My Final Top 50 OHL Players for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft - Part 2: 20-1

The second and final part of my 2025 rankings release.

It was certainly great to see the OHL return to the forefront of draft coverage this year with an extremely strong crop. I think all the guys in my top ten have a chance of being first round selections (even if it's unlikely that all ten are). 

Here's my Top 20:

1. Matthew Schaefer - Defense - Erie Otters

No slight meant to Michael Misa, because he's a terrific player in his own right, but Schaefer is my clear number one. He's one of my favourite prospects that have come through the OHL in my two decades of covering the league. I have no doubts that he will work towards being one of the top defenseman in the NHL; a building block for whatever team selects him. And no one deserves this success more than Schaefer after everything he's gone through. Resiliency is something that is needed as a pro and he has that. He's not only a future top pairing defender, but a future NHL captain. His skating ability is a sight to behold. His ability to explode out of starts and stops, changing direction quickly, is Cale Makar 'esque and it's why Makar is someone Schaefer compares himself to. Schaefer is also such an intelligent player. Does he play a completely mistake free game? No, it would be impossible given how he likes to activate offensively. However, Schaefer doesn't make the same mistake twice. Look at how he consistently rises to the challenge and progresses, even in a short window. In his rookie OHL season, he focused on the defensive side of the game most. This year, he exploded offensively. At the U18's as an underager a year ago, he started out as a depth player and finished as Canada's best defender. At this year's U20's, he wasn't even guaranteed a roster spot and then was Canada's best defender prior to injury...all as one of the youngest players in the tournament. Defensively, he's a competitor. He blocks shots. He battles for positioning. His physical engagement and effectiveness as a physical player improved a lot this year and I think that once his frame fills out, he could actually end up being even more effective as a defensive player. So what's the weakness? The only real weakness Schaefer has is his shot. His wrister is designed to simply get pucks through. He doesn't have a one timer in the repertoire. Could that develop? Absolutely. I look at Schaefer as someone in the mold of a Drew Doughty or Duncan Keith. That's well worth the first overall pick. Don't overthink this Islanders.

2. Michael Misa - Center/Wing - Saginaw Spirit

What a year for the Red Tilson winner. He finished the season with 62 goals and 134 points. This tied John Tavares for the most points by a U18 player in the last 25 years. His 2.06 points per game were the most by a U18 player since Connor McDavid averaged 2.55 in 2015 (and the fourth most in the last 25 years behind McDavid, Sam Gagner, and Jason Spezza). Coming into the year everyone wanted to see Misa live up to the hype of being an exceptional status player; to take that next step as one of the OHL's best after being more of a complementary/support piece for Saginaw his first two years. He did that and more, all while shifting back to center full time. Like Schaefer, Misa doesn't really have a significant flaw. His defensive game has improved a ton. His decision making with the puck has improved a ton. Maybe he doesn't stick down the middle, but I think he's capable. If anything, it'll depend on who drafts him and what they need from him. One thing that's not mentioned enough about Misa is that he's not small. There's a very good chance that he plays in the NHL at 6'2, 200lbs (if he gains another inch). That could take his already solid and underrated physical game to another level. Like Schaefer, Misa is a player you can build your franchise around.

3. Brady Martin - Center - Soo Greyhounds

Before you accuse me of recency bias, go back and track my work and comments from the year. I’ve consistently had Martin ranked high. I’m just a huge fan of the person and his game. If he were playing for a stronger team this year (no offense meant to the Greyhounds organization), he would have been receiving this kind of hype all year, not just after an incredible U18 performance. Martin is a dog on a bone. He’s just so competitive. He’s going to be a fan favourite, a locker room favourite, a coaches favourite, and someone who helps you win playoff games. His skill level is being criminally underrated by outlets that call him a third liner. The same things were said about a guy like Mike Richards back in the day. I see Martin as the new age Mike Peca and that’s worth a lot. Back to his skill level, Martin led the OHL in successfully completed dekes this year. He can beat defenders one on one and he can create extra time and space to make plays. His skating has improved by leaps and bounds in the last calendar year too. I no longer see it as an issue, even if there’s room for further improvement. People forget that Martin is a down to Earth farm boy who hasn’t truly dedicated himself to offseason training the way that others in this age group have. Once he does, expect him to get even better. Look, there are some concerns and I’d be foolish not to mention those. For one, his puck management does need to get better. He led the OHL in offensive zone turnovers and unsuccessful dekes too. But, I truly believe a lot of that comes from trying to do too much for a Greyhounds team that needed a spark. At the U18’s, he showed refinement in his game and was much more in control offensively. However, the other thing you could argue is related to that. At the U18’s, he played the wing and looked fantastic. Is he better suited to do that at the pro level, simplifying things for him? It’s possible. But this is just my type of player. 

