoring a player that I believe sticks down the middle. Martin’s skating has improved tremendously over the past calendar year. It’s really taken his game to new heights, as we saw at the Hlinka/Gretzky in the summer and as we’ve seen to start this OHL season. I think the dynamic qualities (edgework, balance, quickness) of his stride will still need to improve to help him take advantage of his hands at the next level, but I’m considerably less worried about it now. The combination of solid work rate and creativity is obviously what makes Martin most enticing. Offensive consistency has been a bit of an issue for him early on this year, but that’s likely nitpicking because I think he’s been better than the production suggests. The recent play says that too.
5. Malcolm Spence - Wing - Erie Otters
I think what makes Spence such an attractive prospect is that his game is so mature. It’s easy to see him having a 15 year career in the NHL. The combination of his frame, his quickness, his strength, and his two-way acumen will make him a valuable player and someone who likely can be counted upon to be a strong playoff performer. This year, I was looking for him to be more of a play driver offensively and he’s done that. He’s driving time of possession in the offensive end with how difficult he is to separate from the puck. He’s creating plays for linemates. He’s getting to the net. He’s not an extremely impactful physical player, but he’s strong on and off the puck. In a way, that’s way more critical for future success than having someone who looks for the big hit. I’m still a bit weary of his offensive ceiling as a pro. I think certain components of his offensive skill set will be neutralized a bit. He’s going to be more of a complementary piece. However, I do think that he can be a really good middle six guy at minimum. While I’m not sure I’d advocate for him inside the top ten for that reason, I do think that he’ll be a lock to be a lottery pick for his safety and immediate potential impact, even if I've seen a few recent lists dropping him.
6. Cameron Reid - Defense - Kitchener Rangers
Coming into the year after his Hlinka/Gretzky performance, I was a bit worried about Reid’s projection. He was looking like a “jack of all trades” type of defender who also happened to be a little undersized, or at least average sized. Yes, his skating is an asset, but what about the rest of his game would take that next step to make him a first round candidate? Fast forward to now and the Rangers are in first place and Reid has been the top defender and minute muncher. He’s excelling in all situations and he’s really gained confidence in his ability to carry the puck and facilitate using his quickness. He’s turned into a real difference maker offensively. This is combined with excellent defensive habits and sense. He’s got a great stick and even without high end strength and reach, he’s been able to be effective in the defensive end at this level too. I now see a defender who could potential be an all situations type at the NHL level and IMO, he should be considered a first round graded player right now. In a bit of a down year for defenders, Reid could find himself in the conversation to be the third best defender in this entire draft class behind Schaefer (and Jackson Smith). I think that highly of him.
7. Luca Romano - Center - Kitchener Rangers
Romano is playing out of his mind right now. He plays at such a feverish pace and his confidence with the puck seems to be growing by the week. The growth of his shot has been huge for his development as an offensive force. He can really fire the puck and he's on pace for over 40 goals now. You add that weapon to his tremendous speed, his tenacity, and his versatility as a two-way high energy guy who can play in all situations, and you have a very interesting pro prospect. Like his teammate Cam Reid, Romano is a very clear first rounder right now for me. He has a safe floor because of how he uses his speed to be disruptive without the puck and because of his shot. At the very least you're looking at a bottom six pro who can play the kind of role that he played for Canada at this past summer's Hlinka/Gretzky. But, there's also a good chance that his offensive game continues to grow substantially and he develops into a Brayden Point kind of player. Lots to work with here.
8. Jack Nesbitt - Center - Windsor Spitfires
One of the OHL's most improved players this year and it has him in the early first round conversation IMO. The big, power center has a very clear understanding of how he needs to play in order to be successful and that's refreshing. He's dominating near the crease this year; a very tough tie up for opposing defenders. His hands are terrific and he's having no trouble putting away second chance opportunities or redirecting shots. He's going to be a really good powerplay presence in this league and perhaps at the next level. What's really taken his game to another level are the improvements made to his skating and his play without the puck. He's catching defenders flat footed with quick changes of pace and he's having success driving the net with speed. The edgework/balance still needs work, but the quickness and speed have improved a lot. Coming into the year, one of the biggest criticisms of his game was his ability to use his size/reach to be an impactful player without the puck, but that has also improved considerably. So much so that he's being used in all situations and is being trusted to close out games. There's still room for him to develop physically; it would be great to see him become harder on and off pucks given his size, but Rome wasn't built in a day. There's lots to work with here.
