Midseason Top 50 for the 2025 NHL Draft

It's time to update my draft board for the 2025 NHL draft now that we're past the halfway point of the OHL season.

Back in early November (on my preliminary list), I released my first official list. Misa sat atop after his terrific start to the year. Things have changed. Even with his near season ending injury, Matt Schaefer has moved into the top spot (likely for good). Other OHL players have really stepped up their game to the point where I could see the league having upwards of 10 first round selections. The overall depth that the league offers still remains to be seen, but given the weak crop of other regions, the OHL could actually hit the 40 mark for the first time since 2017.

A reminder that this list does not include potential re-entry candidates (players already passed over in the draft). Kristian Epperson, for example, would easily be on this list and quite high. I do a separate list for them closer to the draft.

Here's my list:

1. Matthew Schaefer - Defense - Erie Otters

What a shame about that collarbone injury at the World Juniors. That was definitely the turning point (in a negative way) for an already weak Canadian roster. The good news is that Schaefer showed that he's already one of the best U20 defensemen on the planet. His return from mono was extremely impressive since it usually takes a month or two for players to regain strength and hit their stride. But, not Schaefer. He picked up right where he left off from the Hlinka/Gretzky, emerging as one of the OHL's best defenders. This is a player without a true weakness. The skating and sense combination is elite. He's increased the physical intensity this year. He projects as a potential Norris candidate and a perennial all star. If we're nitpicking, the shot isn't a major weapon for him. He doesn't look extremely comfortable one timing pucks and he usually just looks to get pucks through. His gap control in transition is still a bit of a work in progress too, as he works through when to be aggressive and when not to be. However, he has the sense and work ethic to improve both of those areas. If you're looking for a really detailed breakdown of his game, check out my recent report on him for McKeen's Hockey. Tons of video and a full write up on where his strengths and weaknesses lie. For me, Schaefer should be the first overall pick this year.

2. Michael Misa - Center - Saginaw Spirit

We're at the end of January now and Misa still hasn't slowed down. He's been near or at the top of the scoring race all year long. The switch back to center full time this year has really done wonders for his confidence and he has emerged as a game breaker. Offensively, he's the complete package. Misa is a dynamic skater. He builds speed quickly but sustains it through quick cuts, allowing him to consistently play at a breakneck pace. Misa is equal parts playmaker and goal scorer. The vision is elite, but his shot is highly underrated. His release is deadly. I think the other thing that people forget about is that Misa has a solid frame. We're not talking about a 5'10 center, Misa is 6'1, 185lbs. He could be 6'2, 200lbs by the time he's hit his prime at the NHL level. Away from the puck, his energy level is consistent. He's a fairly reliable two-way player with solid defensive instincts. He's become an effective penalty killer. He has an edge to his game, that while not consistent, should improve as he matures physically. All in all, this is a potential number one center in the NHL and that's why he should be viewed as a virtual lock for the top five.

3. Porter Martone - Wing - Brampton Steelheads

If you're an NHL GM, how could you not be salivating at the thought of adding Martone to your NHL lineup? Players who blend his size, skill, and physicality are rare in today's game. I'm not sure I'd call them unicorns...but they're rare. Martone projects to have the same kind of impact the Tkachuk brothers have in Ottawa and Florida. And in case you forgot, Matthew won a Stanley Cup last year. As an offensive player, Martone is the complete package. The shot and scoring instincts are elite. The individual skill and creativity are near elite. He doesn't need space to operate, he can create it with his hands or with his size/strength. Sometimes his offensive zone turnovers can be a little frustrating; there are some bad junior habits that will need to be worked out of his game, however, I think it stems from the desire to do too much. He flashes high end vision as a playmaker way too often to believe that he's not an intelligent player. I think that once he gets to a higher level and settles in more as a true complementary piece, he'll be more effective. Simplifying things for him will be a god send. The skating is a topic that I've heard discussed a lot since the WJC's. I've never seen Porter as a high end skater. However, I don't see it as a weakness either; it won't hold him back. Of course, the physicality is another component of his game that adds significant value. He projects as a quality two-way player who can play in any situation at the NHL level. I think Martone is probably as close to a top five lock as you can get this year.

4. Brady Martin - Center - Soo Greyhounds

The next four guys on my list are honestly pretty interchangeable at this point. I'd view any of them as potential top 25 (or so) picks. Martin continues to fly under the radar a bit because he's playing for a last place Greyhounds team. The momentum that he built up following a standout performance at the Hlinka/Gretzky has been lost a bit. Consistency has been a bit of an issue as the team works through their own struggles. Yet, those who follow the OHL closely understand what Martin brings to the ice on a nightly basis. This is a fierce competitor who also happens to be extremely skilled. His competitiveness is through the roof. He's a hunter on the ice. He hunts down loose pucks. He hunts down chances near the crease. He hunts down puck carriers. He's also as strong as an ox and he uses that to be an impact two-way player, although I'd say that he's slightly more physical in puck pursuit in the offensive end versus the defensive end at this current moment. From a skill perspective, Martin routinely turns defenders into pylons. According to our data through InStat, Martin leads the OHL this year in successful dekes completed and he's right near the top in hits per game. I'd say the only thing missing from Martin's game is high end skating ability. It's come a long way in the last calendar year. He now has some separation speed and he's become stronger on his edges. However, that still likely grades out as average for the next level. As an average sized pivot, albeit a physical one, that's still going to be concerning for some scouts. Ultimately, I think the U18's this year will go a long way as to determining Martin's eventual draft placement.

