An annual mid-summer practice now, I'm ranking the top NHL affiliated prospects who played in the OHL last season. This list is 25 names deep with several honorable mentions.
1. Chase Reid - Defense - Seattle Kraken
Have to stick to my guns on this one after ranking Reid first among OHL'ers this past draft. He's now ranked ahead of a couple players drafted higher than him. However, I do believe that NHL teams are going to kick themselves for letting Reid fall to 7th. This was such a great outcome for Seattle who needed a defender like Reid to build around. He compares himself to Werenski. I've compared him with Eric Desjardins. Either of those are realistic. Looking forward to seeing how the NCAA level challenges Reid in new ways this season, especially in the defensive end.
2. Caleb Malhotra - Center - Vancouver Canucks
So then it came down to Malhotra vs Brady Martin. I love both players as prospects. Martin more in your face. Malhotra a little more dynamic. Similar upsides as 60 point, two-way, versatile Swiss Army knives. But, I ultimately went with Malhotra because I believe that he's currently and will end up being the better skating NHL player, on top of being a more natural playmaker.
3. Brady Martin - Center - Nashville Predators
I think that the fans in Nashville are really going to love Martin and I'm pulling for him to make that roster this season. It certainly wasn't a terrific developmental year for him because of that shoulder injury sustained at the WJC's, but I still am a firm believer in the impact he will have in the NHL. I'd say it's highly likely we've seen the last of him in the OHL. If he doesn't make the Predators, I'm sure they will use the new U19 rule to have him play in the AHL.
4. Adam Jiricek - Defense - St. Louis Blues
How Jiricek wasn't a finalist for the Max Kaminsky trophy this year (as top defender) is beyond me. There was a very good argument to be made that he was the best defenseman in the OHL this past season. The growth that he showed from the previous year was remarkable. Now fully healthy and confident, he dominated at both ends of the ice. Look at how good he was at the WJC's too, where he captured top defender. There might not be a more underrated prospect in hockey right now IMO.
5. Sam O'Reilly - Center - Tampa Bay Lightning
What an unbelievable year for O'Reilly. Red Tilson. OHL Championship. Memorial Cup. He was such an unstoppable force down the stretch and through the playoffs. His game is going to be so translatable, especially since he continues to improve his skating; he's so well rounded. Don't be shocked if he makes the Tampa Bay Lightning out of camp this year in a bottom six role.
6. Kashawn Aitcheson - Defense - New York Islanders
Anytime you capture an award like the Max Kaminsky, it has to be considered a pretty good season. Aitcheson was great this year, scoring a whopping 36 goals between the regular season and playoffs. His shot is going to be a major weapon at the next level. Obviously, he has his physicality to lean back on too. The only thing that still concerns me a bit is puck management. He's going to need to refine his approach as a pro.
7. Jake O'Brien - Center - Seattle Kraken
I've consistently had Aitcheson ranked ahead of O'Brien and that remains the same here. Jake had another good year. He's a top notch and highly intelligent playmaker. His creativity and touch gives him a real chance to be a quality second line center who elevates the abilities and production of his wingers. That said, I do still have concerns over the projectability of his pace and physicality. His four game performance in the AHL playoffs to close out last season is proof of that; he struggled. I don't believe that it's a slam dunk that he's in the AHL on that exemption next year...at least the full season. The upside is too large to ignore still.
8. Ethan Belchetz - Wing - Utah Mammoth
I've mentioned a lot this year about how I felt Belchetz's draft season felt so incomplete because of his broken collarbone suffered in March. We just didn't get a chance to see him potentially shine in the playoffs for Windsor. Now we'll never get that chance as he heads to Michigan State. It's a sound plan, as Belchetz saw the gains Porter Martone made in just a year and, logically, he believes he can make similar gains as a similar kind of player with similar kinds of weaknesses. The upside as a power forward is still immense. Even if he ends up more as an Anthony Mantha type, that's well worth the spot Utah selected him at.
9. Nikita Klepov - Wing - Anaheim Ducks
What a year for Klepov as he took home the Eddie Powers trophy as the league's top scorer. He was so remarkably consistent, right from puck drop in the preseason. I really gained an appreciation for his combination of skill and smarts as the year went on. He's such a master manipulator of space and defenders. The only concern I have is that I'm not extremely confident that his penchant for creating off the wall and in transition will translate as well to the pro level without upgrades to his "physical tools." Insert the NCAA and he'll be able continue to work on his strength/conditioning.