9. Jake O'Brien - Center - Brantford Bulldogs
I wouldn't necessarily say that O'Brien has had a weak start to his draft year. It's just that I'm not sure he's shown a ton of growth in his game in comparison to his peers. That's something I always put a ton of stock in and thus we find O'Brien ranked 9th, as a borderline first/second rounder. Still tons to like, specifically his playmaking and passing touch. He has a clear understanding of how to manipulate defenses when he has the puck, to draw in or escape pressure, opening up scoring opportunities for his wingers. The goal scoring numbers have gone up this year too, which is really promising. He's looking to get himself into the middle of the ice with consistency and he's trusting his shot more in transition, keeping defenders honest. I guess I just worry about the average physical tools and how that projects to the next level. He's not a dynamic skater. He's at his best when he can slow the game down. The cerebral component is going to need to really carry him. The last week or so has been really good for him, but I do think I prefer the upside of those I have ranked ahead.
10. Henry Brzustewicz - Defense - London Knights
Not sure why Brzustewicz isn't receiving more attention given his tremendous start to the year. He took advantage of the Dickinson/Bonk absences to start the year, performing well with increased ice time and responsibility. As such, that's put him in Hunter' good books and he's now cemented his place in the top four, often pairing with Dickinson. He's like his brother (Hunter), but I think the physical tools are way better at the same age. Here's a 6'1, right shot defender, who is flashing an ability to be a difference maker at both ends. Offensively, his game has been more consistent. He's leading the rush. He's showing confidence in the offensive end by drawing in pressure and looking to get pucks to the middle of the ice. He's shown an ability to quarterback the powerplay. Defensively, his reads need work. He can chase the play a bit. He can get caught out of position. He can struggle to tie up his assignment near the crease. However, he also shows an active stick, the potential to be an above average rush defender, and he has some jam to his game physically. No question, he's raw, but I really like the upside here.
11. Kashawn Aitcheson - Defense - Barrie Colts
Maybe a bit shocking for some to see Aitcheson ranked outside of my top ten. I see him in a lot of first rounds and I can see why. If you've followed my work, you know that I'm a fan of Aitcheson. I've been commending him since early last year. What you see is what you get here. Aitcheson is a hard nosed throwback kind of defender. He brings it physically every shift. He blocks shots. His overall mobility continues to improve. He has enough offensive skill and sense to be a point producer and puck mover at the OHL level. At the next level, he projects as someone who can play regularly on the penalty kill and who can take some tougher defensive assignments. I guess my issue is that I believe the players that I have ranked ahead of him have higher upside. I'm not sure Aitcheson is creative enough or a quick enough processor under pressure to be a big point producer at the NHL level. And we're not talking about a 6'4 behemoth either. Size is not an issue, but I wouldn't call it a pro level asset either. No question, Aitcheson is a safer prospect than a few a players that I have ranked above him. I think he has a really good chance of being a #4-6 at the NHL level.
12. Jimmy Lombardi - Center - Flint Firebirds
The production doesn't match the upside here. Lombardi is consistently creating with his hands. Strong skating pivot too. That combination makes him difficult to contain when he is given time and space to operate. The two beautiful assists from the other night are a prime example. You look at the advanced stats available for the OHL and Lombardi is right near the top of the league in successful dekes completed. Flint has been using him on the PK too, a testament to his two-way awareness and active stick. He's certainly not a one dimensional player. Flat out, Lombardi just needs to get stronger. He's visibly slight out there and he can have a real tough time playing through contact. He gets knocked off stride. He gets separated from the puck. He's just not able to be as consistent as he wants to be. However, I do understand why NHL Central Scouting gave him a B grade. When the physical maturity catches up, he could be a real player. I could easily see myself moving him up over the season if his game becomes more consistent.
13. Jack Ivankovic - Goaltender - Brampton Steelheads
I'm not entirely sure what to do with Ivankovic this early in the year. He's really struggled lately and his lack of size is going to really hurt him in the eyes of NHL scouts. Yet, we've all seen just how dominant he can be. He's quick. He's a tremendous play reader. He's like a third defender back there with how he can handle the puck and start the breakout. His rebound control is solid. So what's the issue been lately? He seems to be giving up goals to the body and from a distance, which is going to concern NHL scouts because of his lack of size. If there's one player from this crop that I'm curious about regarding their eventual NHL draft position it's Ivankovic.