5. Kashawn Aitcheson - Defense - Barrie Colts

I've long been a fan of his. I was so impressed by how he transformed his game last year in the absence of Beau Akey. That said, I had some concerns about his decision making and offensive upside coming into the year (and even at the beginning of the season). I was confident that his elite physical game and competitiveness could make him a potential NHL defender, but I wondered if he had top four upside, or if he was more of a third pairing, PK type. To Aitcheson's credit, he's really cleaned up his game. He's someone who has such a clear understanding of his strengths and weaknesses and that's made him an efficient puck mover in his own right. He's cutdown on the turnovers, especially in the neutral zone and offensive zone by keeping things simple and picking his spots better to activate. He understands that his shot is his biggest weapon as an offensive player and it will also be his bread and butter at the next level. The skating also continues to improve and that's helped him be even more aggressive as a defensive player. Overall, what I'm trying to say is that I now see a path for Aitcheson to be a solid second pairing, PK anchor. I think of someone like Ruslan Salei as a potential comp on the low end and that has significant value. 

6. Jake O'Brien - Center - Brantford Bulldogs

I do like O'Brien, which you may fail to believe given that I've been consistently lower on him than my contemporaries. He's not someone that I would call dynamic, but he is highly effective. O'Brien is the kind of player that you don't notice a ton on the ice, until he's making a terrific play on the game winner and the next thing you know, you check the box score and he had two secondary assists too. There's a real quiet efficiency there. One of those guys who makes the right play a lot of the time. He has really high end vision and playmaking ability. He's a high IQ guy at both ends; his attention to detail in the defensive end is impressive. He's worked hard to improve his shot and his confidence in being more aggressive shooting this year and it's had a positive effect on his game. I think the best case scenario comp here is someone like a Robert Thomas. I guess the concern is that when I go back to look at my notes on Thomas from his draft year, it reads different than my view on O'Brien. He was a more dynamic skater. He was a more successful and tenacious player through traffic. If you want to compare him to someone like Morgan Frost from that same draft year, Frost was the more dynamic puckhandler, able to create time and space with his hands and creativity. If you want to compare him to someone like Ryan O'Reilly, O'Reilly was a far more tenacious player. On the flip side, O'Brien does have a solid frame and the offensive zone turnovers that have been a bit of an issue, likely won't be as he matures physically. That's why he's rising on a lot of boards recently...except mine I guess. Look, I'd still be willing to take a chance on O'Brien given the IQ, but he's more of a 18-25 guy for me at this current moment.

7. Malcolm Spence - Wing - Erie Otters

So why is Spence last of those interchangeable four? I think I view him as the safest bet to be an impact NHL player, however I'm also not sure that he's going to be a big time point producer. I think best case scenario, he's a perennial 50 point guy, worst case he's a fourth line, depth role player. Either way, he's going to be one of those players who is so valuable because of all the little things he does for his team. In a lot of ways, I feel like his game is more tailored to the pro level versus junior. It's about quick touches. It's about powering through contact. There's an advanced maturity here that you'd expect from a late birthday. And you have all that in a player with high end physical tools and athleticism. The skating and power are high end. He's an extremely intelligent two-way player. He's not an overly physical player from the naked eye, but he's tough to play against; there's snarl there. I've been impressed with the advancement in his puck skill and playmaking ability this year. It's taken the necessary jump that I would have wanted to see; he can now create for himself and for his linemates at this level, rather than being just a complementary guy. The finishing ability is only going to be average for the next level. He's not going to be a primary play driver at the next level either, despite the improvements made this year. However, I just think that Spence has so much value for how well rounded and pro ready his game is and that's why I still see him as a potential mid first round pick. I just prefer the upside of the three guys ahead of him.

8. Jack Nesbitt - Center - Windsor Spitfires

Nesbitt continues to be a very versatile player for the Spitfires in his NHL draft year. He's your prototypical power center; the kind of player NHL GM's are searching long and hard for these days. He has a clear understanding of the way he needs to play to be successful; get to the net himself or get pucks to the net. He's physical. His reach and physicality can make him an impact defensive player, part of why the Spits coaching staff has been using him to close out games. Offensively, I think he can be quite effective when he plays with pace; his speed is deceptive and can catch opposing defenders off guard and flat footed. I've seen and heard some criticism about his skating, but it's not a huge concern for me. The early results from the testing that occurred at the OHL Top Prospect's Game had him as one of the quicker skaters at the event. The agility and ability to change direction; edgework....yeah that could use some work to make him more dynamic with the puck. However, given his size, skill, and physicality, I'm OK with him being a straight line player. Even if he only ends up as an Adam Lowry type, that has significant value at the end of the first. Ask the Winnipeg Jets how important Lowry is to them despite being a 30-40 point guy .

9. Cameron Reid - Defense - Kitchener Rangers

Kind of a tough guy to really get a read on (see what I did there). There's part of me that really likes Reid. And when I say really likes, it means I want to include him with the Spence, Martin, Aitcheson, and O'Brien tier. The skating is very high end; he's dynamic as a puck carrier because of how quickly he can transition. He's got a very good head for the game at both ends. He picks his spots well on when to be aggressive and he's got an active stick in the defensive end. This is someone who projects as a quality two-way defender at the NHL level. Then there's the other part of me that gets concerned by the poor success rate of some similar junior defenders in recent years. Is Reid an NHL powerplay quarterback? Is he a PK anchor? What's the role for him? He's still a first rounder for me right now, but it's obvious that other scouts are having similar concerns when it comes to grading him, because he finds himself on the periphery of the first round on NHL connected lists (like Bobby Mac's).

