1. Evan Bouchard - Defense - London Knights (Edmonton Oilers)
You could make a case for any of the guys in my top 5 to be the top prospect from the OHL currently. And on a different day, I might give you a different answer. In fact, I think I changed the order of the top 5 multiple times before settling on this. So here's why I have Bouchard first: I think his vision, poise, and overall play with the puck should translate well to the NHL level. While he'll never be a truly dynamic defender like an Erik Karlsson, nor will he be the league's best in his own end, I do think that he'll grow in those areas over his career and become a very solid top 4 defender and number one powerplay QB for the Oilers.
NHL Comparison: Larry Murphy
—
Matt Mosewich (@EDMFutureWatch) April
9, 2019
2. Adam Boqvist - Defense - London Knights (Chicago Blackhawks)
Kind of the antithesis of Bouchard from an offensive perspective, even though the two were teammates this year. Boqvist is electric with the puck on his stick and aggressive as hell as an offensive defender. He plays a high risk game, but it works at this level. Defensively, he has a ways to go, but this is a guy made to be an impact player in today's faster paced NHL game.
NHL Comparison: Sergei Gonchar
It's game one and Adam Boqvist is out there dangling defenders by jumping over the puck, getting breakaways, and faking out players from the point. It's going to be a fun year for the Chicago Blackhawks prospect. pic.twitter.com/pI1moIUzDR
— Mitch Brown (@MitchLBrown) September 29, 2018
3. Barrett Hayton - Forward - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (Arizona Coyotes)
Hayton is a very safe prospect IMO because of how well rounded his game is and how competitive he is in the offensive end. His finishing skills in tight are top notch and he processes the game well in any situation. His game is pro ready and it seems quite unlikely that we see him back in the OHL for his 19 year old season.
NHL Comparison: Bryan Little
Passing Profile: Barrett Hayton (Arizona).
Hayton, scoring in the 90th percentile of CHL Tracking Project's Expected Primary Assists/60, makes extensive use of slip passes to pass through and around sticks, and the threat of shooting to set up a pass. https://t.co/aObK77fjmr pic.twitter.com/ZJ6frYYFn6
— Mitch Brown (@MitchLBrown) February 16, 2019
4. Morgan Frost - Forward - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (Philadelphia Flyers)
A cerebral playmaker, Frost and Suzuki are almost 4A and 4B here. But I've given the slight nod to Frost because I think that he's elevated the power in his stride to be a little quicker than Suzuki is. He can really keep the puck on a string and his offensive upside is quite high. As he gets stronger at the pro level, I think he eventually becomes a pretty solid two-way player too. It just may take time.
NHL Comparison: Logan Couture
Two incredible displays of creativity and stickhandling by Morgan Frost (#LetsGoFlyers). First, he heel drags between the legs. Can't say I've seen that in the OHL before. Second, fake between the legs shot to backhand shot. Great save by Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, too. pic.twitter.com/rKw9HYHsfp
— Mitch Brown (@MitchLBrown) January 23, 2019
5. Nick Suzuki - Forward - Guelph Storm (Montreal Canadiens)
Like Frost, Suzuki is a top notch playmaker. He is a creative puckhandler whose strength on the puck and ability to operate through traffic really improved this year. After winning an OHL championship and taking his game to another level in the playoffs, he's ready for the next challenge. I do think that there could be a learning curve for him as he adjusts to the pace of the pro game. And I do have questions as to whether he stays down the middle. But he's a terrific young offensive player.
NHL Comparison: Joe Pavelski
Look at Nick Suzuki. That was one beautiful setup. The Suzuki brothers are going to take the NHL by storm. (No pun intended) pic.twitter.com/M1LGTVKkRd
— Josh Tessler (@JoshTessler_) May 7, 2019
6. Ty Dellandrea - Forward - Flint Firebirds (Dallas Stars)
I seem to be higher on Dellandrea than my contemporaries, but I have the utmost faith that he will be a long time impact NHL player. He may not have the potential of some others on this list, but he is the type that you win Stanley Cup's with, anchoring your second line. He will prove this year that he is more skilled than people give him credit for. As much as there is hype surrounding him sticking in Dallas this season, I really think another year in the OHL would be best for him and his development as an offensive player.
