Monday, April 2, 2018

2018 OHL Priority Selection Primer

The 2018 OHL Priority Selection is set for next Saturday, April 7th. If you recall, the last two years I have hooked up with the guys from TheScout.ca to help us preview and highlight potential selections in a (now) annual Priority Selection Primer (2017, 2016). Well, I am happy to bring you the 3rd edition this year. Once again, each member of the scouting team at TheScout has given us their favourites for the draft, in addition to potential sleepers.

USA

Matt Grainda - @graindaiv

1. Antonio Stranges, Detroit Little Caesars 16U AAA
“Way high up on TheScout.ca’s list of best players available for the OHL Priority Selection is Antonio Stranges, who tore up the Detroit Little Caesars independent schedule and completely dominated the T1EHL playing in some limited showcases. Stranges is a kid who has been on many OHL and USHL draft radars for over two seasons now, having played up with the 16U team last season along with this season, all while putting up big-time numbers both years. Stranges is most well-known for his unique skating ability and his exceptional puck skills that allow him to be one of the deadliest offensive players on the ice at any moment. His footwork, edge control and utilization of his explosive feet enable him to literally dance around the competition, like a Jeff Skinner or Jeremy Bracco type skater. The creativity is through the roof when the puck is on his stick too, as he has the high-end hockey sense and the crafty offensive talent to shoot, pass and score in bunches. Stranges is currently committed to the University of Michigan and will be attending the USA NTDP Evaluation Camp with a strong chance of making the U17 team. Will he end up in the OHL someday though? It is definitely a possibility.”

2. Dylan Peterson, Canadian International Hockey Academy Midget AAA (CIHA)
“Another gifted forward who has been on the radar for a while now is Dylan Peterson with the CIHA Midget AAA program just outside of Ottawa. Peterson is an American/Canadian dual-citizen, and was one of the first 2002-born skaters to commit to a NCAA university when he selected Boston University as a 14-year-old. Peterson has been very well known in scouting circles due to his NHL ready 6.03” frame paired with his powerful and very fluid skating stride. Not many large hockey players have the high-end speed of Peterson, and his strength along with his extremely quick hands make him a lethal threat every time he’s coming down the ice. His puck skills can dazzle for sure, and he can take a direct path right through the opposition or dangle a defenseman with his slick skills and long reach. Watch out for his high-end and accurate shot as well, but he does hesitate at times as he needs to work on becoming the dominant player he can be on every shift. Peterson will also be attending the USA NTDP Evaluation Camp, and he has a very good chance to make the U17 team. The sky is the limit for this kid, he has the physical gifts and smooth skating to make him a top NHL Draft selection down the line.”

Sleeper #1: Andrei Bakanov, Oakland Jr. Grizzlies 16U AAA
“Probably not much of a sleeper here, but Andrei Bakanov will likely be a player discussed a lot as we lead up to the OHL Priority Selection as his eligibility is currently up-in-the-air for the draft. Bakanov is a Russian-born player who has spent this year with the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies 16U team after playing up the season before with the Cleveland Barons 16U team. With Oakland, the Russian kid displayed his pro-quality talents before all the HPHL by finishing second in both goals and points in one of the most competitive leagues in the country. You don’t have to watch too long before you see his best trait, a deadly accurate, hard shot that probably gives goalies at this level nightmares. Bakanov has the Russian patience for sure, taking his time to read plays at times and then striking exactly when you least expect it, often drawing peer-to-peer comparisons to famous NHL player Evgeni Malkin. Footwork is a little heavy for Bakanov, but his smooth puck handing and decent smarts help mitigate this issue. Should he be declared eligible for the OHL Draft, look for his name to go very high in the 1st Round. His goal scoring capabilities, his patience with the puck, and his NHL sized frame will be highly coveted.”

***Note: Bakanov recently announced his NCAA commitment to the University of Michigan. His OHL Priority Selection status is currently still unknown, although seems like a long shot at this point.

Sleeper #2. Avery Winslow, Notre Dame Hounds Midget AAA
“One big-time sleeper that likely only got some looks at the very beginning of the scouting season at the USA Select 15’s and then very recently at the USA NTDP Evaluation Camp is a smart defensive prospect named Avery Winslow. Winslow spent the season playing in the Saskatchewan Midget Hockey League for the very well-known Notre Dame Hounds AAA program. A native of Clearwater, Florida, Winslow is a very polished two-way defenseman with great skating ability. His patience with the puck and his decision making are very good, always surveying the ice and making a smart move even while being pressured. His game oozes confidence and poise, and his four-way mobility, speed and directional agility help him in all areas of the ice. Winslow is also great in the defensive zone, playing with an active stick and always having his head on a swivel looking to shut down the opposition. His potential is decent on the offensive end too, managing his blue-line very well while also being able to join the rush and jump in plays at the other end of the ice. He’s not an elite offensive catalyst, but he does a great job leading by example in just about every aspect of his game. If OHL scouts paid close attention and got to some of his games, this kid could be a great value pick.”

Alliance

Mitchell Avis - @mitchyav

#1 – Blake Butler, C, Lambton Jr. Sting
Blake Butler has been my top prospect from start to finish in the Alliance and in my eyes is also the closest prospect to being OHL ready. He is a big, strong center who played his Minor Midget season on a weaker Lambton team and showed an ability to elevate the play of his teammates around him. What’s attracting is his mix of size, speed and skill that makes him a threatening player as a playmaker or a shooter. Listed at 6’1”, he is a strong skater who dictates the speed and tempo of the game transitioning the puck quickly from defense to offense and attacking defenders either on the outside or through the center of the ice. While he has not perfected his defensive responsibilities it is not a concern at this time because he possesses all the physical tools and IQ to make these adjustments for the next level. Look for Butler to be selected as early as the 2nd round but no later than the 4th round.

#2 – George Diaco, C, London Jr. Knights
Diaco is a player who quickly catches your eye because of his energy, puck skill and skating agility and is easily one of the hardest working players in the league. Playing on the Jr. Knights, Diaco was the sparkplug winning the scoring title with 52 points in 33 games and leading his team all the way to the Alliance finals. Shifting from the wing to center part way through the season allowed him greater control of the game and he really excelled as a facilitator in this position. Possesses an average shot but makes up for it with his high hockey IQ and playmaking ability. Displayed great competitiveness all season long that rubs off on his teammates. The biggest knock on him as a prospect will be his size (5’5” and 140 lbs) but he continually demonstrated all season long that despite his smaller frame he’s one of the most skilled players in the Alliance and had a consistent impact on the outcome of each game.

Sleeper – Ryan Gagnier, C, Sun County Panthers
After a record 46 players were selected out of the Alliance in the 2017 OHL Priority Draft, the 2002 birth year will not come close to breaking that mark and is considered by many scouts as an overall ‘down’ year for the league. That being said this presents opportunities for teams to get great value from their picks out of the Alliance.