10. Henry Brzustewicz - Defense - London Knights

I think when you're evaluating Brzustewicz this year, you really need to make sure that you've watched him play when Sam Dickinson hasn't been in the lineup. He's been a different player then. That's not to say that he's played poorly when Dickinson (and Bonk) have been there, it's just that when he's had to take on a larger role, he's shined. People are bound to compare him to his brother Hunter, but I think Henry is the more athletic; his physical tools are more intriguing as a draft eligible player. He's not as refined, but he's bigger and a more dynamic overall skater. I've been consistently impressed with the way that Brzustewicz's plays around and through traffic in the offensive end. He's a master at the slip pass and he's patient, willing to draw in pressure. He's also fairly physical and does make himself difficult to match up against. However, his game is far from clean. He can be prone to miscues at both ends. But, he barely played last year. There is going to be a larger adjustment period and you obviously have faith in London developing him well. 

11. Luca Romano - Center - Kitchener Rangers

The offensive production has dried up a bit, but there's still a lot to like here. Romano plays at a breakneck pace thanks to high end skating ability. He's tenacious. He's a committed two-way player and a potentially very strong penalty killer. I also think really highly of his goal scoring upside thanks to a strong shot and release. He can really rip it. However, he's been a bit of a victim of Kitchener's older additions this year and I think there's also a clear need to add strength to be even more effective and consistent. The million dollar question here is what is Romano's upside as an NHL pro? Is he a center at the NHL level or a winger? With the dip in production, I'd have him outside the first round currently, but I still like him as a potential middle six contributor down the line.

12. Ethan Czata - Center/Wing - Niagara IceDogs

IMO, Czata is one of the most tenacious forwards available for the draft this year from any region. The combination of his frame, strong skating ability, and physicality make him a really safe contributor as a bottom six NHL forward. He has Kris Draper level defensive upside as a forward. The IQ and compete are that good in his own end. The question with Czata continues to be...how do you view his offensive upside? From a production standpoint, he's been one of the higher scoring 2007's in the OHL all season. He has a clear understanding of his strengths and generally keeps things simple, creating havoc near the crease, making quick decisions with the puck, and finishing on his chances when he gets them. His vision is underrated IMO. When you look at the way a guy like Sam Bennett has found success offensively in Florida, Czata plays the same kind of way in Niagara. The big jump for Czata needs to come from his ability to create with pace. He's not really able to take full advantage of his power and speed with the puck because he can have a difficult time maintaining possession or receiving the puck at full speed. This can be improved. But it's a limitation his detractors will point to in regards to him having limited upside as a pro. He's not a first round guy for me, but I like his game and progression enough to rank him as an early second (along with Romano).

13. Jimmy Lombardi - Center - Flint Firebirds

Not someone the box score watchers will be enamored with, but those who scout the OHL remain high on him. He oozes upside. He truly is a high end play creator. Among the best hands of any player available from Ontario this year. Routinely escapes pressure and beats defenders one on one. Above average skater too. However, a lack of strength is really impacting him. Turnovers have been an issue. Consistency (and injuries) have been an issue. I suppose that begs the question...is Lombardi all flash and no dash? Are the turnover issues related to a lack of vision/sense, or will his poise and vision improve as he gains strength...and confidence in his ability to withstand or play through contact? That's not to say Lombardi is a soft player, he's just not very effective in his pursuit of the puck or when trying to play a power game. This is the kind of guy who gets drafted outside of the top 50, who teams look back on and wonder why they missed out. Projection is the name of the game and Lombardi projects as an impact offensive player if everything goes well.

14. Tyler Hopkins - Center/Wing - Kingston Frontenacs

I struggle a bit with Hopkins. He's a bit of a chameleon. Every time I watch Kingston play (or Hopkins play), I see a bit of a different player. Sometimes, he's tenacious off the puck and a downright pest. Sometimes, he's a serious threat in transition with his skating ability and skill. Sometimes he showcases high end passing and playmaking ability. He's shown an ability to play center and the wing. There's versatility there and that has been great for a Kingston team with Championship aspirations. Yet, it's also made projecting Hopkins difficult. What kind of pro are we looking at? Yet...I still have Hopkins rated pretty highly. I continue to find myself intrigued by what his game will look like when (or if) he's able to put everything together consistently. And lately, he's been on a bit of a heater. It's down the road, but I really want to see how he plays in this year's OHL playoffs.

15. Shamar Moses - Wing - North Bay Battalion

A player who is really growing on me. I'm not crazy about the skating ability; there's a need to improve his quickness and his agility. I also wish he were a little more physically assertive given his size. Yet, I think that he projects as a really solid complementary pro. He's got a very soft touch for a big winger and he really excels off the wall as a passer. He protects the puck well and is only going to become even more difficult to separate from the puck as his conditioning improves. Moses also gets to the net and is able to play through the middle with success. This means tips, tap ins, and space created for linemates. The play away from the puck and defensive engagement level have really improved over the season. There have been some similar players drafted out of the OHL in the last decade and a lot of them failed to be consistent NHL players, but that's why Moses is ranked accordingly as a potential third round candidate. 