NHL Comparison: Daymond Langkow
Dallas Stars’ prospect Ty Dellandrea led the Flint Firebirds to a win over the Sarnia Sting on Saturday night, tallying five points as the Firebirds won 6-2. Here are all five of his points: pic.twitter.com/NxE81BDaRG
— anttoni honka fan club (@DraftLook) January 13, 2019
7. Jason Robertson - Forward - Niagara IceDogs (Dallas Stars)
Best player in the OHL between and below the dots. Has the ability to dominate time of possession because of how well he protects the puck. But it's the improvement to his skating that has him this high and helped him win a scoring title last season. I no longer have concerns that this will hold his game back. Just a matter of how well his puck skill and creativity translate to the NHL level. Might end up more as a quality second line supporting winger.
NHL Comparison: Andrew Brunette
Jason Robertson has quite the wrist shot, no chance for Propp. #GoStars @OHLIceDogs pic.twitter.com/iZ690U7egW
— NHL Prospects Watcher (@Prospects_Watch) March 29, 2019
8. Bode Wilde - Defense - Saginaw Spirit (New York Islanders)
Wilde is someone that you just can't take your eyes off of when he has the puck. He has such power in his stride and seems to gain entry to the offensive zone at will. He may have averaged an end to end rush per game from my viewings of Saginaw this year. He is just an electric player. Like Boqvist, he plays a high risk game and he will need to clean some things up with his decision making and defensive play. But he is such a pure athlete with a very high ceiling.
NHL Comparison: Brent Burns
Here's that Bode Wilde play that I talked about earlier. Stick tap to @jimmy_mcgroarty for sending me the video. A very impressive play that shows off Wilde's skill set. pic.twitter.com/2e9BhUVFwF
— OHL Prospects (@BrockOtten) October 17, 2018
9. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen - Goaltender - Sudbury Wolves (Buffalo Sabres)
Hip surgery be damned, what UPL did in the OHL this year was remarkable; one of the best goaltending performances that I have seen in the league. First European goaltender to win the Top goaltender award and first European at any position to take home the Red Tilson. He is so composed in the crease. With his size, he is just a wall in the net with how well he tracks the play. Goalies are tough to project, but I'd be shocked if he doesn't become a starting netminder in the NHL.
NHL Comparison: Frederik Andersen
Oh boy, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, wow. #WJC2019 #Sabres pic.twitter.com/dJAMkXgJHR
— Steven Ellis (@StevenEllisTHN) December 27, 2018
10. Owen Tippett - Forward - Saginaw Spirit (Florida Panthers)
Tippett's two-way game has improved a lot over his OHL career, and that was the one area that the Florida Panthers really asked him to focus on when they sent him back rather early this past season. His bread and butter will always be his shot and ability to score goals and his North/South attacking style should translate well. Not sure if he sees the ice well enough or has the puck poise to be a driving force at the NHL level though. More likely a supporting winger who can play shotgun with a good playmaking center.
NHL Comparison: Scott Young
Owen Tippett loses then regains possession by kicking the puck to his stick, taking it to the slot & scoring on the backhand. #2017NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/bpYNlQss4g
— Kathryn Jean (@msconduct) May 13, 2017
11. Dmitri Samorukov - Defense - Guelph Storm (Edmonton Oilers)
Few prospects on the planet have seen their star rise the way that Samorukov has this past season. What he did in the second half of the season and in the OHL playoffs was just, flat out, a treat to watch. He dominated at both ends of the ice with his mobility, skill, and tenaciousness. Is this the real Samorukov or was it just a hot streak? Remains to be seen. He'll have to prove himself at the pro level, but I am a believer in what I saw. He's always possessed that kind of potential, and the light bulb finally went off.
NHL Comparison: Niklas Kronwall
π₯ | @EdmontonOilers prospect Dmitri Samorukov with too much sauce tonight in Saginaw. He netted a hatty with an assist as @Storm_City forces a Game 6 with 4-0 win over @SpiritHockey in the #OHL Western Conference Finals π©π©π© @OHLHockey #OHLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/FyvUoqwfz3
— Jason Lewis (@JasonLewis_TV) April 27, 2019
12. Arthur Kaliyev - Forward - Hamilton Bulldogs (Los Angeles Kings)
Yes, he fell to the second round, but in these summer rankings, I tend to stick with my own personal rankings for the previous draft. I had Kaliyev ranked first among 2019 eligibles from the OHL so he remains there. There are concerns over the pace at which he plays and his engagement level without the puck. But you can't argue with his production. And who's to say that he won't improve some of his weaker areas? He certainly looked pretty good at the world junior summer showcase.