Gagnier is a sleeper to watch having played his Minor Midget season in the shadows of Matt Maggio, who won the Alliance Player of the Year award. Gagnier’s title as a sleeper, however, may be in jeopardy following his OHL Cup performance where he scored 7 points in 6 games and led his team to the quarterfinals. He is a complete 200-foot center who is defensively aware yet possesses offensive upside. As the season went on, his confidence with the puck improved displaying an ability to either stickhandle past defenders or beat them inside for positioning and better scoring chances. He possesses an element of grit to his game finishing checks and blocking shots. Playing in all game situations, he is attentive to the smaller details of the game and demonstrates attractive leadership and character qualities. As a potential mid-round pick, he will be a versatile player with an ability to play anywhere throughout the lineup.

Honourable Mentions: Theo Hill (Brantford 99ers), Nathan Small (Elgin Middlesex Chiefs), Carter Schoonderwoerd (Huron-Perth Lakers), Ben McFarlane (Cambridge Hawks), Zane Dalpe (Sun County Panthers), Rylan Bowers (Elgin Middlesex Chiefs), Dylan Robinson (Brantford 99ers), Bryce Ryan (Windsor AAA Zone), Thomas Gangl (Huron-Perth Lakers)

Branden Scott @b_scott39

#1. C George Diaco, London Jr. Knights
George Diaco is easily one of the best players in the Alliance with his remarkable offensive production this year. Smaller players tend to get timid in the physical game, but despite his smaller frame, Diaco has great skating ability and puck control allowing him to juke around defenders and create strong scoring chances with his great vision. He reads the ice like a running back reads the field, finding the open hole then slicing up the neutral zone and gain entry into the opposition’s zone, making him the focal point of London’s power play unit all season long. There is nothing more dangerous than when Diaco has the puck on his stick.

#2. C Ryan Gagnier, Sun County Panthers
Ryan Gagnier is a safe pick out of the Alliance, a two way centre that plays well in all 3 zones away from the puck or when the puck is on his stick. Some of his aspects that stand out are his defensive game, which is uber impressive, being able to mark key players and support his teammates when needed to get the puck out of his zone. He is also good at keeping his stick in lanes and is not afraid to throw his body around to separate players. Offensively, he’s a smart player that can predict his team-mates’ moves and locate them with little effort to create scoring chances. Probably not one of the flashier players, but definitely an intelligent one who carries a winning attitude and excellent leadership qualities. 

Sleeper: W Carter Schoonderwoerd, Huron Perth Lakers
For being a sleeper pick, Carter Schoonderwoerd is probably the first player you notice on the ice being 6 foot 4 and over 200 pounds. With his body being ready to step right into the OHL, he brings a heavy shot that makes him lethal in the offensive zone. One of his biggest assets is his ability to come off the rush and charge at the net by muscling off defenders and protecting the puck. Using his long legs and larger figure to create space makes it easy for him to rip the puck into the net. Knowing how to use his body, he can punish opponents with bone crushing hits and break up plays using his reach. Adjusting to his big frame didn’t come with ease, but has steadily improved since the beginning of the season. He could probably use another year to develop, but the talent is there and can make a big impact for his future club.

GTHL 

Jason Gray - @jasongr31964761

#1: Cole Perfetti, Vaughn Kings
Perfetti was one of the most consistent point producers in the GTHL all season long. This 5ft8" 155lb pivot is one of the smartest players at the 2002 level. Perfetti possesses a skill that many don't at his age and experience, maybe having played up with the Whitby Wildcats minor midget team that played in the 2017 OHL Cup helped him build, a level of patience and calm that is rarely this mature at 16. Not an outright speed demon Perfetti is a deceptive skater that can utilize outstanding edge work coupled with a strong wide stance that makes him very difficult to knock off the puck. He is at his best when on the cycle and with the puck on his stick. Because of his great playmaking skill and capacity to maintain puck possession he backs off defenders making him dangerous in transition. Using his elite hockey sense and tremendous hands Perfetti is masterful at the art of the saucer pass and can slot passes into to space creating plenty of scoring opportunities for linemates. A stalwart on the PP he draws the attention of defenders freeing up other players to assert offensively. If not the smoothest playmaker in the G he is without question a scoring threat every time he is on the ice. Continually finds a way to sift through defenceman and ending up in a scoring position or a dish for a chance. Because he is such a calm player his compete level may go unnoticed but Perfetti often used in PK and is very skilled in the neutral zone as a gap closing forward that uses his elite hands to pick off passes and create turnovers. While not shoot first center with a powerful shot he is very accurate and scores most of his goals in the key scoring area within 10 feet of the goal. As he gains further size and strength he will only develop his scoring at greater range and variety. Perfetti is currently committed to the University of Michigan and while there is no doubt he will be an excellent player at the NCAA level, his game is very primed for the OHL as well and would no doubt be contributor as a top line forward in the not so distant future.

#2: Lleyton Moore, Toronto Marlboros
Moore is a diminutive defender that is listed at 5ft 8" and 155lbs but there nothing small about his game. He checks every box when it comes to being an defenceman at the minor midget level in the GTHL for the #1 ranked Toronto Marlboros. An elite skater that has spectacular edge control he can keep plays alive with his open hip style pivoting and powerful stride. Equally as quick going east west as he is north south his crossover step and deceptive changes of direction give him plenty of time and space to make plays. What's so impressive about this player is he ability to assess the situation in the game and make plays and/or adjust his style of play accordingly. He can play the speed and transition game or go physical and puck possession mode depending on the opponent and the state of the game. This speaks to his high hockey IQ and competitive level. Moore is an ex excellent passer with top level vision and playmaking ability. His poise and patience allow plays to develop. Not prone to the slapshot he uses a quick release wrister to get pucks through and create tip or rebound opportunities. If Moore was 6ft and 185lb there is no doubt he would be right in the conversation with Drysdale and Power as one of the top defenceman in the upcoming draft. He is one of the most entertaining players of the 2002 group and undoubtedly has the tools to be a 1/2 defenceman at the next level.

Sleeper: Isaac MacLeod, Toronto Jr. Canadiens
MacLeod demonstrated (in the OHL Cup Final) what he has done most of the season. A great secondary scorer that possesses a good release and penchant for scoring key goals. The word tenacious comes to mind right away when describing this player. While not a dynamic skater he has solid acceleration and once in stride moves with pace. He is a stop and start forward that rarely gives up on a puck battle. Uses his physicality well, great body position and wide stance coupled with good balance allows him to protect pucks and be a positive possession player. A deceptive release and quick hands in tight spaces especially around the net allows him to be a quality clean up man. MacLeod comes with a keen sense for the game which makes him lethal on the PK as he can pick off.passes and create havoc for defenders with his capacity to read plays and use pressure to cause turnovers. At the next level MacLeod will be a serviceable player that can play up and down your line up and give you quality play in a variety of roles.