16. Jack Ivankovic - Goaltender - Brampton Steelheads

Look, Ivankovic is a great young netminder. His play in the summer Hlinka/Gretzky is more indicative of his ability and potential than his up/down season in the OHL with Brampton. He's lightning quick. He's a fierce competitor in the crease. He routinely makes highlight reel saves look like the standard. However, I'm also surprised that we continue to see him ranked in the first or early second round given that his season with Brampton hasn't quite gone according to plan...combined with the fact that he's a near sub 6 foot (or possibly sub 6 foot) netminder. The margin for error is so small. Dustin Wolf was one of the best goaltenders in the WHL in his draft year and he was a 7th round selection. Devon Levi was unreal in the CJHL and at the World Junior A Challenge and he was also a late round pick. Levi's had some struggles adjusting to the NHL, partially because he's struggled behind a brutal Buffalo defense. However, he's also struggled with his rebound control and his ability to fight through traffic to make saves. I've found Ivankovic has had similar issues this year in the OHL. To me, he's a 75-100 guy; someone I like, but perhaps less than some netminders from other regions with plus athleticism and plus size.

17. Alexei Medvedev - Goaltender - London Knights

I think the gap is definitely narrowing between Ivankovic and Medvedev. It was not surprising to see NHL Central Scouting list Medvedev first. He really has been terrific for London. And before people say...well he's the goaltender for London, of course he's got impressive stats. I encourage you to watch a London Knights game this year. This isn't your typical Dale Hunter London team, with defensive stalwarts on the back-end. Their defenders play higher risk hockey (Dickinson, Brzustewicz, Allen, Bonk) in the name of creating offense. That means London gives up more high danger opportunities than they typically do. And Medvedev has been there to stop the bleeding. It's why Dale has continued to give his defenders freedom...because he trusts Medvedev. Medvedev has size. He's athletic. He tracks the play well. His rebound control and overall technique continue to improve and tighten up. He's trending in the right direction and if he gets the nod in the playoffs over Elliott, and performs well, he could end up being one of the first goaltenders selected in 2025.

18. Carson Cameron - Defense - Peterborough Petes

As the young Petes have improved (as a team) over the course of this season, so has Cameron. Early in the season, I felt like he was just trying to do too much for Peterborough in hopes of preventing them from yet another blowout loss. Turnovers in all three zones were an issue. He was chasing the puck in the defensive end. His play was essentially erratic. But he's gotten back to the basics that made him a great U16 player and a standout as an OHL rookie. He's reigned things in offensively by picking his spots better to try to skate with the puck or jump up back door. He's playing with more composure in the defensive end and trusting his teammates more. The physicality in his game has become a little more consistent. Early on in the year I had hopes that he would be this year's Ben Danford, and I'm just not sure that's the case. I think Danford is a slightly better skater, is the more competitive defensive player, and had shown better glimpses of creativity with the puck. That said, I still like Cameron as a 75-100 guy right now because there's a path for him to be a solid #4-6 guy who can play a variety of roles.

19. Simon Wang - Defense - Oshawa Generals

Is there a more divisive prospect in the draft this year? Very early on in the year, I posted a fairly in-depth thread on twitter about Wang and why he was bound to catch the attention of scouts (here). I also wrote about him in an article for McKeen's, highlighting some early season favourites from around the globe (here). The allure is obvious; Wang is not only a great skater for a 6'6 defender, he's one of the better overall skaters in this draft. The rest of his game? A major work in progress. Sometimes he's a physical beast, other times he's too passive. Sometimes he dazzles with a move to escape pressure at the point and works inside to create a scoring chance. Other times the puck is a hand grenade. Turnovers have been a big problem. It was obvious that he was going to struggle in the OHL, given his lack of exposure to high end hockey in comparison to his peers. However, can that gap be closed? Is there a hockey sense and small area skill deficit that can't be overcome? He's the ultimate swing for the fences. If the gaps close, he's a potential home run; a Zdeno Chara. If not, he's probably not even an AHL level regular. It's going to come down to your own personal philosophies and aversion to risk. Me? I'm much more comfortable taking that swing in the third round where upside is harder to come by. Others, well it's easy to see why he's ranked as a first rounder by some. I just need to see some growth in his game by the end of the OHL season.

20. Quinn Beauchesne - Defense - Guelph Storm

Beauchesne is another guy that I really like as an OHL player, but I'm kind of struggling with in terms of an NHL projection. Other than IQ, is there a quality in his game that would grade out as above average for the next level? As I've said a million times in the past...the jack of all trades defenders do not have a great success rate. There's not a ton separating a guy like Beauchesne from Roland McKeown, except that I'd argue Beauchesne is a little more physically assertive at the same age. All that said, I've got Beauchesne ranked pretty high still because I think his game has improved every month and he's performed well in best on best events. One of the things about Beauchesne's game that I've had the hardest time assessing is his skating. I've even spoken to others about it because I've previously considered it a strength, but this year I've noticed a few things that have worried me. And others have been equally as unhelpful, with responses ranging from they believe him to be an excellent skater to his skating being a concern. What I've noticed is that he skates really well in straight lines, and his linear movement when skating backwards is also strong, allowing him to close off lanes well. But I've found that his first few steps can be lacking power and his transitions aren't always the cleanest. This has led to him having trouble defending pace at times, and it has also prevented him from being first to retrievals at times. Lots of time to keep assessing here.