4. Porter Martone - Wing - Brampton Steelheads

Having Martone below Martin is going to be surprising to a lot of people, but I guarantee you that there are some in the industry at the NHL level who have the same opinion. It’s also important to note that just because I have Martone fourth doesn’t mean I don’t like him as a prospect. He’s a top seven guy for me all day and someone I expect to have a long career. I just prefer Martin and have a preference for players like him. In regards to Martone, I think one thing that’s worth mentioning is that I believe he has been miscast a bit as a potential power forward. I don’t think that’s his true nature or calling card. He’s incredibly pesky. He’s a pain in the butt to play against. However, he’s not an incredibly physical player in puck pursuit, or in terms of winning battles along the wall. He’s a high skill guy who happens to be extremely irritating. Think Corey Perry. Think Brad Marchand. As an offensive player, Martone is the complete package. Great shot. Great off puck instincts. Underrated passer and playmaker. I actually don’t have as much of an issue with his skating or pace as others do. He skates just fine for the type of game he plays. He’s not going to be a guy you rely upon in transition at the pro level. He’s going to be that guy who keeps plays alive in the offensive end, who can create time/space, who can play with really good play driving pivots. So what are my true concerns? First would be the lack of consistent engagement in pursuit and in the defensive end. He has great upside to be a dominant player in this regard with his size/length/smarts, yet he’s just not consistently impactful there. And as a third year OHL player with a late birthday and a ton of experience…that concerns me a bit. This is likely the kind of role NHL teams will want him to play and if he’s not consistently showing this at the junior level, what does that mean for him at the NHL level? Additionally, under pressure, I’ve found his decision making to be lacking a bit when he’s asked to drive play. The production was great this year, but Brampton massively underperformed as a team and I thought Martone struggled at times in the playoffs from trying to force things. But we’re nitpicking here, mostly to help you understand why I prefer Martin. I expect Martone to be a consistent 30/30 guy who has a long NHL career. Any NHL team will be lucky to add him into the fold.

5. Kashawn Aitcheson - Defense - Barrie Colts

Another ranking that will probably surprise you. But I’m just a big Aitcheson fan for the same reason as I’m a Brady Martin fan. This is the kind of guy you want on your team, in your top four, come playoff time. In Corey Pronman’s scouting confidential piece for The Athletic, an executive compared Aitcheson to a better version of Radko Gudas and that’s pretty much it. His game improved so much this year on the offensive side of things that I actually believe he can continue to be an asset offensively at the NHL level. So much of what he does offensively is off the puck or created by his shooting ability, and both of those things can translate well. His big shot could make him a triggerman on the powerplay. And his ability to slip coverage in the offensive end can make him an even strength point producer. He’s going to have to simplify things and improve his decision making with the puck in the defensive end, but what junior aged defender doesn’t have that as something to work on before they turn pro? Additionally, for as combative and physical as he is, I’d like to see him be a little more effective in zone coverage. If he wants to be a top notch defensive player at the next level, he’s got to do a better job of being “smothering.” I’ve heard some question his ‘IQ” as a defensive player, and that’s where that comes from. The argument that I’d have is that you can’t be as intelligent as Aitcheson is off the puck offensively and have a poor IQ. There are also some concerns about his mobility, but I think those are overblown. He moves just fine for the kind of game he plays. I just look at Aitcheson and see someone who is going to be a solid, physical, tone setting number four for a decade in the league and that has a ton of value to me. 

6. Jake O'Brien - Center - Brantford Bulldogs

Let me present you with some statistical rankings. O’Brien finished first in the OHL in powerplay points, powerplay assists, and primary assists with the man advantage. But, at even strength? He was outside the top 50 in both total assists and primary assists. Is this a concern for scouts? It really depends on your perspective. On one hand, you have to be impressed with his vision and playmaking ability with the extra time and space afforded to him; he truly is one of this draft’s premier distributors and creators. On the other hand, you have to be concerned with the consistency of his production at five on five; he struggles to find the space necessary to utilize his creative gifts. That’s why O’Brien is more of a mid first round prospect for me. I just struggle with how certain elements of his game could translate to the NHL at even strength. The pace. The strength on the puck. The physicality. Of course, all three of these things could massively improve with added strength to his slight frame. That’s the argument for O’Brien in the top ten. And it’s valid. As stated, he is such a smart player. He’s actually competitive too, especially in the defensive end. There's a reason why he was used on the PK by Brantford. He’ll block shots. He’s got an active stick and great instincts. If the physical intensity ticks up, he’s a potential Selke candidate. At even strength this year, his goal scoring improved a ton because he was getting to the net and scoring the greasy goals. That’s going to translate too if the strength improves. There’s tons to like, but also a lot that I’m concerned about that has me reserved in my opinion of him. Again, it’s just a personal preference.