Chris Bowen - @IamChrisBowen

#1. Jamie Drysdale - D (Toronto Marlboros)
The most dominant overall defenseman in this draft class and arguably the most gifted one offensively, Drysdale has the type of intangibles and skill set that very few prospects posses, certainty at this age. With elite skating and play making abilities, Drysdale is a game breaker on the back end who very rarely puts in a bad shift, let alone a bad game. He led the Toronto Marlboros along with fellow captain Lleyton Moore as they toyed with teams in the GTHL all season long. An all situations type player who is deadly on the rush and on the power play, where he can change and create different shooting angles from the blue line with his lateral movement. With a high IQ, Drysdale is able to effectively shut down plays and doesn't miss a beat in one on one defensive battles despite not being the biggest guy on the ice. He is without a doubt a complete package and the type of player who can change the complete dynamic of a team almost instantly. He should be the first defenseman off the board and he can make an impact right away.

#2. Jean-Luc Foudy - F (Toronto Titans)
Argubly the best skating in this draft class, Jean-Luc Foudy looks certain to follow his brother Liam's footsteps as a first round draft pick. In terms of an individual player being essential to a teams success, nobody was more important this season in the GTHL than Foudy was to the the Toronto Titans. Playing on a team was limited forward talent, he single handedly carried the offensive charge on a number of occasions, where he willed his team to wins. With the speed and puck skills that Foudy has, we are talking about someone who would have been a top scorer in the league, if he had a little bit more polish finishing scoring chances and if he had more talented forwards to work with. Despite teams being overly physical and had defensive structures in place to defend Foudy on the rush, his skating ability was simply too good at times where he became undefendable and he was still one of the best players in terms of scoring chances created in the GTHL. Foudy will likely find himself just outside the top 10, but make no mistake this is a top 10 talent.

Sleeper: Nolan Dillingham-Morelli - D (Mississauga Rebels)
Dillingham-Morelli finds himself behind a number of players in a group of very talented defensemen, something which has the potential to pay huge dividends for the team that drafts this kid. The physical two way blue liner may lack the offensive polish that some of the top end defensemen do, but very few have the ability to play at the level that he does in their own end. An impressive skater and puck mover who has shown at times during the season that he can rush the puck, Dillingham-Morelli is the type of player who is ready for the OHL now and while the offensive numbers may not translate straight away, he won't take long to adjust to playing at the next level. He can play all three situations effectively and has an OHL level shot right now along with the ability to play a lot of high quality minutes. When you look at him as a player, it is hard to see how a player of this talent could fall outside of the first three rounds which may be the case.

NOHA 

Brandon Wright

1.  Pacey Schlueting- North Bay Trappers (6’1, 175 pounds)
Schlueting, the NOHA Player of the Year, is the top player available from northern Ontario. He is a big two-way defenceman who has excellent skating ability. His powerful stride allows him to skate up and down the ice with ease. Schlueting has a powerful shot, and is a very effective puck mover. He registered 13 goals and 21 assists in 24 league games. He was also captain of both his minor midget club and Team NOHA.

2.  David Campbell- North Bay Trappers (6’1, 165 pounds)
Campbell is coming off a season in which he averaged a goal per game in league play, having scored 24 goals while adding another 12 assists in 24 games. He possesses a very good release and soft hands. Campbell plays strong with the puck and along the boards. He is also very effective penalty killer. Campbell is a threat to score any time he is on the ice. He and Schlueting tied for the Team NOHA scoring lead with 4 points in 4 games at the OHL Cup.

Sleeper- Justin Mauro- Sault Ste. Marie Thunderbirds (5’6, 140 pounds)
Mauro is an undersized, but highly skilled winger. His lack of stature may hurt his draft stock, but his skill and offensive instincts suggest he can be an effective player at the next level. He is a good skater who uses his speed to generate offensive opportunities. Mauro was the only player from his minor midget team selected to play for Team NOHA.

HEO

Brent Craswell - @brent_craswell 

1. Dylan Peterson (C/RW - Canadian International Hockey Academy)
Peterson is a highly gifted player who has a special combination of speed, agility, and skill. He is 6'3" with an enviable frame, but has the lateral mobility of an undersized forward. It is remarkable to watch him weave through the neutral zone with power and masterful control of his edges. His first few strides are explosive and his top gear is effortless. Defenders instinctively retreat when he’s skating at them so as to not get burned wide or plowed over. There are not many forwards in the age group better at creating space for themselves. To make matters worse for opposing D, he has dazzling stick handling ability, which only seems to improve the faster he is moving. Combine that with his natural length, and you have an attacker who can essentially do what he pleases while in possession of the puck. Despite having essentially every tool imaginable, Peterson's stock is not as high as it was at the start of the year. He started the campaign in a tier with Quinton Byfield, but you would be hard-pressed to find a scout who still feels that way. Part of that is Peterson became a victim of the expectations he created. He was expected to dominate the HEO Midget AAA league, and for the first half of the season, he didn't. He looked disinterested in some outings, spending far too much time on the perimeter. He wasn’t scoring goals from the outside, because his shot is probably the weakest part of his game. To his credit, Peterson was a different player in the last half of the season, making better use of his pro tools to play directly and relentlessly. That should leave scouts with a good taste in their mouths when discussing Peterson at the draft table. The complicating factor, however, is that Peterson is a dual citizen who has received an invite to join the US National Team Development Program. All indications are that he intends to accept that invitation and honour his commitment to Boston University.

2. Joshua Barnes (C/LW - Cornwall Colts U18) 
Barnes is an electric offensive talent who owns one of the best set of hands in minor midget. He is a wizard with the puck on his stick and attacks with speed and intention. He has great poise in possession, probing the defensive alignment for weak spots before darting into scoring positions. Barnes has quick feet, which helps him accelerate and helps him push back defenders. He will add more power to his stride as he strengthens his lower body. Barnes has lethal goal scoring touch from all distances. His shot is hard and accurate, but his release is what makes him a special talent. He gets a ton on his wrist shots without requiring much in the way of a wind-up. When on the rush, he can shoot off-stride which is highly disruptive to a goalie's timing and reads. If Barnes gets in alone, he has an array of breakaway moves that are downright scary. He has the perfect combination of attributes to work the half-wall on a powerplay, and that's where he's at his most dangerous. The most exciting part about Barnes is that he's already shown he can be an impact player with OHL-aged players. He suited up for the Jr. A Cornwall Colts of the CCHL for a total of 14 games, including all seven playoff games in the Colts' first round loss to the Hawkesbury Hawks. Barnes was one of the most dangerous players in that series, generating a ton of offence. It was an incredibly impressive feat, especially considering he won't turn 16 until late September. The only real knock on Barnes is that his effort on the defensive side of the puck can leave you wanting from time to time. He has lined up at center the bulk of the time for the Colts, but my view is he's better suited to play the wing. That should ease his defensive burden and free him up to make the most of his offensive gifts.