21. Joshua Avery - Center - Brantford Bulldogs

One of the most underrated players eligible this year IMO. Strong skating, power center who has been terrific in a depth role for the Bulldogs. Really dangerous player in the home plate area because of his quick release, strong offensive instincts, and tenacity. Really successful playing North/South with the puck, using his speed and strength to power into the offensive zone. Shows great upside as a two-way player and a versatile lineup piece. Like any junior player lower down the lineup, I think his true offensive upside remains a mystery. Sometimes the hands fail him as he tries to play with pace. Sometimes he seems too content with being that complementary piece given that he's a center and play should be funneling through him. I also wish he were a little more physical given the kind of power game he seems to like to play. The type of player that Avery grows into remains a mystery. However, he's going to be given a great opportunity next year and moving forward on a Bulldogs team that will likely be retooling a bit. 

22. David Bedkowski - Defense - Owen Sound Attack

Without question, Bedkowski gets drafted higher than this ranking of him. I've got him as a fourth round grade and I know of some who see him as a second rounder. It's easy to see why NHL scouts will grade Bedkowski high. The frame is impressive. The physicality is among the best of any defender eligible from the OHL this year. Best of all, he's a pretty mobile player for the kind of game he plays. However, I have concerns about the processing. He's had trouble with his exits and can be forced into turnovers in the defensive zone. There's a need to make quicker and, perhaps, safer decisions with the puck. Additionally, I've found his defensive awareness to be lacking at this current moment. He gets caught out of position a lot for a big defender with good mobility. Then you have the fact that he's a late birthday 2006, so the runway for improvement is smaller than others available this year. If he can clean things up a bit, there's a pro defender in there. 

23. Lucas Karmiris - Center - Brampton Steelheads

Karmiris hasn't taken the next step offensively this year the way that I hoped he would, but I think a lot of that has had to do with both injuries and a decreased role due to the team's additions. He's still a potential pro pivot because of his skating ability and improving two-way game. There's a lot of former Steelhead (or Major) Casey Cizikas in his game. How many late birthday, under point per game, under 6 foot players get drafted inside the top 100? The answer is very few. But I definitely think that he's worth a pick because I feel that we haven't seen the best of him with the puck and as a facilitator. 

24. Jake Crawford - Center/Wing - Owen Sound Attack

One of my early season favourites from the region, but his play has trailed off a bit in recent months. The Attack moved him to the wing to help simplify things for him; perhaps to take greater advantage of his speed as a forechecker and complementary piece, but I think it's made him fade more to the background. I still really like the upside as a solid bottom six piece because of his size and skating combination. He's shown flashes of being a capable playmaker and play creator, but he's struggled with pace and decision making, even with his quickness. There's a real need to improve his carrying ability. The old adage of "the hands need to catch up to the feet." 

25. Lev Katzin - Wing - Guelph Storm

Katzin has been a revelation for the Storm since joining the OHL. He continues to pile up the points and he's a real fun player to watch. He's like the little engine that could out there. Very pesky in puck pursuit. He wants the puck on his stick. He's definitely not a perimeter player. He's got quick feet and quick hands and that helps him evade pressure. He's particularly good along the wall, keeping plays alive, driving time of possession until he finds a passing lane he likes. I guess the concern I have is that a) he's not the quickest or most explosive skater for his size and b) he's not the most creative. I've seen Guelph live and on tape since he's come over and several times I found myself wondering how translatable his game is. Undersized wingers without elite skating ability haven't had the easiest time transitioning. But, he is absolutely worth a mid round gamble to find out if he can buck the trend, or if his physical tools improve.

26. Blake Arrowsmith - Wing - Niagara IceDogs

Big, athletic, physical complementary winger who has fit in well with the Niagara IceDogs, developing strong chemistry with Ryan Roobroeck and Ethan Czata...at least before being demoted to the fourth line recently. Skates pretty well. Flashes skill and creativity. Flashes a quick release and goal scoring upside. Is active in puck pursuit. I was shocked to see him ranked so low by NHL Central Scouting because these are the kinds of guys that they're usually all over. I know the production has dried up a bit lately, but I like the athletic profile and think that he's going to grow really nicely alongside the other young players on this Niagara team. If the mid to late round are for players with unique skill sets and intriguing upside, Arrowsmith should be a selection.

27. Lirim Amidovski - Wing - North Bay Battalion

Speaking of intriguing athletic wingers, insert Amidovski. Strong skating North/South player who consistently surprises defenders with his speed and ability to drive wide. Big time scoring upside too thanks to a heavy shot and a desire to get between the hash marks. Amidovski can also bring it physically and he's been an effective penalty killer with his speed, length, and motor. However, he's ranked as a mid to late rounder for a variety of reasons, even if the athletic profile is intriguing. For one, the production has dried up big time and as a late 2006, that's a bit concerning. I know North Bay has been struggling, but you'd like to see him being more of a factor. Secondly, while the straight line speed is impressive, the rest of the skating profile is a work in progress. He's just not an agile skater at this current time. Can struggle with his stops/starts. Can struggle on his edges. Balance wise, he can be tripped up playing through contact. He's like a train on a track, but ask that train to veer and it can derail. However, I would be shocked if he's not an NHL pick.