14. Jake Crawford - Center - Owen Sound Attack
The production has been inconsistent on an Owen Sound team that finds themselves near the bottom of the West standings, but he's playing a lot and there's a lot to like. His combination of size and strong skating ability makes him an impact player at both ends. He's a strong forechecker because of his closing speed and he's quick to loose pucks, making him an asset in puck pursuit in all three zones. Like Nesbitt, I also appreciate how Crawford already has a clear identity on the ice. He gets to the net. He works hard without the puck. He is a versatile player. I think the one thing that I'm watching for over the course of the rest of the year is his ability to play with pace and use his speed with the puck. He's a lot quicker without the puck than he is with it. He can struggle to maintain possession as he tries to lead the charge through the neutral zone and he can be easily separated from the puck for a guy his size. How he can learn to improve this will likely dictate his high end upside. However, I really like the athletic tools here.
15. Tyler Hopkins - Center/Wing - Kingston Frontenacs
Hopkins has evolved into a strong secondary scoring option for the current first place Frontenacs. He's way stronger on the puck now and he's able to take greater advantage of his speed to drive the net and get to the middle, much like he did as a U16 player with Halton. He's got a lot of skill too. He can beat defenders one on one to create time/space for himself. Hopkins has also been really good at the faceoff dot this year, which will certainly help to keep him down the middle, even if I think his skill set could play better on the wing at the pro level. The key for Hopkins is to continue to add strength and improve his play without the puck. As much as like some of the tools, I also find myself wondering if he's a true top six option at the next level...or if his game will need to really evolve to become an NHL regular.
16. Ethan Czata - Center/Wing - Niagara IceDogs
I think it's reasonable to question Czata's long term upside as an NHL player. We're not talking about a high skill guy. However, I do think that he has the frame and physical tools to be a really solid bottom six contributor at the NHL level and that has a ton of value outside the Top 75 or so. He brings it physically every shift. He skates well. He has good offensive and defensive instincts. He keeps things simple and gets pucks to the net or gets himself to the net. Even though he has struggled mightily at the faceoff circle this year, I do believe that he can be a center long term. If we're comparing him to a guy like Liam Arnsby, who was drafted recently with the same kind of skill and projection, I think Czata is the better athlete, has the better frame, and is unquestionably a better skater. I think he's someone that can carve himself a role at the NHL level.
17. Carson Cameron - Defense - Peterborough Petes
I know we all expected the year to be a rough one in Peterborough, but it's been even worse than we thought it would. Cameron is their anchor defensively, but it's been tough sledding for him as the team consistently finds themselves playing from behind, or hemmed in their own end. It's made evaluating Cameron's improvement this year difficult. He came into the year as someone that I really liked, but I now find myself wondering about the upside. On one hand, he's nearly the team's point leader and that's not even really his game. His projection is more in the shutdown type of defender role, similar to Ben Danford last season. I do like that Cameron is trying to be more aggressive offensively. But I have found that it has come at the expense of his effectiveness defensively. Turnovers have been a bit of an issue from trying to force things. Additionally, I was expecting a bigger jump from him physically. I still like the tools. Like Danford, he skates well for the kind of role we eventually expect him to play. But, he's more of a mid round guy for me now, even if that's unfair based on the talent surrounding him.
18. Ruslan Karimov - Wing - Sarnia Sting
Simply put, Karimov is a wizard with the puck. He's one of the most creative and skilled players in this OHL crop. From what I've seen, he could have significantly better production had he had some better puck luck and his linemates done a better job finishing off the plays that he's creating for them. Given his solid frame, this gives him a real unique upside. However, I've been left wanting more from his decision making. Maybe it's the adjustment to the North American game, but I find myself questioning the processing/IQ. He occupies lanes already occupied by teammates. He has a tendency to follow the puck. He skates himself into trouble and offensive zone turnovers have been an issue. I also wish the physical engagement was just more consistent. Early on in the year, that was a big part of his game. Lately? It's been way more inconsistent. The offensive upside keeps him ranked high for me, but I'll need to see progression over the year to keep him here.