Other Favourites

Donovan Sebrango (LD - Canadian International Hockey Academy)
Sebrango is a complete player who does everything you want from a defenceman. He excels at turning defence into offense. He disrupts oncoming attackers as early as he can, yielding very few controlled zone entries down his side of the ice. More often than not, attackers will dump the puck behind him, giving Sebrango a chance to showcase his smooth pivoting and puck retrieval skills to get to the puck first and start the breakout. His passes are firm and hit players in stride, which facilitates clean breakouts. He assesses his options very well and more often than not picks out the teammate in the best position to transition the puck up ice. Sebrango is also the league's top defenceman when it comes to the stretch pass. His puck distribution prowess is not limited to facilitating breakouts, though. He also shows great vision in the offensive zone, finding seams and hitting open teammates in dangerous areas. This skill makes him an effective powerplay quarterback. He doesn't have a booming shot from the point, but he gets firm, low shots through with regularity.  It is difficult to find anything Sebrango cannot do on the ice. He has good puck skill and can evade forecheckers while carrying the puck through the neutral. He has the speed and offensive wherewithal to jump up at the proper time to create odd man rushes. He can play a physical game to eliminate forwards along the wall and regain possession. All in all, he can make an impact in any zone on any shift. The only real question with Sebrango is whether or not he is interested in playing OHL hockey. Like his teammate Dylan Peterson, he is committed to Boston University. Unlike Peterson, however, he is not eligible for The Program. That might give OHL teams more hope that they can persuade him of the benefits the OHL has to offer. If they are successful in that endeavour, they're going to get a defenceman who can be a Top 4, all-situations stalwart. 

Sean McGurn (C - Ottawa Jr. Senators U18)
McGurn is a crafty playmaking center. The foundation of his game is his ability to handle the puck in traffic. He has an excellent set of hands that allow him to maintain possession in tight while under duress. He has exceptional control of his edges, and can quickly change directions to shake forecheckers and drive into space. McGurn is very comfortable in possession, and it's hard to overstate just how good he is at distributing the puck. He regularly makes passes that require a great deal of skill, intelligence, and vision to execute. He has a knack for making his passes just as the defence or goaltender has over-committed to him. It is no surprise that he led all of HEO in assists this past season. McGurn is very capable defensively as well. He plays an up-tempo style of hockey away from the puck. He uses his quickness to aggressively pursue puck carriers all over the ice, which creates turnovers and more possession time for his team. He wins more battles than he should for a slight player due to a crafty stick. Although the stat is not recorded, I would not be surprised if McGurn led the league in faceoff percentage. In many of my viewings, he wouldn't lose more than a draw or two. The only concern with McGurn is whether he will be able to score goals at the next level. His shot is not strong enough to truly trouble goaltenders, and it will become more difficult to get into scoring areas in the OHL, where defenders have more experience containing slick forwards. Still, McGurn's high-end playmaking abilities give him a good chance to be a center on a scoring line at the next level.

Other HEO Top Players: Mikael Bissonnette, Yanic Crete, Simon Labelle, Kyle McDonald, Julian Recine, Nolan Seed, Rocco Testa-Basi, and Tyson Tomasini

Sleeper Picks

Ryan Stansel (LD - Hawkesbury Hawks U18)
What I love about Stansel's game is his poise and intelligence with puck. He knows when he needs to retrieve the puck quickly and move it with urgency. He has a lot of success getting the puck to teammates in those high pressure moments. But he also understands how to manage the puck effectively when the forecheckers give him time and space. He values possession, and does not want to throw the puck away. He transports the puck well and with intention, his head always up and ready to make a positive play. He is a capable distributor who snaps hard passes on top the tape of his teammates. Stansel covers a lot of ground quickly by using his long, efficient skating stride and is surprisingly agile laterally. On the defensive side of the puck, his main tools are his crafty stick and his intelligence. He takes excellent angles on attackers, and is adept at deftly pulling the puck out of scrums with precise stick work. He has a projectable frame and, once he adds muscles, he will be a more effective net front presence. The reason why Stansel is a sleeper despite all these positive tools is that his offensive game lacks polish. For all his success moving the puck in the defensive zone and the neutral zone, he hasn't yet figured out how to make himself a consistent threat in the offensive zone. He can be a bit stagnant away from the puck, and he needs to work on his reads in terms of when to pinch down low to keep the play alive and when to retreat. His shot isn't that hard and he's not going to beat goalies clean from the point. Still, he moves the puck so well everywhere else on the ice that I'd bet on him figuring out how to become a more impactful player offensively. It is also important to recall that Stansel is one of the youngest players in the draft (DOB: December 12, 2002), so you can expect more growth in his game when compared to older 2002s. He will likely need a year of development in local junior leagues, but I think Stansel would provide long-term value as a mid-round selection.

James Mayotte (LD - Shattuck-St. Mary's U16)
Mayotte is a sleeper more because of where he plays than anything else.  The native of Mallorytown, Ontario was accepted to Shattuck St. Mary's in Minnesota for his draft year, which will somewhat limit the ability for Ontario-based scouts to get a look at him. But Mayotte is a promising, highly-mobile defender. He defends high in the neutral zone, pressuring the puck carrier whenever that is an option. He's not overly physical and will need to work on maintaining position on his man down low, but that will become easier as he fills out. He is listed at a wiry 6'1', 165, but certainly has room to add muscle. He gets his team out of the defensive zone efficiently, either skating the puck through traffic or executing well-timed passes to beat the forecheck. Where Mayotte has most improved over the course of the season is in the offensive zone. He has become far more active, and is constantly moving in reaction to the position of the puck and the defenders. Mayotte jumps into holes well to make himself a dangerous passing target, which stress defences and makes him a very tough cover for wingers. He doesn't have a cannon from the point, but he isn't one to try to force shots. If he gets the puck in space, he is more likely to try to freeze the goalie and throw the puck into traffic with the hopes of getting a deflection. Teams who got a good read on Mayotte last year when he played for the Upper Canada Cyclones, or those who made the trip down to Minnesota, might be able to find a bit of a hidden gem at Shattuck-St. Mary’s. 

Mat Milberry@MatMilberry

#1 - Joshua Barnes C , September 27, 2002 - Cornwall Colts U18
Overall the 2002 age group from the Ottawa area is the strongest from top to bottom than it has been in years past. There isn't any doubt that C Dylan Peterson of CIHA is among the top prospects available for this years OHL draft, but one could easily argue that C/LW Joshua Barnes should also be among the top prospects available. He's the most electric, dynamic and opportunistic '02 prospect from the Ottawa region. He's a threat every time he's on the ice. He's a special talent and has a skill set that you can't teach. Left with carrying much of the load on a weak Cornwall Colts U18 team, he still finished 2nd in league scoring. Only helping his draft stock more was his ability to be an impact player for the CCHL Cornwall Colts down the stretch of the regular season and in the playoffs. In 7 regular season games - 3 G 2 A 5 PTS & in 7 playoff games - 2 G 4 A 6 PTS, which included a double overtime break away goal. He has all three elements of Speed that I look for in a top prospect - Mind, Feet and Hands. CCHL teams won't have to worry about how to defend against Barnes next year because he won't be playing in the league.