10. Liam Greentree - Wing - New York Rangers
A key piece to the Artemi Panarin trade to Los Angeles, Greentree is now part of the New York Rangers organization. He had another strong year in the OHL with Windsor. Did he improve a ton from the year prior? Honestly, probably not. But, he's still a terrific prospect because he's skilled, strong on the puck, smart...all wrapped in a power forward's frame. Is he a slam dunk to be a highly impactful NHL player? No. There's a chance that his average skating holds him back. However, he's still a solid prospect and I'm really curious to see how he performs in the AHL next season.
11. Cole Beaudoin - Center - New York Rangers
Another OHL player recently acquired by the Rangers; a key piece of the Vincent Trocheck to Utah deal. Really Greentree and Beaudoin are a toss up at #10-11. Greentree has higher upside, but Beaudoin has shown more year over year growth and is the safer bet to be an NHL player. Beaudoin's skating improved so much over his four year OHL career. He was so much more impactful offensively this year because of it. His playoff performance for Barrie was really outstanding. The Rangers likely got themselves a third line anchor and potential captain if everything pans out well.
12. Cameron Reid - Defense - Nashville Predators
Hard to argue that you've had a poor year when you captain your OHL team to an OHL championship and Memorial Cup. Reid was excellent for the Rangers as a do-everything type, although you'd obviously argue he makes his biggest impact as a puck mover and powerplay quarterback. From a development perspective, I don't think his outlook has changed much. I think he still projects as a steady #4 who can also quarterback the powerplay. I wonder how he fits in at Michigan next year. They are bringing in Landon Dupont too, on top of already having Henry Mews. One is higher profiled and the other is older/more experienced. Don't see there being room the powerplay for all three.
13. Adam Novotny - Wing - Vancouver Canucks
Where the Canucks got Novotny was excellent value this year. I didn't love him as a lottery pick, but in the mid 20's? Absolutely. There are going to be limitations as to what he can do offensively as a pro IMO, but he could still be a consistent 25 goal scorer who also sees PK minutes and can be a strong playoff performer. I actually don't think he's a slam dunk to return to Peterborough this year. If the Canucks keep Braeden Cootes up with the big club, they could use their U19 AHL exemption on Novotny. I'd put it at 50/50. Either path would be OK for him. Back in the OHL and hopefully he finds more consistency in his decision making with the puck and rounds out his offensive profile. In the AHL, his game is mature enough to handle middle six minutes already in a support role.
14. Emil Hemming - Wing - Dallas Stars
Sort of an uneven year for Hemming IMO. Had to be disappointing to struggle at the AHL level at the start of the year and eventually get sent back to the OHL. Then he had a fairly poor WJC's for Finland too; he wasn't the standout that we would have expected. But in the OHL? Hemming was excellent for Barrie, helping them reach the OHL finals. Love the power game. Scoring upside is legit. But, I'd be lying if I didn't think he'll have some growing pains at the pro level. I think he's going to need a few years in the AHL before he's ready for a middle six role with the Stars.
15. Jack Nesbitt - Center - Philadelphia Flyers
I'll be honest in saying that I'm not crazy about Nesbitt's decision to head to Michigan next year. I think after a somewhat uneven developmental year in Windsor, he would have been better served returning to the OHL in a lead role with the Spits. I look at what that extra year did for a similar player in Cole Beaudoin who had a similarly disappointing draft plus one year. It would have greatly benefitted him. Instead, Nesbitt heads to Michigan where I don't think he's anything more than a bottom six player on that team, already deep in returning center depth. I still like Nesbitt as a future Adam Lowry type, but I don't see the move as a positive one for his offensive upside.
16. Ben Danford - Defense - Toronto Maple Leafs
After a move from Oshawa to Brantford, we didn't really get to see the offensive outburst we wanted from Danford as he settled into a defense first role with a very deep Bulldogs team. I think it's become pretty obvious that he's not going to be a big point producer at the NHL level. However, as his deep playoff run with the Toronto Marlies proved, he's going to be a long term NHL player who can shutdown opponents and anchor the PK. A full year in the AHL will be needed for him to learn to make quicker decisions with the puck as a pro, but after that, he should be a good for a full time role with Toronto.