19. Filip Ekberg - Center/Wing - Ottawa 67's
Ekberg is making the most out of inconsistent ice time. However, he is playing on the top powerplay unit and that's where the majority of his production has come from. His work rate is admirable. He has quick feet. His shot projects well and could be a major weapon as he builds confidence and is able to get himself in scoring position in high traffic areas more consistently. However, at his size, I do have questions about the upside. What kind of pro is Ekberg? The quickness and overall skating profile isn't quite as good as you'd like given his size. The quick feet was more in reference to his "slipperiness." His ability to win battles down low has also been inconsistent. The high energy component might be his ticket, but again, are the physical tools good enough to play that role in the NHL? How all the pieces of his game come together remains to be seen. I hope he earns more even strength ice time over the year.
20. Quinn Beauchesne - Defense - Guelph Storm
High IQ, potential two-way defender who was a surprising addition to the CHL vs NTDP prospect's challenge IMO. I love his quick thinking approach at both ends. That was evident at this summer's Hlinka/Gretzy and it has been evident to start the OHL season, even with Guelph being inconsistent. The mobility is a positive too. However, I always wonder about players like Beauchesne and their projection. The jack of all trades defenders who also happen to be average sized don't have a terrific success record at the next level. Because I've really liked Beauchesne previously and I appreciate his head for the game, I'm still ranking him inside the top 20. But, we need to see more from him offensively the rest of the way for him to hold this ranking.
21. Travis Hayes - Wing - Soo Greyhounds
As I've said previously, Travis is kind of a hybrid between his brothers Avery and Gavin. He's built more like Avery and skates similarly, but he has Gavin's tenacity and penchant for getting to the net. I think Travis projects as a solid complementary piece not unlike former Greyhound Michael Bunting. He excels in puck pursuit and he always seems to keep his feet moving in the offensive end. He can be utilized in a variety of different situations and that versatility could make him a solid pro. He's not really a creative player. I wouldn't classify him as a high end playmaker either. However, there's a potential pro here.
22. Owen Griffin - Center - Oshawa Generals
Early on in the year, before Oshawa's big guns returned, Griffin was excelling as a play driver. It was great to see given the struggles that he had last year as a rookie. Now that everyone is back, he's faded to the background a bit (at least in terms of puck touches, as he's still getting prime ice time), but I haven't forgotten what I saw early on. The speed component has improved. The strength on the puck has improved. So why is Griffin ranked 22nd? I guess, similar to my write ups on Ekberg and Beauchesne, I wonder about Griffin's NHL role. I mean, that's why NHL Central Scouting had him as a "W" or late round pick. He's still an average sized, slight pivot who isn't the world's most dynamic skater. NHL teams have looked past a similar player like Pano Fimis in the past and I wonder if Griffin is viewed similarly. That said, I appreciate the progression and I'd be willing to view him as a middle round candidate.
23. Lucas Karmiris - Center - Brampton Steelheads
Hit by the injury bug, and Brampton's moves this offseason likely hurt him in his draft year, however the late born 2006 center is still an impressive prospect. He plays both ends competently. He can play in all situations. He's not the biggest, but he drives the middle and plays through contact. In his third year in the league, I just want to see him take his game to another level offensively. When he returns from injury, I want to see him become a real consistent play driver for the Steelheads as part of their secondary scoring. What's the ultimate upside here?
24. Blake Arrowsmith - Wing - London Knights
Speaking of upside, I truly thought about having Arrowsmith ranked higher. Similar to AJ Spellacy last year, you can just tell that there is something there with Arrowsmith. I wouldn't be shocked at all to see him slowly earn more ice time from Dale Hunter as the season goes on. Good size. Good skater. Gets inside leverage on defenders and has success taking the puck to the net. Every time I watch London, I find Arrowsmith to be noticeable for the right reasons, even if he's not getting much ice time. I've learned to trust London's development model over the years (as have NHL teams) and I think that he could be someone that teams are closely monitoring early on.
25. David Bedkowski - Defense - Owen Sound Attack
I get why NHL Central Scouting has him ranked so highly. But, without him playing much this year, I just don't feel comfortable ranking him extremely high this early. I want to see how his game has evolved offensively to gauge his true upside. But the size, mobility, and physicality can play at the next level. Even without much improvement with the puck, he could still be a potential bottom six, PK guy. He's really difficult to beat off the rush with his length and lateral quickness. He closes lanes very quickly. Hope he gets healthy soon.
26. Shamar Moses - Wing - North Bay Battalion
Moses has had a ton of success since moving to North Bay and it's great to see. He has advanced puck protection skill and he's able to drive play along the wall, prolonging possession or recovering retrievals. He excels as a playmaker coming off the wall and has impressive vision for a big man. However, I've been left wanting more by his off puck play in general. Would love to see him play more of a power forward role more consistently. Additionally, I think that the skating has a ways to come. He can struggle to get separation and his edgework/balance is visibly lacking. A mid round upside swing based on size and skill.