#2 - Sean McGurn C , July 30, 2002 - Ottawa Jr Senators U18
Sean is the most complete HEO U18 prospect available. High IQ and drive train on both sides of the puck, with leadership and quality character traits. May not be as explosive or dynamic as other HEO '02's available, but he still finished 3rd in league scoring with 16 G & 50 PTS in 40 GMS. His puck possession, play making ability and confidence with the puck got better as the year went on. His foot work and puck skills allow him to get on the inside of defenders in the offensive zone and get pucks to the net. He needs to work on his skating and strength training. A player that can play in all situations - special teams, important faceoffs, needing a goal or preserving a lead late. I believe he's among the smartest, most competitive, complete 200' two-way centres in Ontraio/US that is available for this years OHL draft. A team would be smart to consider signing Sean and having him play one year in the CCHL. He will improve based on his intelligence, work ethic and commitment levels, he just needs time to mature physically. Long term projection - Captain of a championship team at either the OHL or NCAA level.

Sleeper - Liam Cavan LD, March 9, 2002 - Rockland Nationals U18
A player that was at the bottom of my list to start the season, Liam has steadily climbed the list as the season went on. Like most 15 year old's that make the jump to U18 from Major Bantam, the first 2 months of the season are like drinking out of a fire hose. Liam always showed that he had some hockey sense, but it wasn't until he got his bearings, coupled with a little mid season growth spurt, that his confidence with & without the puck grew. Though he's playing on a very talented Rockland team, he's underused and over shadowed by returning players on the back end. He has a good puck possession skill set, good hockey sense, good first pass and has an edge to his game. His skating and edge work is under rated, his mechanics are there, but he just needs to get stronger. His smarts, communication and positional play in all three zones makes life easy for his Dpartner. He's a late bloomer and I really like his upside long term. With a good summer of training and maturing, his development path will just continue trending upwards.

SCTA
 
Matt Stewart - @stewbucs

#1. Cameron Tolnai, Oakville Rangers #9,
Position: C
Shoots: L
February 14, 2002
6’0”, 166 lbs

Tolnai was a top offensive threat for the Oakville Rangers who were one of the better minor midget teams in the province this season. He is an intelligent and efficient operator whose decision making and execution is next-level. A consistent threat to score every time he touches the ice, he has elite hands and great creativity in his game. Regularly beats defenders one-on-one and is as pure of a goal-scorer as there is in the age group, while also having above average playmaking ability. Possesses innate shooting instincts and a shot that freatures a quick release and tremendous pinpoint accuracy. His feet are good and he gets to his top speed quickly. He can accelerate through the neutral zone with relative ease and is always looking to make things happen once in the offensive zone, attacking the net with real vigour and purpose. Strength on his skates is also an asset and he uses it to beat defenders wide with really solid outside power moves. With his good size and strength, he protects the puck extremely well, pivoting and shielding calmly to display a great feel and response to any pressure. Uses his strength to fight off defenders on the boards as well to win most of his battles. A top player on the powerplay as he commands the puck and makes things happen with smart distributions. Finds soft spots to where he can get off his excellent shot with precision and accuracy to pick corners for goals. When he is left alone with the goalie he fools them with ease as they barely even move at times before the puck is in the back of the net. A willing defender, he fights hard in his own end to win the puck back and then turns up ice quickly to attack. His strength and quick stick provide his team with good defensive work. He generally has at least two or three steals in a game coming back into his own zone and stripping opponents from behind. A scoring machine as well as being an intelligent player in all three zones, Tolnai is one of the most well-rounded players in the ’02 class and figures to be an early first-round selection in this year’s Draft. 

#2. Luke Evangelista, Oakville Rangers #22
Position: RW
Shoots: R
February, 21, 2002
5’9”, 150 lbs

Evangelista is a super skilled player who lead his team and the SCTA in scoring with 90 points in 36 games. Evangelista can dominate a game with his special hands and craftiness. There seems to be an unlimited amount of creativity in his game. He loves to take players on one on one and usually wins that battle. A dangler who can slip by opponents with ease and has that ‘wow’ factor to his game. Because of his elite hands, Evangelista is a game breaker in every sense of the word. He has excellent vision in the offensive zone and can make passes that others can not. He is absolutely lethal when playing with Tolnai as those two just wreck havoc on the opponents goal especially when set up on the power play. He is also a devastating finisher himself with an accurate shot. Loves to pick the top corners. Evangelista gets around the ice with relative ease and has good acceleration. He is a smaller player but he does not back down from anyone. His quick feet get him out of trouble as opponents seem to underestimate his speed and elusiveness as he slips right by them. He can do things at a high level of speed that not many his age can do. Patience is also gift he possesses as he is willing to slow things down when necessary and wait for things to develop in front of him. He has the ability to come at you with speed and skill and also come at you with a slower, cerebral approach. More times than not it will result in a good scoring chance for himself or a team mate. Evangelista is obviously an offensive player first but he is also a willing defender. He uses his quickness and intelligence to get into good positions in the defensive zone to steal pucks. Once he gets a turnover, he quickly looks up the ice to attack. He never seems to take shifts off even when his team are well ahead in a game which happened quite a lot this season in league play. There’s no doubt that Evangelista is skilled and has the tools to excel at the next level. He should probably be a first or early second round pick in the upcoming OHL Priority Selection Draft. 

Sleeper: Ryan Mansfield, Burlington Eagles #11
Position: C/LW
Shoots: L
February 22, 2002
5’10”, 180 lbs

Mansfield is definitely a player that has flown under the radar all season with Burlington. He is as skilled as any in the league and has excellent speed and acceleration that make his offensive game devastating. He quietly finished 6th in SCTA league scoring with 28 goals in 31 games for 44 points. It is his speed that sets him apart from others in the league. There are not many quicker than Mansfield is, both with and without the puck. His strides are powerful and smooth, and he explodes in and out of his cuts. His abilities to do things at a high rate of speed with the puck also put him above most of his peers. Without the puck, he can be an effective fore checker and penalty killer with that speed. He gets on top of defenders quickly and forces them into mistakes. He is always a danger when shorthanded to break away and get a scoring chance which he can bury with relative ease. His hands are not elite, but they are good. He can beat people with skill, but he mostly relies on his speed and quickness to get around defenders. He also has a knack for finding teammates in the offensive zone. He has good offensive instincts and he uses them to his advantage. He can, at times, make passes that make you sit up and take notice. He is first and foremost a goal scorer, but he does have the ability to be a set up guy as well if needed. He plays a solid game in all three zones. He can help out in his own end, uses speed and intelligence to rip through the neutral zone untouched, and finally has the talent to make things happen in the offensive zone both for himself and his teammates. There is raw ability and talent there that seems to have gone a bit unnoticed this season in the SCTA. Mansfield could very well be a mid round pick or later that goes on to have a solid OHL career.