17. Henry Brzustewicz - Defense - Los Angeles Kings
Hey look, a player who has decided to return to the OHL for his U20 season! And he's American to boot! It's a great decision; just look at London's track record. Obviously, there's a chance LA places him in the AHL, but I think that's very unlikely given the depth they have at the position at the pro level, including AHL veterans like Scott Perunovich and Joe Hicketts. Returning to London will give Brzustewicz an opportunity to continue to carve out an identity for the next level. Continue to improve his playmaking and decision making. Continue to become a standout in his own end. He's likely to put up some monster offensive numbers and is probably a top candidate for the Max Kaminsky if he returns.
18. Marek Vanacker - Wing - Chicago Blackhawks
Vanacker's draft plus two year was a much better one for him as he finished the year with 47 goals and emerged as one of the OHL's top goal scoring threats. I don't see him as a play driver at the next level, but I think he can settle in as a complementary goal scorer and powerplay weapon if his off puck play continues to evolve. The Hawks have the depth to be patient with him. There will probably be growing pains and I could see his first year in the AHL not being terrific. But, he has enough tools to be able to make adjustments and carve out an offensive role.
19. Ryder Cali - Center/Wing - Florida Panthers
If you follow my work regularly, you know how much I've been hyping up Cali this year. He ended up being a mid second rounder to Florida, but I feel confident that he outperforms that draft slot. He's a safe prospect because of his well rounded game, but I also see offensive upside here based on how he finished the season. I really wish he wasn't heading to the NCAA already; I fear he could struggle a bit with Providence. However, in the long run, I'm a believer.
20. Maksim Sokolovskii - Defense - Philadelphia Flyers
It was no surprise to see Sokolovskii taken in the first round by the Flyers. It was a great pick based on his rapid improvement and upward trajectory. The size, mobility, and physicality combo will play in a defensive role...at the very least. Now let's see how the offensive side of things comes together for him. He'll be looked upon to be a critical player on the Knights next year and that will only help his development.
21. Jett Luchanko - Center - Philadelphia Flyers
A real tough guy to place on a list like this. His development really hasn't gone according to plan from an offensive perspective. You could probably make an argument that he doesn't belong in this top 25. However, I do still believe that he has the skill set to be a really good third line center. The Flyers would be better served to show more patience than they have with his development. He needs to play in the AHL for a few seasons to build up his confidence.
22. Carter George - Goaltender - Los Angeles Kings
The only netminder to crack this list (or the HM's for that matter). George didn't have the kind of year we all expected of him. He was good, but not great in the OHL, and was only average for Canada at the WJC's. I still love George's play tracking ability and calmness in the crease, but I do also worry about his lack of size and the adjustment to the pro level. He handled it well to end the previous year, so we'll see. The only question is, where does he play? The Kings have two quality netminding prospects in the AHL already in Portillo and Slukynsky. They could go with three in the AHL, but that seems unlikely. Does that mean George starts in the ECHL?
23. Nathan Aspinall - Wing - New York Rangers
Aspinall got my Red Tilson vote this year for his full body of work; he was dominant right from the get go. The Rangers have to be ecstatic with his development this season. Skating ticked up. Physical play was more consistent. Big and skilled is a great combination. Really curious to see how he handles the pro level next year in Hartford. An underrated prospect IMO.
24. Lukas Fischer - Defense - St. Louis Blues
Was another good year for Fischer as he continued to fine tune things at both ends. I'm not entirely sure that he's a top four defender, but I think his well rounded skill set, in combination with his frame and mobility, makes him a solid bet to be a third pairing guy for the Blues in the future. Someone they can plug and play in a variety of different situations. Look for him to spend 2-3 years in the AHL, then make the jump.
25. Jimmy Lombardi - Center - Los Angeles Kings
Could have really put any of the HM's in this spot, but I just really like Lombardi. I felt like he was massively underrated in his draft year and after a breakout year in the OHL with Flint, I feel like he's being underrated as an NHL prospect. There's a reason why the Kings signed him already. He's skilled. He's competitive. He's a really good playmaker. As the speed and strength continue to upgrade, he's going to be a potential middle six pivot for the Kings.
Honorable Mentions (in alphabetical order)
Jacob Battaglia - Wing - New York Rangers
Such a strange year for Battaglia. I had such high expectations for him after his breakout the year before. Instead, he posted worse offensive numbers than his draft year. What happened? I'm perplexed. At times he looked slower and wasn't as dialed in physically. Then, in the playoffs, he was dominant. I do think he'll need to really transform his game at the pro level to be an NHL player. Lean more into his board play and strength down low, in combination with his smarts.