27. Braedyn Rogers - Defense - Owen Sound Attack
Based on performance, Rogers deserves to be much higher than this. He's been an absolute workhorse for the Attack this year. Other than pedigree and hype, what separates Rogers from a guy like Quinn Beauchesne? Honestly, not much. He's been great as a stick on puck defender, showing strong defensive zone anticipation. He's been a real asset as a breakout machine; he's always got his head up and is looking to find an outlet. He skates well, but he's not an overly aggressive offensive player. It's about moving the puck quickly or getting pucks on net. Much like Beauchesne, I do wonder about the NHL upside as a jack of all trades type, but I simply can not ignore the effectiveness.
28. Caden Taylor - Wing - Peterborough Petes
Like the rest of the Petes, consistency has been an issue for the big, scoring winger. He flashes big time upside because of his ability to drive wide and because his shot is a major weapon. However, he's just not finding soft spots in coverage well enough. At his size, he should be getting to the net front with way more consistency, but instead, I find him content to be more of a perimeter threat. And thus the four goals on 48 shots this year. I don't think his skating has taken the kind of steps forward that it needed to either. However, as mentioned, the physical upside is massive here, similar to the way that it was with Kieron Walton last year. It's still way too early to make any sort of concrete assessments.
29. Brady Smith - Wing/Center - Soo Greyhounds
Injured for a bit, but recently returned, Smith had a really strong start to the year with the Greyhounds. Not someone you'd consider to have plus athletic tools (average size, skater, physicality, etc), but he's just a really efficient player. Very high end sense in the offensive end. As the physical tools improve over time, does Smith become a potential middle six, complementary piece at the pro level? His skating and quickness has already come a really long way from his U16 days with Halton.
30. Jeremy Martin - Wing - Flint Firebirds
The perfect reason why you need to watch games and not just stat lines. Martin has been way better than his production would lead you to believe. He's been one of the most snake bitten players in the league that I've seen. He's generating chances but he just can't bury one. His power game can be really impressive and he is always looking to attack the net. The playmaking ability and overall decision making do leave a bit to be desired, but he's a potential pro IMO. The production is definitely due for a positive regression IMO.
31. Harry Nansi - Wing - Owen Sound Attack
A baby deer out there at times. Can get around in straight lines, but struggles to escape pressure consistently because the dynamic qualities of his stride need work. But, he has good hands and I think solid offensive upside. As the frame fills out, what are we looking at? Really curious to see how he improves over the course of the year.
32. Daniil Skvortsov - Defense - Guelph Storm
Import defender has shown some really impressive flashes at both ends. Impressive skater. Not taking many liberties with the puck right now, but wonder if that could come as he adjusts to the North American game? Need to see more from him over the course of the year to get a better read on his upside.
33. Luke Dragusica - Defense - Brampton Steelheads
Hasn't played since the beginning of October, which is a real shame. Strong defensive presence and someone that I think has a chance to develop into more of a two-way guy. But needs to get on the ice to get a better read of his progression. Thought he looked good in the preseason, but that can't be the sole assessment.
34. Evan Passmore - Defense - Barrie Colts
Hard nosed defender who projects as a physical, stay at home type. Stride is a bit inconsistent, but I think that it's very workable. Has even flashed some offensive upside this year. Not sure that he's more than a depth option as a pro, but you could do a lot worse than finding a potential #6-7 in the middle to late rounds.
35. Jacob Cloutier - Wing - Saginaw Spirit
It's cliche, but Cloutier is a young man that plays bigger than his size. He's been a really good complementary, high energy guy for Saginaw this year. Another cliche, but he's doing all the little things to help drive play (active in puck pursuit, getting to the net, bringing energy in all three zones, etc). Not sure about the upside, but he deserves to be on the draft radar.
36. Tanner Lam - Wing - Kitchener Rangers
The little engine that could. What Lam lacks in size, he makes up for in skill and evasiveness. His edgework is excellent. Really slippery player who excels as a playmaker because of it. He's going to be a high scoring junior player. However, we know the success rate of smaller wingers. I'm also not sure he has the first step quickness/straight line speed that you like to see at his size. He can turn on a dime, but I've found that he has difficulty escaping pressure when he needs a quick burst. Is he just a great junior player or a potential top six pro?