#1. Jamie Drysdale - D (Toronto Marlboros)
The most dominant overall defenseman in this draft class and arguably the most gifted one offensively, Drysdale has the type of intangibles and skill set that very few prospects posses, certainty at this age. With elite skating and play making abilities, Drysdale is a game breaker on the back end who very rarely puts in a bad shift, let alone a bad game. He led the Toronto Marlboros along with fellow captain Lleyton Moore as they toyed with teams in the GTHL all season long. An all situations type player who is deadly on the rush and on the power play, where he can change and create different shooting angles from the blue line with his lateral movement. With a high IQ, Drysdale is able to effectively shut down plays and doesn't miss a beat in one on one defensive battles despite not being the biggest guy on the ice. He is without a doubt a complete package and the type of player who can change the complete dynamic of a team almost instantly. He should be the first defenseman off the board and he can make an impact right away.

#2. Jean-Luc Foudy - F (Toronto Titans)
Argubly the best skating in this draft class, Jean-Luc Foudy looks certain to follow his brother Liam's footsteps as a first round draft pick. In terms of an individual player being essential to a teams success, nobody was more important this season in the GTHL than Foudy was to the the Toronto Titans. Playing on a team was limited forward talent, he single handedly carried the offensive charge on a number of occasions, where he willed his team to wins. With the speed and puck skills that Foudy has, we are talking about someone who would have been a top scorer in the league, if he had a little bit more polish finishing scoring chances and if he had more talented forwards to work with. Despite teams being overly physical and had defensive structures in place to defend Foudy on the rush, his skating ability was simply too good at times where he became undefendable and he was still one of the best players in terms of scoring chances created in the GTHL. Foudy will likely find himself just outside the top 10, but make no mistake this is a top 10 talent.

Sleeper: Nolan Dillingham-Morelli - D (Mississauga Rebels)
Dillingham-Morelli finds himself behind a number of players in a group of very talented defensemen, something which has the potential to pay huge dividends for the team that drafts this kid. The physical two way blue liner may lack the offensive polish that some of the top end defensemen do, but very few have the ability to play at the level that he does in their own end. An impressive skater and puck mover who has shown at times during the season that he can rush the puck, Dillingham-Morelli is the type of player who is ready for the OHL now and while the offensive numbers may not translate straight away, he won't take long to adjust to playing at the next level. He can play all three situations effectively and has an OHL level shot right now along with the ability to play a lot of high quality minutes. When you look at him as a player, it is hard to see how a player of this talent could fall outside of the first three rounds which may be the case.
Ryan Stacey (SCTA)@ryan_stacey5

#1 Cameron Tolnai, Center, Oakville Rangers
“The best player from start to finish in the SCTA, Tolnai is a unique blend of size, finesse, and pure offensive ability. With a rocket for a wrister and exceptional vision when running through the cycle game, he checks the box in almost every offensive category and has been playing at a high level which also carried into the OHL Cup. Poised with the puck on his stick, he is confident in every offensive situation and always seems to make the right play no matter what defensive barrage he faces. In the defensive zone, the same effort applies, and he is great at hunting down players on the rush and creating turnovers. Overall just an exceptional player with a bright future ahead.”

#2 Luke Evangelista, Right Wing, Oakville Rangers
“Quickly labeled as the shooter on Tolnai’s wing, Evangelista soon changed that thinking and has been a player possessed in the offensive zone this year and is quite capable of dominating on his own. Light on his feet, but powerful in his own right, he demands respect at all times and can make hard plays look easy and good defenders look incompetent. With a shot as lethal as his playmaking ability, he is completely unpredictable at times and has shown what happens when the opposition guesses wrong with a healthy 90 points in 36 SCTA games. At 5’10’’ and 150 lbs he isn’t the most physically demanding player but he uses his body well in both ends and has great defensive tendencies which show he isn’t simply an offensive threat. Look for him to go fair early come draft day”

Sleeper: Robbie Stewart, Defence, Niagara North Stars
“Stewart falls under the sleeper category, simply because I think he may fall in the draft. After providing solid play early on for Niagara, he was injured just before the new year and missed the SCTA Showcase, Playdowns and he wasn’t successful in making the OHL Cup. After barely seeing him for some time he may be a slightly forgotten commodity and it provides an opportunity for a team to strike gold. Standing at 6’3’’ 172 lbs, he already has good size and is in a primed position to be impactful after some time in the weight room. Armed with a healthy combination of vision and defensive anticipation, he is just as good moving pucks forward as he is as keeping them out. With a long clean stride, confidence in his puck carrying abilities and a heavy shot he loves to use when openings arise, Stewart does everything from the backend and he looks like a guy who will make an impact in the OHL sooner rather than later.”

ETA

Trevor Revoy (ETA)@RevoyJr2

#1: Quinton Byfield - LC - York Simcoe Express
Not much can be said about Byfield that you probably haven't heard yet. Provably one of the best prospects to come from the ETA in quite some time. The consensus top prospect from start to finish, Byfield plays like he is a year older then everyone else. A big, strong center paired with high end speed make it nearly impossible to shut him down. Possessing an elite shot that gets off in a hurry and elite puck skills has helped Byfield put together the third best points per game in the ETA behind only Steven Stamkos and Taylor Hall, showing how elite his season was. A great skater and smart player he knows when to pass to the open man and when to challenge the defender with his skills. A good back checker who creates turnovers with his size, stick and physicality. Works hard on the For check and when he gets the puck he turns it into a scoring chance in seconds. All in all Byfield is an elite level player who excels in every aspect of the game.

#2: Evan Vierling - LC - York Simcoe Express 
A smooth skating center, Vierling is one of the best 200 ft player coming from the ETA, an elite stickhandler, he can go from a stand still in his own end to a breakaway at the other. Shifty with the puck he is always looking create a scoring chance, he plays with elite vision and a high IQ. When the games get tough his game gets better and better, a go to option when up a goal and down a goal late in the third period. Identifies weak coverage and exploits it with ease. Has good snap shot that he likes to use coming down off the wing. Runs a powerplay knowing when to set up the open man and when to take the puck to the net. A coaches dream player who excels in all situations. Look for him to be a top pick in the upcoming draft.