NHL Comparison: Thomas Vanek
Put Arthur Kaliyev on the bomb squad. What a cannon off the back bar on the PP to put @BulldogsOHL up 2-0 early against the @OHLSteelheads in the only matinee of the day. pic.twitter.com/KXZXMvQR5t
— John Morris (@JohnMorrisR53) October 13, 2018
13. Philip Tomasino - Forward - Niagara IceDogs (Nashville Predators)
Love the pace at which Tomasino plays. He is constantly buzzing; constantly looking to attack the offensive zone. His skating will play at the next level. His decision making with the puck will need to improve and he needs to get stronger on the puck too. But he was a standout for Niagara this year in his draft year, producing without consistent ice time or special teams play. He's only going to get better.
NHL Comparison: Andy McDonald
Was sifting through some Philip Tomasino clippings from this season. This play from February was one of my favourites.
One-handed backhand chip to himself before finishing on the break. *Chef kiss* pic.twitter.com/3HEdcoPiw9
— /Cam Robinson/ (@Hockey_Robinson) May 29, 2019
14. Thomas Harley - Defense - Mississauga Steelheads (Dallas Stars)
Modern day NHL defender who possesses elite mobility and size. Harley is a little bit like Bode Wilde in that regard. He can be electric in transition and very difficult to stop from gaining the offensive zone. He's a project though who will require some patience as he matures mentally and physically. High upside here though.
NHL Comparison: Thomas Chabot
Here is some more Thomas Harley. Look at the way he chips the puck off the glass, side steps the check of Ryan Suzuki and is then off to the races.
No mistake on the finish.#2019NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/fC2RKEvq59
— Evan (@Shattenkirk) June 16, 2019
15. Ryan Suzuki - Forward - Barrie Colts (Carolina Hurricanes)
Suzuki is an absolutely elite playmaker. His vision with the puck in the offensive zone is probably the best of any player on this list except Evan Bouchard. But he struggled at times this year, both with being the focal point of Barrie's attack, and with playing through checks. As he learns to navigate and attack between the dots more, he'll breakout just as Morgan Frost and his brother Nick did, once upon a time ago.
NHL Comparison: David Krejci
Got the chance to watch MIS vs BAR last night.
I was really impressed with what I saw from Ryan Suzuki (2πs). He does a great job of being deceitful and sending passes in ways his head isn't facing. Tough for a defender to read what he's going to do. Thisπwas with BAR net empty pic.twitter.com/7Ivb8GU6fS
— Rink Rat Report (@RinkRatReport) January 26, 2019
16. Ryan Merkley - Defense - Peterborough Petes (San Jose Sharks)
On talent alone, he probably deserves to be higher. Few defenders in the OHL can create offense the way that he does. But everyone knows that already. He's a high risk, high reward defender in the same vein as Boqvist and Wilde. But the same issues keep creeping up with his on and off the ice distractions; the same issues that saw him dealt to Peterborough by a team that just won an OHL championship. He's a competitive kid, but as of right now, these things aren't improving. Until they do, he'll be ranked lower on lists like this.
NHL Comparison: Steve Duchesne
This Ryan Merkley sequence is unreal. Holds the blue line three times, gets a great look, and then sets up two more. No denying he has phenomenal offensive skills and acumen. #2018NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/gD3YRoXIti
— Mitch Brown (@MitchLBrown) March 28, 2018
17. Isaac Ratcliffe - Forward - Guelph Storm (Philadelphia Flyers)
Hulking goal scorer who had a terrific year winning an OHL championship with Guelph. Was excellent in the playoffs and the Memorial Cup too. His shot and release are lethal, especially when you consider his reach and strength. He'll need to make quicker decisions with the puck at the pro level, and continue to improve his agility, but he could be a perfect linemate for Morgan Frost in the future.