28. Filip Ekberg - Wing - Ottawa 67's

Ekberg has played a lot better internationally this year than he has in the OHL with the 67's and that's unfortunate for a player who entered the year with some Top 50 hype. There are things that I like about his game. I think he's an intelligent player. I think that he's a competitive player. When you combine those two attributes you get someone who does a lot of little things on the ice to help his team win that don't always show up on the scoresheet. The play on the forecheck that leads to gained possession that ends up being the fourth touch on a scoring play. The secondary assist from the swing up the boards after outworking a defender to win a 50/50 battle for the puck. The strong defensive play on the backcheck to prevent a high quality scoring chance from the slot. But overall, I don't see a highly skilled/creative offensive player. Nor do I see him being a strong enough, explosive enough skater given his lack of size. That's the reason NHL Central Scouting lists him as a late rounder and it's the reason why I have him in the same range. 

29. Ruslan Karimov - Wing - Sarnia Sting

I have Ekberg and Karimov back to back because it seemed fitting given that both entered the year as potential high picks as Imports and both have struggled to find their footing (and to find consistent ice time). Karimov is a really interesting player. The skill level and creativity with the puck are undeniable. He routinely creates extra time and space with his hands. His offensive upside is through the roof. But, the rest of his game is a major work in progress. In some views, he's been highly physical, but in others physically complacent. The skating profile is best described as average. And, perhaps most concerning, I'm just not sure he has the vision/processing ability to truly take advantage of his skill. He skates himself into trouble. He occupies space already filled by teammates or is a step behind the opposition when it comes to finding loose pucks. I'd be willing to take a shot at him later in the draft based on the big time upside, but his game needs major refinement to be an NHL player.

30. Travis Hayes - Wing - Soo Greyhounds

The production hasn't been as high as I would have expected this year after he was so good as a rookie last year. I think you could make a pretty solid argument that Hayes hasn't improved a ton and that he may have hit a plateau. On the other hand, this is not a high scoring Greyhounds team and Hayes has still passed the eye test when I've watched them. He competes hard. He's a strong skater. He's not as good of a goal scorer as his brother Gavin and not as creative as his brother Avery, but he's sort of in the middle of both. As one of the youngest players eligible this year, I think there's room for him to grow into a better frame that supports the game he wants to play a little bit better. Becoming stronger on the puck is a must for him. But, Hayes has NHL upside as a bottom six guy who can bring some versatility to his future coaches. He'll likely need to finish the year a bit better to be a pick.

31. Parker Snelgrove - Center - Guelph Storm

I really like Snelgrove and wanted to put him higher. He's one of my favourite mid to late round targets from the region this year. I truly feel that if Snelgrove was receiving more ice time, we'd be talking about him a little bit more. That said, I have him ranked here because I do wonder what the NHL upside is. Snelgrove skates well. He's a committed two-way player. He has found success getting to the net. He flashes skill in transition. But, overall, I've found him impressive because of his detail oriented game and not necessarily because he's standing out offensively. But, strong skating, solid framed, and intelligent pivots don't grow on trees. 

32. Daniil Skvortsov - Defense - Guelph Storm

I've seen him starting to climb on some lists and I'm not entirely sure I'm on that bandwagon. Look, I understand some of the appeal. He's got great size at 6'4, 200lbs. His forward skating stride is pretty good; he builds to a solid top speed, which allows him to flash upside as a puck mover, even though he is rarely aggressive in skating with the puck or looking to jump up in the play. He has a heavy wrist shot from the point, but he's not extremely aggressive in using it. He's generally been pretty solid with his exits, which is where the majority of his assists have come from. He's generally been pretty solid in the defensive end, blocking shots and showing an active stick. However, from shift to shift, game to game, I've found the inconsistency blocks the true nature of his game. Yes, there are some interesting tools here. But, I'm not sure he's skilled enough to be a significant point producer at this level or the next. The overall mobility profile is average. I wish he were a little more physically intense given his size. He's best described as a stick on puck defender. So you're drafting him hoping that he can gain enough confidence to be a solid bottom pairing defensive contributor? Now Skvortsov appears to be injured week to week with an upper body injury, which is clouding things further. Hopefully he gets back in time for the end of the regular season, because I need to circle back on him more.

33. Caden Taylor - Wing - Peterborough Petes

This year's Kieron Walton (to an extent). Can Taylor have the some sort of breakout next year? For him, it's all about consistency and trying to figure out how to utilize his skill set at the OHL level. The size (6'3) and shot combination remain alluring. He skates well in straight lines and is able to play a North/South game. His release is deadly. He's been doing a better job the last few months of getting to the net and playing through the middle. However, he's just not finding those soft spots in coverage well enough to utilize his excellent shot. The play away from the puck remains inconsistent. Sometimes he's a little to "head down, advance the puck," for my liking too. Can lead to turnovers. I think he'll be drafted and I think he's worth a draft selection. Big guys with decent skating profiles, who can shoot the puck like he can do not grow on trees. If the game never comes together, he would still be worth taking the flyer on.

34. Kieren Dervin - Center - Kingston Frontenacs

It still feels weird to include the St. Andrew's College guys in these lists, but this is how things work in the OHL now, and moving forward. Dervin was someone who was definitely higher on my list earlier this year. He's a good sized pivot, who can skate and distribute the puck. However, I've found his play with SAC to have dropped off a bit. And he's been fairly ineffective in his few OHL games with Kingston (although the production would say otherwise). There's a definitive need to get stronger. At the OHL level he's been too easily pushed off the puck and he doesn't quite look confident enough to make quick decisions, which means plays have died on his stick. I'm really curious to see how he looks when he joins Kingston full time after SAC's season ends. Will be right on time for Kingston's playoff push. Consider this ranking incomplete.