Sleeper: Luc Reeve - LC/LW - Peterborough Petes 
A strong two way player, Reeve has played under the radar since the start of the year always having to prove doubters wrong. An aggressive forchecker who creates turnovers in the offensive zone with his physical nature and strong stick. A good skater who can shield the puck with his body or dump and ware down opponents in the corner. Can play a hard nosed physical game or switch it and play skill game depending on the opponent. Plays with a ton of energy, backchecking hard, then turning it into offense. Very effective at gaining space and opening up in front of the net to get open for a pass or boxing out defenders to pounce on a rebound. A hard working, high energy player with a scoring touch.

 

#1: Cole Perfetti, Vaughn Kings
Perfetti was one of the most consistent point producers in the GTHL all season long. This 5ft8" 155lb pivot is one of the smartest players at the 2002 level. Perfetti possesses a skill that many don't at his age and experience, maybe having played up with the Whitby Wildcats minor midget team that played in the 2017 OHL Cup helped him build, a level of patience and calm that is rarely this mature at 16.
Not an outright speed demon Perfetti is a deceptive skater that can utilize outstanding egde work coupled with a strong wide stance that makes him very difficult to knock off the puck. He is at his best when on the cycle and with the puck on his stick. Because of his great playmaking skill and capacity to maintain puck possession he backs off defenders making him dangerous in transition. Using his elite hockey sense and tremendous hands Perfetti is masterful at the art of the saucer pass and can slot passes into to space creating plenty of scoring opportunities for linemates. A stalwart on the PP he draws the attention of defenders freeing up other players to assert offensively.
If not the smoothest playmaker in the G he is without question a scoring threat every time he is on the ice. Continually finds a way to sift through defenceman and ending up in a scoring position or a dish for a chance. Because he is such a calm player his compete level may go unnoticed but Perfetti often used in PK and is very skilled in the neutral zone as a gap closing forward that uses his elite hands to pick off passes and create turnovers. While not shoot first center with a powerful shot he is very accurate and scores most of his goals in the key scoring area within 10 feet of the goal. As he gains further size and strength he will only develop his scoring at greater range and variety. Perfetti is currently committed to the University of Michigan and while there is no doubt he will be an excellent player at the NCAA level, his game is very primed for the OHL as well and would no doubt be contributor as a top line forward in the not so distant future.

#2: Lleyton Moore, Toronto Marlboros
Moore is a diminutive defender that is listed at 5ft 8" and 155lbs but there nothing small about his game. He checks every box when it comes to being an defenceman at the minor midget level in the GTHL for the #1 ranked Toronto Marlboros. An elite skater that has spectacular edge control he can keep plays alive with his open hip style pivoting and powerful stride. Equally as quick going east west as he is north south his crossover step and deceptive changes of direction give him plenty of time and space to make plays. What's so impressive about this player is he ability to assess the situation in the game and make plays and/or adjust his style of play accordingly. He can play the speed and transition game or go physical and puck possession mode depending on the opponent and the state of the game. This speaks to his high hockey IQ and competitive level. Moore is an ex excellent passer with top level vision and playmaking ability. His poise and patience allow plays to develop. Not prone to the slapshot he uses a quick release wrister to get pucks through and create tip or rebound opportunities. If Moore was 6ft and 185lb there is no doubt he would be right in the conversation with Drysdale and Power as one of the top defenceman in the upcoming draft. He is one of the most entertaining players of the 2002 group and undoubtedly has the tools to be a 1/2 defenceman at the next level.

Sleeper: Isaac MacLeod, Toronto Jr. Canadiens
MacLeod demonstrated (in the OHL Cup Final) what he has done most of the season. A great secondary scorer that possesses a good release and penchant for scoring key goals. The word tenacious comes to mind right away when describing this player. While not a dynamic skater he has solid acceleration and once in stride moves with pace. He is a stop and start forward that rarely gives up on a puck battle. Uses his physicality well, great body position and wide stance coupled with good balance allows him to protect pucks and be a positive possession player. A deceptive release and quick hands in tight spaces especially around the net allows him to be a quality clean up man. MacLeod comes with a keen sense for the game which makes him lethal on the PK as he can pick off.passes and create havoc for defenders with his capacity to read plays and use pressure to cause turnovers. At the next level MacLeod will be a serviceable player that can play up and down your line up and give you quality play in a variety of roles
1. Antonio Stranges, Detroit Little Caesars 16U AAA
“Way high up on TheScout.ca’s list of best players available for the OHL Priority Selection is Antonio Stranges, who tore up the Detroit Little Caesars independent schedule and completely dominated the T1EHL playing in some limited showcases. Stranges is a kid who has been on many OHL and USHL draft radars for over two seasons now, having played up with the 16U team last season along with this season, all while putting up big-time numbers both years. Stranges is most well-known for his unique skating ability and his exceptional puck skills that allow him to be one of the deadliest offensive players on the ice at any moment. His footwork, edge control and utilization of his explosive feet enable him to literally dance around the competition, like a Jeff Skinner or Jeremy Bracco type skater. The creativity is through the roof when the puck is on his stick too, as he has the high-end hockey sense and the crafty offensive talent to shoot, pass and score in bunches. Stranges is currently committed to the University of Michigan and will be attending the USA NTDP Evaluation Camp with a strong chance of making the U17 team. Will he end up in the OHL someday though? It is definitely a possibility.”

2. Dylan Peterson, Canadian International Hockey Academy Midget AAA (CIHA)
“Another gifted forward who has been on the radar for a while now is Dylan Peterson with the CIHA Midget AAA program just outside of Ottawa. Peterson is an American/Canadian dual-citizen, and was one of the first 2002-born skaters to commit to a NCAA university when he selected Boston University as a 14-year-old. Peterson has been very well known in scouting circles due to his NHL ready 6.03” frame paired with his powerful and very fluid skating stride. Not many large hockey players have the high-end speed of Peterson, and his strength along with his extremely quick hands make him a lethal threat every time he’s coming down the ice. His puck skills can dazzle for sure, and he can take a direct path right through the opposition or dangle a defenseman with his slick skills and long reach. Watch out for his high-end and accurate shot as well, but he does hesitate at times as he needs to work on becoming the dominant player he can be on every shift. Peterson will also be attending the USA NTDP Evaluation Camp, and he has a very good chance to make the U17 team. The sky is the limit for this kid, he has the physical gifts and smooth skating to make him a top NHL Draft selection down the line.”