Adam Benak - Center - Minnesota Wild
Benak met and exceeded expectations this year with Brantford. He was a straight up beast. Just a really dynamic player who makes those around him better. I did think that he struggled in the playoffs and at his size, that will be a bit concerning to Minnesota. Let's see how he does in the NCAA next year. He needs to really bulk up to hit that next level.
Alexander Bilecki - Defense - Toronto Maple Leafs
Loved this pick where the Leafs got him. Now it's about seeing how he handles the increased ice time and responsibility in Kitchener this year. Can his defensive and physical play improve further? Can he be one of the better offensive defenders in the OHL?
Jaxon Cover - Wing - Ottawa Senators
It wasn't all that surprising to see a team jump on Cover in the first round given his unique background and untapped potential. I would have liked to have seen more growth in his game over the year in London, but I certainly see the appeal. Let's see how he performs in London this year; it's a big one for his development.
Ethan Czata - Center/Wing - Tampa Bay Lightning
An uneven year in Niagara for Czata. Some great nights, some not as much. The competitiveness and two-way game will play at higher levels. This will be a big year for him in Guelph as he looks to take that next step offensively. I have high expectations.
Alessandro Di Iorio - Center - Columbus Blue Jackets
It was a disappointing draft year for Di Iorio and that resulted in him falling to the late third round to Columbus. He has all the tools. It's just about applying them consistently. This year with the Sting, I really want to see him take that next step as a goal scorer; he has a great shot, he just doesn't use it as much as he should.
Kevin He - Wing - Winnipeg Jets
Attacking style winger who loves to play up tempo. Leans heavily on his strong skating ability to be a difference maker, with and without the puck. Decision making improved over the course of his OHL time. As a pro, he's going to need to find more of the tenacity/physicality that he showed early in his OHL time.
Marco Mignosa - Wing - Tampa Bay Lightning
What really took Mignosa's game to another level was the improvements he made to his speed and quickness. He's a high IQ guy, but being quicker to pucks and able to beat defenders one on one, helped him unlock his offensive upside. Now he's off to Penn State and I'd expect him to have a strong year. Still a bit unsure of what his NHL role would be, but he's an underrated NHL prospect.
Riley Patterson - Wing - Vancouver Canucks
Really strong year for Patterson as he emerged as the offensive leader for the IceDogs following a trade from Barrie. He's so good on the half wall with his creativity and puck control, and his shot really improved this year. He can attack you with speed, but he has the smarts to vary pace. It makes him an excellent playmaker. He's really starting to look like a potential middle six winger for the Canucks in the future. Another player I really heavily considered at number 25 based on his improvements this year.
Jack Pridham - Wing - Tampa Bay Lightning
The trade to Tampa Bay's system really helps Pridham because he'll have more opportunity there after he turns pro. I also love the fit at the U of Denver. For Pridham, his speed and scoring ability give him a nice combination; a combo that could make him a huge powerplay asset at the NHL level.
Brooks Rogowski - Center - Vancouver Canucks
I love that Rogowski is returning to the OHL rather than jump to Michigan State early. I think it will really help his offensive development. I'm not entirely convinced the upside is significant, but I'm also really curious to see how much he improves this year.
Ryan Roobroeck - Wing - Chicago Blackhawks
I'll be honest, I actually expected Roobroeck to fall a little further on NHL draft day. But, Chicago obviously is banking on improvements being made to his pace and intensity so that he can become a more consistent play driver. Playing on a Memorial Cup team in Guelph this year will be huge for him.
Thomas Vandenberg - Center - Los Angeles Kings
I still don't understand the fall for Vandenberg to the fourth round. I think teams will regret that. Lots of different paths to the NHL for him. He just needs to mature physically as such a late birth date. Like Cali, I'm not crazy about him heading to the NCAA so early, but at least they'll be taking on that challenge together at Providence.
Kieron Walton - Wing - Winnipeg Jets
Maybe a bit shocking to see Walton outside of the top 25. I know Jets fans have really high hopes for him. I just have other preferences. I think he'll struggle to make that jump to the NHL without improved physicality and off puck play. Thought he took a step back in that regard this year after a promising draft plus one. The upside is excellent and I do understand the optimism.
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