35. Liam Beamish - Center - Sarnia Sting

Beamish has been a great add for the Sting since signing, immediately drawing into their top six. I kind of wanted to rank him higher. I've liked my viewings of him. High IQ. High compete. You wish he were a little bit bigger and a more explosive skater overall, but he's going to be a really good junior player. And therein lies my problem. Is Beamish truly a potential NHL pivot? I don't think he's necessarily creative or dynamic enough to be a top six guy. And he doesn't have the physical profile of a bottom six guy. It's why a place like NHL Central Scouting has him ranked where they do despite his strong play. Yet, I find myself circling back to him because of that IQ/competitive combination. 

36. Owen Griffin - Center - Oshawa Generals

Seemed fitting to have Griffin and Beamish back to back given that they have similar profiles and similar issues. Let's call it the Pano Fimis. What's going to make them standout NHL players, more than just solid junior players? I think Griffin is a skilled distributor. I think that he's worked hard to improve his skating this year with him gaining a step compared to his U16 and U17 years. I think he profiles as an intelligent two-way guy once the strength deficits close a bit. But, like Fimis, like Beamish, you wonder what role he fills at the NHL level. I like the player though.

37. Carson Harmer - Center - Saginaw Spirit

Same mold as Beamish and Griffin. Harmer has been an highly effective and consistent producer for the Spirit this year. He's a high IQ guy; his playmaking ability really stands out. One of those pivots with eyes in the back of his head. He's been effective at both ends this year too; the IQ translates defensively. However, he's not a high pace guy. Harmer does his best work once Saginaw is set up in the offensive zone, or when he has room to slow the pace in transition. Like Beamish and Griffin, he's not the kind of dynamic skater you like to see from an undersized pivot. What's the projection? In a lot of ways, reminds me of former Ottawa 67 Austen Keating.

38. Evan Passmore - Defense - Barrie Colts

What you see is what you get here. Passmore is a steady, physical, stay at home defender. He relishes the opportunity to plant attackers on their butts and he makes you fight for every inch of ice out there. I'd definitely label him a throwback. Early on in the year I was a little higher on him because I thought he flashed some offensive upside and I wondered what would come of it, but I haven't seen a ton of growth with the puck since. The overall mobility profile is only average too. Good in straight lines, but he can get clunky with his transitions or when tasked with quickly altering direction (especially as attackers bear down on him). I think that there is definitely a path to the NHL for Passmore as a Jani Hapanpaa type. But, even those types show well offensively outside the NHL. Look at another example like Jeremy Lauzon, who was over a point per game as a defender one season in the Q. 

39. Rio Kaiser - Defense - Peterborough Petes

I've been impressed by the progression of Kaiser already in the OHL. The struggles adjusting to the pace at the beginning were to be expected, but I've watched a few shift breakdowns from the last few weeks and he's getting better. He can definitely be classified as a good skater for a big man. His lateral and backwards stride are especially fluid, allowing him to really shutdown the transition game. He's really tough to get around. He's playing mean too, already laying a few monster hits in his limited OHL career. If we're pushing Bedkowski and Passmore as potential NHL shutdown guys, Kaiser needs to be in that mix too. The play with the puck is the area that really needs to improve though. I've noticed he can struggle to cleanly accept passes or gather loose pucks under pressure and that's really limited his effectiveness as an offensive player. But, I believe scouts will be closely monitoring his progress the rest of the year. 

40. Jordan Charron - Wing - Soo Greyhounds

Charron has been a great find for the Greyhounds as a complementary piece. Competitive North/South winger with good speed. Pushes pace as a carrier and as a forechecker. Gets to the net and does the majority of his work offensively in tight. One might say that he plays a mature, pro style game. As he fills out his frame, I'm curious to see what his game ends up looking like. Strength deficits limit his consistency currently, especially given the style of game he wants to play. Potential bottom six guy at the next level?

41. Aidan Lane - Wing - Brampton Steelheads

If Lane were a better skater, I'd unquestionably have him higher. He's a really smart player. Finds soft spots in coverage consistency. Times cuts well and has a clear understanding of the kind of hard nosed game he wants to play. Soft hands near the net for tips and put aways. Lane is a competitive two-way player too. He's fit right in with Brampton in a complementary role and should do well for them in the stretch run once his SAC season is over. I guess the question I have is, can Lane be successful in the role that he excels at, at the NHL level without massively upgrading his quickness? He's already not a high upside guy; more of a bottom six, glue guy. His intelligence advantage will be neutralized (to a degree) at the higher levels. I do really like that he plans to head to Harvard. He's the kind of player who greatly benefits from this new development model because he'll probably be at his most effective as a prospect in his early 20's. And Harvard has succeeded developing similar players. 