Sleeper: Andrei Bakanov, Oakland Jr. Grizzlies 16U AAA
“Probably not much of a sleeper here, but Andrei Bakanov will likely be a player discussed a lot as we lead up to the OHL Priority Selection as his eligibility is currently up-in-the-air for the draft. Bakanov is a Russian-born player who has spent this year with the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies 16U team after playing up the season before with the Cleveland Barons 16U team. With Oakland, the Russian kid displayed his pro-quality talents before all the HPHL by finishing second in both goals and points in one of the most competitive leagues in the country. You don’t have to watch too long before you see his best trait, a deadly accurate, hard shot that probably gives goalies at this level nightmares. Bakanov has the Russian patience for sure, taking his time to read plays at times and then striking exactly when you least expect it, often drawing peer-to-peer comparisons to famous NHL player Evgeni Malkin. Footwork is a little heavy for Bakanov, but his smooth puck handing and decent smarts help mitigate this issue. Should he be declared eligible for the OHL Draft, look for his name to go very high in the 1st Round. His goal scoring capabilities, his patience with the puck, and his NHL sized frame will be highly coveted.”
1. Antonio Stranges, Detroit Little Caesars 16U AAA
“Way high up on TheScout.ca’s list of best players available for the OHL Priority Selection is Antonio Stranges, who tore up the Detroit Little Caesars independent schedule and completely dominated the T1EHL playing in some limited showcases. Stranges is a kid who has been on many OHL and USHL draft radars for over two seasons now, having played up with the 16U team last season along with this season, all while putting up big-time numbers both years. Stranges is most well-known for his unique skating ability and his exceptional puck skills that allow him to be one of the deadliest offensive players on the ice at any moment. His footwork, edge control and utilization of his explosive feet enable him to literally dance around the competition, like a Jeff Skinner or Jeremy Bracco type skater. The creativity is through the roof when the puck is on his stick too, as he has the high-end hockey sense and the crafty offensive talent to shoot, pass and score in bunches. Stranges is currently committed to the University of Michigan and will be attending the USA NTDP Evaluation Camp with a strong chance of making the U17 team. Will he end up in the OHL someday though? It is definitely a possibility.”

2. Dylan Peterson, Canadian International Hockey Academy Midget AAA (CIHA)
“Another gifted forward who has been on the radar for a while now is Dylan Peterson with the CIHA Midget AAA program just outside of Ottawa. Peterson is an American/Canadian dual-citizen, and was one of the first 2002-born skaters to commit to a NCAA university when he selected Boston University as a 14-year-old. Peterson has been very well known in scouting circles due to his NHL ready 6.03” frame paired with his powerful and very fluid skating stride. Not many large hockey players have the high-end speed of Peterson, and his strength along with his extremely quick hands make him a lethal threat every time he’s coming down the ice. His puck skills can dazzle for sure, and he can take a direct path right through the opposition or dangle a defenseman with his slick skills and long reach. Watch out for his high-end and accurate shot as well, but he does hesitate at times as he needs to work on becoming the dominant player he can be on every shift. Peterson will also be attending the USA NTDP Evaluation Camp, and he has a very good chance to make the U17 team. The sky is the limit for this kid, he has the physical gifts and smooth skating to make him a top NHL Draft selection down the line.”

Sleeper: Andrei Bakanov, Oakland Jr. Grizzlies 16U AAA
“Probably not much of a sleeper here, but Andrei Bakanov will likely be a player discussed a lot as we lead up to the OHL Priority Selection as his eligibility is currently up-in-the-air for the draft. Bakanov is a Russian-born player who has spent this year with the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies 16U team after playing up the season before with the Cleveland Barons 16U team. With Oakland, the Russian kid displayed his pro-quality talents before all the HPHL by finishing second in both goals and points in one of the most competitive leagues in the country. You don’t have to watch too long before you see his best trait, a deadly accurate, hard shot that probably gives goalies at this level nightmares. Bakanov has the Russian patience for sure, taking his time to read plays at times and then striking exactly when you least expect it, often drawing peer-to-peer comparisons to famous NHL player Evgeni Malkin. Footwork is a little heavy for Bakanov, but his smooth puck handing and decent smarts help mitigate this issue. Should he be declared eligible for the OHL Draft, look for his name to go very high in the 1st Round. His goal scoring capabilities, his patience with the puck, and his NHL sized frame will be highly coveted.”
1. Antonio Stranges, Detroit Little Caesars 16U AAA
“Way high up on TheScout.ca’s list of best players available for the OHL Priority Selection is Antonio Stranges, who tore up the Detroit Little Caesars independent schedule and completely dominated the T1EHL playing in some limited showcases. Stranges is a kid who has been on many OHL and USHL draft radars for over two seasons now, having played up with the 16U team last season along with this season, all while putting up big-time numbers both years. Stranges is most well-known for his unique skating ability and his exceptional puck skills that allow him to be one of the deadliest offensive players on the ice at any moment. His footwork, edge control and utilization of his explosive feet enable him to literally dance around the competition, like a Jeff Skinner or Jeremy Bracco type skater. The creativity is through the roof when the puck is on his stick too, as he has the high-end hockey sense and the crafty offensive talent to shoot, pass and score in bunches. Stranges is currently committed to the University of Michigan and will be attending the USA NTDP Evaluation Camp with a strong chance of making the U17 team. Will he end up in the OHL someday though? It is definitely a possibility.”

2. Dylan Peterson, Canadian International Hockey Academy Midget AAA (CIHA)
“Another gifted forward who has been on the radar for a while now is Dylan Peterson with the CIHA Midget AAA program just outside of Ottawa. Peterson is an American/Canadian dual-citizen, and was one of the first 2002-born skaters to commit to a NCAA university when he selected Boston University as a 14-year-old. Peterson has been very well known in scouting circles due to his NHL ready 6.03” frame paired with his powerful and very fluid skating stride. Not many large hockey players have the high-end speed of Peterson, and his strength along with his extremely quick hands make him a lethal threat every time he’s coming down the ice. His puck skills can dazzle for sure, and he can take a direct path right through the opposition or dangle a defenseman with his slick skills and long reach. Watch out for his high-end and accurate shot as well, but he does hesitate at times as he needs to work on becoming the dominant player he can be on every shift. Peterson will also be attending the USA NTDP Evaluation Camp, and he has a very good chance to make the U17 team. The sky is the limit for this kid, he has the physical gifts and smooth skating to make him a top NHL Draft selection down the line.”

Sleeper: Andrei Bakanov, Oakland Jr. Grizzlies 16U AAA
“Probably not much of a sleeper here, but Andrei Bakanov will likely be a player discussed a lot as we lead up to the OHL Priority Selection as his eligibility is currently up-in-the-air for the draft. Bakanov is a Russian-born player who has spent this year with the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies 16U team after playing up the season before with the Cleveland Barons 16U team. With Oakland, the Russian kid displayed his pro-quality talents before all the HPHL by finishing second in both goals and points in one of the most competitive leagues in the country. You don’t have to watch too long before you see his best trait, a deadly accurate, hard shot that probably gives goalies at this level nightmares. Bakanov has the Russian patience for sure, taking his time to read plays at times and then striking exactly when you least expect it, often drawing peer-to-peer comparisons to famous NHL player Evgeni Malkin. Footwork is a little heavy for Bakanov, but his smooth puck handing and decent smarts help mitigate this issue. Should he be declared eligible for the OHL Draft, look for his name to go very high in the 1st Round. His goal scoring capabilities, his patience with the puck, and his NHL sized frame will be highly coveted.”

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