NHL Comparison: Fredrik Modin
Everyone is talking about Nick Suzuki but Isaac Ratcliffe having extremely good series too. pic.twitter.com/XQ3txnhsdL
— Yannick St-Pierre (@DraftDynasty1) May 12, 2019
18. Jack Studnicka - Forward - Niagara IceDogs (Boston Bruins)
A "jack" (pun intended) of all trades forward whose versatility will likely see him rise to the NHL level quicker than some others on this list. Can be on the ice in any situation, and similar to Jason Robertson, has really improved his skating over his OHL career. Projection not quite as high as some others, but could still be a very solid and longtime middle six center. This is the type of player who helps you win Championships.
NHL Comparison: Matt Cullen
Jack Studnicka (#NHLBruins prospect) with one of the best rushes I've seen. Toe drag around one defender, through the legs of another, and then a backhander off both posts and out. The no-goal of the year. pic.twitter.com/xJJBB1ayU8
— Mitch Brown (@MitchLBrown) February 26, 2019
19. Serron Noel - Forward - Oshawa Generals (Florida Panthers)
What a remarkable athlete Noel is. The power he generates in his stride is a thing of beauty to watch, as he carves through the neutral zone and puts defenders on his back on the way to the net. His hands are still catching up and his agility/balance still needs work, but he has a very high upside. Took a massive leap forward this year as a puck carrier and distributor. Look forward to seeing further growth this coming season.
NHL Comparison: Glen Murray
Serron Noel wins a battle behind his own net then beats his man up the ice to beat the #2 ranked team in Canada. It was his 12th of the season, in overtime #FLAPanthers pic.twitter.com/LkEVgmPGbq
— Generals Live (@GeneralsUpdates) November 10, 2018
20. Liam Foudy - Forward - London Knights (Columbus Blue Jackets)
Speed, speed, and more speed. Foudy is one of the OHL's premier skaters. And he is starting to learn to use his speed to be a greater factor without the puck. But his shot is still a weakness as he needs to be in tight to score. His high end upside depends on the development of said shot, and his vision with the puck as he takes on a larger role with London this upcoming season.
NHL Comparison: Andrew Cogliano
#2018NHLDraft prospect Liam Foudy (18) w/ 1G 1A last night. Extra long step allows him to create space before deking our goalie. Carries the puck up, turns to protect puck along the boards and waits for open man to pass. #OHL pic.twitter.com/MZU2J5RkF3
— Kathryn Jean (@msconduct) February 17, 2018
21. Michael Dipietro - Goaltender - Ottawa 67's (Vancouver Canucks)
Was tough to see Dipietro's season end the way that it did. From the disastrous emergency recall to Vancouver, to the injury in the playoffs. His second half was one to forget. But let's NOT forget all the great things that he had done previously to this. And let's not forget that Dipietro is a top shelf individual who has the work ethic and attitude to improve. There may be some growing pains as he will need to adjust his style to excel at the pro level. In a way, similar to Alex Nedeljkovic in Carolina. But I do still feel that he will be an NHL netminder down the road. When he's dialed in, he can be absolutely unbeatable with the way he tracks the play and with his athleticism.
NHL Comparison: Jonathan Quick
Michael DiPietro goes post-to-post to make an unreal save.
Follow along for updates: https://t.co/Scgvk6uAUT pic.twitter.com/6mCoDfPqlR
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 31, 2017
22. Sasha Chmelevski - Forward - Ottawa 67's (San Jose Sharks)
Chmelevski had an excellent second half to the year in Ottawa and was, without a doubt, one of the top forwards in the league post trade deadline (including the playoffs). He's developed into such a competitive player over his OHL career and that competitiveness will help him move quickly through San Jose's system. Let's not forget that Chmelevski also has a great shot and release. Should become a solid middle six forward.
NHL Comparison: Alex Steen
All 5 of Sasha Chmelevski’s goals from today! #OHL pic.twitter.com/bhrjg2dtDq
— NHL Prospects π (@NHLPC) February 19, 2019
23. Akil Thomas - Forward - Niagara IceDogs (Los Angeles Kings)
Quick strike offensive player who has excellent vision in the offensive end and should be one of the OHL's leading scorers next year (as he was this year). Has the skating ability and offensive talent to be a top 6 player at the NHL level. But still needs to get stronger and be a more willing and successful combatant in tighter checking games.