42. Harry Nansi - Wing - Owen Sound Attack

I definitely understand the appeal. One of the youngest players in this class and an intriguing athlete. I know he has some fans in the amateur scouting community due to some solid metrics at even strength despite limited offensive production. His physical immaturity shows because he's very tall and lanky, and gets outmuscled a fair amount at this current time. His stride also lacks agility and balance, with long Bambi like strides. He can get moving well in straight lines, but when he has to cut or avoid pressure, he can lose balance or lose the puck in his skates. He shows flashes of high end playmaking ability, especially in transition when he's able to get a head of steam. He's also shown well defensively with an active stick that he uses to clog passing lanes. The question is...what will Nansi be in two years when he's more physically mature? There's upside. I guess I've just watched the wrong Owen Sound games this year. I have a lot of time for Nansi as a later round gamble, but the overall package is still a bit raw for my liking. Success/hit rates for similar prospects haven't been terrific.

43. Xander Velliaris - Defense - Saginaw Spirit

I continue to be intrigued by Velliaris, especially as he starts to play more consistently with Saginaw post trade. As he showed with a strong showing at the OHL Top Prospect's Game in Brantford, there's upside there as a two-way defender. Moves well for a 6'3, 200+lbs defender. Under Chris Lazary's system, he's been jumping up in the play more and looking to create chances (4 points in 8 games as of writing this). He flashes a physical game, especially in open ice. I think given how little he's played this year (in terms of ice time), the IQ grade is tough to evaluate. But that's what the rest of the year is for. Mark my words, Velliaris has upside.

44. Josh Glavin - Defense - Saginaw Spirit

Another guy who is sort of a what you see is what you get kind of prospect. He's a late birthday. He competes hard in the defensive end with a 6'2 frame. He makes opposing players compete for every inch of ice and is one of the most physical defenders in the OHL. Decent skater, especially for the role he plays. Offensively, he keeps things simple. Can make a clean exit pass. Chips it out when he needs to. The upside as a pro is probably pretty limited, but he's another guy in this group that could end up developing into a third pairing or depth option. 

45. Tanner Lam - Wing - Kitchener Rangers

I understand that this is a pretty low ranking for Lam given his impact on the Rangers this year. I think he's a fantastic young player. I think he's going to be a fantastic junior player. I think he's someone who is going to be able to take advantage of these new NCAA eligibility rules to extend his prospect window, joining a high end program in a few years, allowing him to mature physically. His edgework and agility is among the best in this draft class. He can turn on a dime and his hands are high end too. As a playmaker, his vision is high end and his compete is generally solid, which is essential for a winger of his size. However, wingers with his physical and athletic profile just haven't had much success transitioning to the NHL. He definitely needs to get stronger as he's too easily kept to the perimeter or separated from the puck. I'd like to see his first few steps and overall top speed improve too, given his size. It's not poor, but his ability to work North/South isn't nearly as good as his ability to work East/West. Will an NHL team take a chance on Lam in June? I think a lot of that will have to do with how well he performs in this year's OHL playoffs, where his game will be highly scrutinized. 

46. Jacob Cloutier - Wing - Saginaw Spirit

Man, I wish Cloutier were a more dynamic skater, or at least a little bigger. He's been on an absolute heater the last month or so. This guy never quits on a play. Cloutier, for my money, is one of the OHL's best forecheckers with his physicality and his high IQ; his stick placement is excellent. Offensively, he's such an excellent support player. The combination of his compete, skill, and IQ make him the ideal player to flank more dynamic play creators. He can finish off plays in tight. He has excellent anticipation and he consistently beats opposing defenders to spots despite being undersized. He keeps plays alive on the wall. However, at 5'10, and with shorter, not so powerful strides, he's going to have trouble at the higher levels playing that same role given his compete and IQ advantages will be neutralized (to an extent). I think ranking Lam and Cloutier back to back made a lot of sense given that I expect both to take similar paths to being pro players (in some capacity).

47. Noah Jenken - Defense - Guelph Storm

Jenken is still out of the lineup following that nasty hit that sent him to the hospital. Hopefully he recovers soon. In London, he showed well as a defense first guy, using his reach and strength to play a safe stay at home role. Since the trade to Guelph (prior to injury), he's been coming out of his shell offensively, gaining the confidence to pinch occasionally, or lead the rush. I'm not sure the puck skill is high end enough for him to be a consistent point producer and that means his future is tied to his ability to continue to improve his reads in the defensive end and his overall mobility. 

48. Aiden Young - Center/Wing - Peterborough Petes

Young has shifted to the wing in recent weeks and I'm not sure the result has been great for his development. However, he should be commended for being one of the most consistent Petes over the course of this turbulent year. I'm not sure that he ends up staying in my rankings by season's end, because I struggle with the projection (one of those good at everything, master of none, undersized types), however I felt the need to keep him in for now in appreciation for how he's played this season overall.

49. Jeremy Martin - Wing - Flint Firebirds

Every draft I seem to have a few "ride or die" players and Martin is one of those guys this year. I just can't fathom the kind of season he's had after a strong rookie year and after how he was playing to start the season. Now he finds himself barely playing for Flint and may end up needing a change of scenery in the offseason. Regardless, I've seen too much previously not to believe in what he's capable of; a hard nosed complementary winger who can put the puck in the net. There's skill. There's tenacity. He was snake bitten early on and it seems to have really ruined his confidence this year. 

50. Luke Dragusica - Defense - Brampton Steelheads

I struggled with who to put at 50, so I went to Dragusica even though he's been out nearly all year with injury. Things have been hush/hush about the injury too. But, he's someone who likely could have been ranked inside the top 25 if he were healthy. He showed some signs of improvement offensively in the preseason to go with a pretty solid defensive profile. He can be just as mean as the likes of Passmore, but he's both a more mobile player and more sure handed with the puck.