37. Carter Kostuch - Wing - Sarnia Sting
Well rounded, two-way winger who works well as a complementary piece. Works the cycle. Is active as a forechecker. Drives the net. I think he's a smart player too. However, I'm just not sure anything about his game truly screams NHL player. Average grades across the board to go with average production. I like the head for the game and the clear understanding of how to play without the puck, but he's just "there" on too many shifts. Let's see how his offensive game evolves over the season.
38. Parker Snelgrove - Center - Guelph Storm
Snelgrove is a solid two-way center who I think has quietly been very solid for Guelph, especially the last few weeks. Strong skater. Good instincts in all three zones. Has shown an ability to drive the net. If Luchanko ends up getting dealt at some point, I wonder what Snelgrove could do with even more ice time and responsibility. A name to watch.
39. Alexei Medvedev - Goaltender - London Knights
Not the biggest netminder, but his athleticism is impressive. Moves well in the crease. Tracks the play well. Rebound control needs work. Consistency been a bit of an issue. However, there's upside here. I'm always cautious in ranking goalies that are rookies, as we see the league adjust to them, but he could easily be an NHL pick this year.
40. Nic Whitehead - Center - Ottawa 67's
Makes up for a lack of size with quickness and skill. He's a pretty dynamic pace pusher and I think that like Tanner Lam, he has a ton of upside as a junior level scorer. Consistency has certainly been an issue, due to some strength deficits, but I do like the upside despite the lower rank.
41. Lirim Amidovski - Wing - North Bay Battalion
Power winger who has had some offensive success this year in a complementary role. Shows good hands in tight and has upside as a scorer with a heavy shot. But the boots are quite heavy. Skating needs to be upgraded, but could be an interesting long term project.
42. Martin Vaculik - Wing - Brampton Steelheads
Hasn't played a ton due to injury, but I've found him to be a noticeable high energy guy for the Steelheads. Strong support player in all three zones. Not unlike teammate Adam Zidlicky but with a pro frame. Upside limited, but could be a role player.
43. Tristan Delisle - Center - Owen Sound Attack
Another high energy guy. Always seems to keep his feet moving in the offensive end and can bring a speed element. Has played well for Owen Sound since the trade from Oshawa. What's the pro upside? Not quite sure. Have the rest of the year to make a more concrete opinion on that.
44. Nico Addy - Wing - Peterborough Petes
Big winger has been a disappointment for me to start the year. Has a pro frame. Can have a profound impact physically. Skating isn't bad for his size; he can surprise with speed from time to time. Has a heavy shot. However, I'm just not sure about the processing. Not producing and it seems like he's a step behind the play at times. With his skill set, he should be performing.
45. Aiden Young - Center - Peterborough Petes
Another guy that I'm just not sure about the long term upside of. Flashes skill. I think he can develop into a solid two-way guy who provides versatility. Decent skater. But, what is he at the next level? The Petes' poor start not doing anyone favors.
46. James Barr - Defense - Sarnia Sting
Had way higher expectations for Barr coming into the year. He was one of my sleepers to rise up the rankings, but his play at both ends has been inconsistent. Good skater, but what else is there right now? Still getting good minutes and I do expect Sarnia to get better over the year as a growing and talent young team. Too early to write Barr off.
47. Noah Jenken - Defense - London Knights
Jenken is playing more of a depth role right now, but I've been impressed with his efficiency defensively. Active stick. Solid along the wall. Keeping things simple with the puck to help start the breakout. Wonder if there's something else there if the ice time was greater.
48. Jaeden Nelson - Goaltender - Ottawa 67's
Another goaltender on the smaller end, but one who is pretty highly regarded amongst junior scouting circles. Like I mentioned with Medvedev, I just need to see more to get a better read of what Nelson is capable of. Consistency and play tracking has been a bit of an issue thus far.
49. Josh Glavin - Defense - Saginaw Spirit
Not a ton of pro upside IMO, but he's been solid defensively for the Spirit and has been efficient with the puck. Brings a physical element. Decent skater. I could definitely see him as an NHL pick.
50. Xander Velliaris - Defense - Kingston Frontenacs
Rangy defender who shows upside as a shutdown defender. Skating does need to get better to be more effective as a rush defender. Not playing a ton, but as we get to the bottom of this list, we're looking at guys who do have some form of pro upside.
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