NHL Comparison: Mikael Granlund
Great zone entry and assist from Akil Thomas. pic.twitter.com/ULapFDhuGP
— anttoni honka fan club (@DraftLook) February 18, 2019
24. Alex Formenton - Forward - London Knights (Ottawa Senators)
Like Liam Foudy, Formenton's game is built around his skating ability. He can flat out fly. Formenton is also very aggressive physically and will assert himself in all three zones to make a play on the puck. At this point, I'm just not convinced that his vision with the puck, nor his hands are good enough to be a top 6 player at the next level. But, he will still provide a lot of value to the Senators and could be an elite third liner.
NHL Comparison: Martin Gelinas
Alex Formenton scored a ridiculous goal vs the 67's on Sunday pic.twitter.com/09CZ34Y844
— The Render (@TheRenderMedia) March 5, 2018
25. Sean Durzi - Defense - Guelph Storm (Los Angeles Kings)
Kind of a tough year for Durzi as he dealt with shoulder issues. I felt like his game wasn't quite right until the playoffs and Memorial Cup when we truly saw him at his best. But he's a great offensive defender because of his mobility and vision. You just don't see him turn the puck over. There are definitely questions as to whether he'll be able to defend at the NHL level, but his offensive upside is enough for me to have him as the last player on this list.
NHL Comparison: Nick Leddy
Even I can be right sometimes....
Sean Durzi gets his 6th of the season and is the first former Owen Sound player to score on his former team. 5-2.
Sidenote: Standard Durzi move at the blue line and standard perfectly placed shot behind the screen just inside the post. pic.twitter.com/dW3XrfyUW1
— John Morris (@JohnMorrisR53) January 19, 2019
Honorable Mentions (in alphabetical order):
Kevin Bahl - Defense - Ottawa 67s (Arizona Coyotes)
Behemoth defender who had a very good year for a first place Ottawa team. As good as you'll find in the OHL in his own end, but his puck skill and confidence offensively are growing.
NHL Comparison: Braydon Coburn
DiPietro just had his bell rung as Kevin Bahl and Serron Noel collide on the odd man rush. He stays in the game. pic.twitter.com/5kKOve1kb9
— John Morris (@JohnMorrisR53) April 25, 2019
Riley Damiani - Forward - Kitchener Rangers (Dallas Stars)
Competitive, high energy offensive forward who was one of the OHL's most improved players this past season. Needs to continue to get quicker and stronger, but this is a prospect on the upswing.
NHL Comparison: Valtteri Filppula
Rebound bounces perfectly to Riley Damiani, and he makes no mistake with the shot over Guzda's shoulder. π¨@OHLRangers #OHL #RTown pic.twitter.com/93SfzTakoC
— Caitlin Berry (@caitlinsports) March 16, 2019
Mackenzie Entwistle - Forward - Guelph Storm (Chicago Blackhawks)
A Swiss army knife who can do pretty much anything to help his team win. And win they have, with back to back OHL Championships. Upside at the pro level is similar to Formenton's, but I do think Alex is a better goal scorer which sees him in the Top 25 over Entwistle.
NHL Comparison: Austin Watson
#Blackhawks prospect,MacKenzie Entwistle, is a beast. Great takeaway, great finish. Put this directly into my veins. The future is bright. #HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/Mqj7hIuQ1K
— ✶ ✶Tony G✶ ✶ (@Certified_TonyG) November 25, 2018
Tye Felhaber - Forward - Ottawa 67's (Dallas Stars)
Not too often I include OA breakout stars in these lists (even as HM's), but Felhaber deserves to be mentioned. He possesses the speed and skill to be an NHL player and this year made the necessary adjustments to improve other areas of his game.
NHL Comparison: Chris Kunitz
The lethal shot from @DallasStars’ prospect Tye Felhaber wins it for @Ottawa67sHockey in triple OT to advances to the Eastern Conference Finals. This was the 5th longest game in #OHLPlayoffs history. pic.twitter.com/X9oIMXokOY
— Kathryn Jean (@msconduct) April 12, 2019
Mac Hollowell - Defense - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (Toronto Maple Leafs)
One of the most underrated prospects on the planet because of his lack of size and the position he plays. But this kid is a gamer. He was the leading defenseman scorer in the OHL this year for a reason. And he took a regular shift in the AHL playoffs, for a reason.
NHL Comparison: Jared Spurgeon
Check out these highlights from newly signed Dman Mac Hollowell (shocker that Dubas signed a Greyhound). Pretty damn nasty
Talks about him and more this week: https://t.co/9yKx9umoM6#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/OVkwrkAHXl
— Rink Rat Report (@RinkRatReport) March 11, 2019
Jan Jenik - Forward - Hamilton Bulldogs (Arizona Coyotes)
Took very little time adjusting to the OHL level after coming over half way through the season. Was a player I really enjoyed watching this year. Skilled, yet plays with a big time edge. I have high expectations for him this coming season and I'd be shocked if I don't include him in next summer's Top 25.
NHL Comparison: Travis Green
Czech mate π¨πΏπ¨π@ArizonaCoyotes prospect Jan Jenik circles back, turns on the wheels, and goes upstairs completing his first multi-goal game in @BulldogsOHL win. pic.twitter.com/AyAZgbnrL6
— OntarioHockeyLeague (@OHLHockey) February 17, 2019
Ben Jones - Forward - Niagara IceDogs (Vegas Golden Knights)
Another jack of all trades kind of forward, Jones doesn't get a ton of hype but he is a legitimate NHL prospect. Intelligent, competitive, and skilled, Jones could move quick through Vegas' system.
NHL Comparison: Lars Eller
Niagara gets a late goal from Ben Jones, points in 15 of 16, with the helpers going to Paquette and Maksimov. 4-3 Guelph to start what is sure to be an awesome 3rd period. #OHL pic.twitter.com/6RQzjCUend
— John Morris (@JohnMorrisR53) January 11, 2019
Joey Keane - Defense - London Knights (New York Rangers)
Keane didn't have the best of seasons; as he never really fit in with London post trade deadline. But I still believe in his NHL potential because he plays an all around game and skates extremely well.
NHL Comparison: Bret Hedican
Only two Barrie games tracked so far, but I do have those sweet Joey Keane walking OHL defences videos; pic.twitter.com/GTFzeskB3G
— Mitch Brown (@MitchLBrown) October 22, 2018
Kyle Keyser - Goaltender - Oshawa Generals (Boston Bruins)
Athletic netminder who was one of the OHL's best this past season. Few move post to post as quick as Keyser does. A longer term project for the Bruins (what goalie isn't?), but he could be a good one.
NHL Comparison: Corey Crawford
#Gens "Save Of The Year" candidate 1: Kyle Keyser, Nov 18 vs Niagara pic.twitter.com/BjkWJmzLLP
— Generals Live (@GeneralsUpdates) November 19, 2018
Vladislav Kolyachonok - Defense - Flint Firebirds (Florida Panthers)
I don't think we truly know what we are getting in Kolyachonok. Every time you watch him play, he shows you a different element to his game. Just a matter of how he puts all those elements together to go with his elite mobility. His first few steps are really good.
NHL Comparison: Brett Pesce
I’m a fan of Vlad Kolyachonok as a #Habs option in the 2nd round of the draft. Check out this shift against Russia where he progresses through his reads before passing into space for a nice zone entry. Then he shuts down Podkolzin on the ensuing rush. Great skater. Lots to like. pic.twitter.com/7LSMxHhKzu
— Scott Petersen (@cvsportsguy) June 1, 2019
Kirill Maksimov - Forward - Niagara IceDogs (Edmonton Oilers)
Was a little disappointed by Maksimov's development this year and a knee injury kept him from contributing in the playoffs. But this power forward is a goal scorer. He just needs to be separated from some bad habits.
NHL Comparison: James Neal
Niagara pounded Kitchener 10-2 tonight.
Kirill Maksimov got his pound of flesh, picking up two goals.
The kid can score. Lovely finish on both.#LetsGoOilers #OHL pic.twitter.com/vHBiyVDJtp
— Matt Mosewich (@EDMFutureWatch) February 22, 2019
Ryan McLeod - Forward - Saginaw Spirit (Edmonton Oilers)
McLeod checks a lot of boxes. He skates well. He has size. He has a good stick in all three zones. He can keep the puck on a string. But his lack of offensive production at the OHL level concerns me. He still lacks that killer instinct on the ice.
NHL Comparison: J.T. Miller
Ryan McLeod with a SNIPE to bring the Steelheads within 3 vs London pic.twitter.com/kfM4wu2bEo
— Darius (@DariusDomingues) November 23, 2018
Connor McMichael - Forward - London Knights (Washington Capitals)
Not too often you see a recent first round selection off my top 25, but again, I'm going to be consistent with my recent draft rankings where I had McMichael lower. I want to see improvements made to his aggressiveness with the puck and for him to be a more consistent factor away from the puck.
NHL Comparison: Bryan Smolinski
Connor McMichael scored twice today as the London Knights bested the Ottawa 67s. Both goals: pic.twitter.com/EQk7TFonWC
— anttoni honka fan club (@DraftLook) January 13, 2019
Ivan Prosvetov - Goaltender - Saginaw Spirit (Arizona Coyotes)
One of the most entertaining players in the OHL because of his exuberance and zest for life (just youtube his cartwheel celebrations). But he's a big goalie who just happens to be extremely athletic. That combination, with the right development at the pro level, could turn him into an NHL netminder.
NHL Comparison: Ben Bishop
Ivan Prosvetov might actually be my favourite goalie of all time.
Celebrates a 54-save shutout with three cartwheels, then styles it out with the splits. @SpiritHockey #OHL #OurPack pic.twitter.com/D2GFtPR4D6
— Caitlin Berry (@caitlinsports) January 7, 2019
Jamieson Rees - Forward - Sarnia Sting (Carolina Hurricanes)
I've used the word competitive a lot to describe players on this list, but few personify it the way Rees does. Needs to be more consistent offensively and improve his decision making with the puck. He also needs to stay healthy. But I love him as a player and a prospect.
NHL Comparison: T.J. Oshie
Jamieson Rees is one of the better 2019 prospects at recognizing space + creatively executing in it. Imaginative and calculated. For example, this wraparound to reverse pass. Takes advantage of a fall, puts D in bad situation, uses deception & skill to create a tap-in. pic.twitter.com/njztNYuo0F
— Mitch Brown (@MitchLBrown) January 27, 2019
Nick Robertson - Forward - Peterborough Petes (Toronto Maple Leafs)
Robertson recently turned some heads at the World Junior summer showcase where he was a standout for the Americans with his skill and tenacity in the offensive end. Just want to see that more consistently with Peterborough before he's added to the list. I'm a fan though.
NHL Comparison: Slava Kozlov
Spending the day watching Nick Robertson games for Part 2 of The Gifted next week and yeah... pic.twitter.com/9ZaZnlA2LX
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) July 25, 2019
Nate Schnarr - Forward - Guelph Storm (Arizona Coyotes)
One of the OHL's most improved players this year, Schnarr has a projectable frame and skill set for the NHL level. Rangy, playmaking center who excels below the hash marks. Just a matter of how much upside he possesses as he can not be classified as a "flashy" player.
NHL Comparison: Nick Bjugstad
Nate Schnarr (ARZ) buries his second of the game to makes it 3-2 @Storm_City. Oilers prospects Dmitri Samorukov providing the stretch pass and deflected by Habs prospect Cam Hillis on the way through. pic.twitter.com/uDYWPfYpvs
— John Morris (@JohnMorrisR53) October 21, 2018
2 comments:
It’s official: Brock sells out.
5 years ago I could read a bold, original, insightful list.
Now it’s the same trite, vapid fodder you can get from Craig Butthead, Bob McBoring, etc.
Same thing happened to Consentino; all aboard the compartmentalized banal analysis for the masses.
Go back to taking risks, Brock.
It might have contained more misses but at least it was original and led with gleams.
The safe approach with the same misses as the establishment doesn’t make you unique and worth reading anymore.
Signed,
Disappointed.
Our Webroot Geek Squad Agents provide repair, installation and setup services on all kinds of tech at more than 1,100 Best Buy stores – including computer & tablet repair, setup and support, TV & home theater repair, car stereo & GPS installation, cell phone repair and home appliance repair. We fix most makes and models, no matter where you bought them and can show you how to get the most out of your technology.
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