7. Jack Nesbitt - Center - Windsor Spitfires

I feel for Nesbitt a bit because I felt like he had a pretty underwhelming U18’s and it squashed a bit of the draft momentum that he had built up based off his in season improvements with Windsor. There’s a reason why Nesbitt was voted as the Western Conference’s most improved player in this year’s coaches poll. Last year as an OHL rookie, he really was quite poor. He struggled with pace. He looked lost physically. He struggled to make plays with the puck. This year, a complete 180. So then you have to ask yourself, is this a big pivot who is a late bloomer from a coordination perspective? There’s a reason why big players take longer to develop. I also really appreciate that Nesbitt realized that he finally needed to use his size to be an effective offensive and two-way player. This was a knock on him as an OHL draft eligible player too. It’s like the lightbulb went on. Now? He’s aggressive in getting to the net and has great hands in tight. He’s assertive in puck pursuit and will lay the body to force turnovers. He’s a reliable three zone player who was used by the Spitfires to close out games. A lot of people have concerns about his skating but I don’t. I think he moves just fine and can build speed without the puck. With it? He’s a lot slower and that’s where that perception comes from. But I see it more as a need to improve his pace and ability to handle, as opposed to skating concerns. If you’re drafting Nesbitt in the first round, which I expect to happen, you’re hoping that he can develop into an Adam Lowry kind of player and that has significant value in the second half of the first round.

8. Cameron Reid - Defense - Kitchener Rangers

I'm at a personal crossroads with Reid. I both really like him, but am also scared of drafting players with his profile in the first round. We've seen so many similar OHL defenders struggle to take that next step. Yet...I remain a fan of his game and his skill set. Reid is one of the best skaters in this entire draft class. He's effortless moving in all directions, but also quick to pick up speed and that makes him potentially so versatile. He can lead the charge in transition and really gained confidence in his carrying ability this year. He quarterbacks the powerplay well with his ability to work inside and escape coverage thanks to his feet. He shows upside as a rush defender with good gap control and an active stick. Outside the feet, I also think Reid is a very intelligent defender. Good scanning habits. Understands when to take chances and when to play it safe. Reid has a great exit pass. There's a lot to like. The question is, how much can his defensive play improve and can it translate to the NHL level? Reid isn't huge and he's not a physically assertive player. Will this grow as he does and will it prevent him from being someone who who needs to be sheltered at the NHL level? Additionally, is he creative/skilled enough to be a big point producer from the back-end, to offset potential defensive concerns? And therein lies the issue, as other similar types have struggled to make the jump the last decade. I'd be willing to bet on the combination of mobility and IQ, but maybe not quite as early as some others.

9. Malcolm Spence - Wing - Erie Otters

One of the most interesting things to come out of the combine was the height measurement of Spence, who has historically been listed at 6'2...but measured 6'0 (and three quarters) at the combine. I think that this is going to be a big talking point for some NHL scouting staffs. I know it sounds crazy, but Spence's projection was already, best case scenario, a solid middle six, defensive type. Will NHL scouting staffs be as enamored with him in that role now that he's not 6'2? He's a late born 2006 too, so there isn't going to be as much room for future growth. All that said, I think Spence is still a quality pick in the 25-40 range. I just appreciate how he's proven to be a big game player. He's been fantastic as a role player for Canada internationally. He was great in the playoffs this year for Erie, helping them upset the Spirit. There are times where I wish he were just a bit more consistent physically, but when he's on, he's such a tough player to match up against with his speed, strength, and sense. Do I think his offensive upside is significant? No. I don't see him as a creative playmaker or finisher. But, I think he can be a 20/20 guy who can play a shut down role and help your team win when it matters most. Maybe a bit obscure, but I think of a guy like Pascal Dupuis and how valuable he was to his teams. The decision to head to Michigan is an interesting one...and it was trendsetting to a degree. His game is definitely tailored to playing well in College though. It'll be interesting to see how he performs offensively for the Wolverines.

10. Henry Brzustewicz - Defense - London Knights

I don't agree with the notion that Brzustewicz has middling upside, as I've seen some suggest in the scouting sphere. I would actually argue that Brzustewicz has among the highest upside of any defender available. There's a wide range of outcomes here because I see him as someone still searching for a true identity; he's a bit of a blank canvas currently. He could easily develop into a top three defender, who plays in all situations, under the tutelage of the Hunters in London. He could also lean more towards his defensive ability and become more of a PK type. Or, he could fail to create that true identity and struggle to make the NHL. At the beginning of the season for London, prior to the arrival of the big guns, Brzustewicz looked really comfortable running the powerplay. He was slipping coverage, getting pucks to the middle, using his big strides to get the puck into the offensive zone. He's got the big point shot too. Then once Dickinson and Bonk returned to action, Brzustewicz slipped back into a more defensively oriented role, often pairing with Dickinson. And in that role, he sometimes looked uncomfortable and his puck management suffered. This has led to some questions regarding his IQ. And I do see it. He can chase the play defensively and get taken out of position. He can turn the puck over. However, he's also a good athlete who could be capable of some pretty awesome things when his game becomes more refined. He's a different player than his brother Hunter. He's longer. He's more physical. There really is great upside at both ends of the ice. 

11. Ethan Czata - Center/Wing - Niagara IceDogs

A personal favourite of mine. It's just so easy to see his game translating to the pro level in some capacity. Good size. Good skater. Hard on pucks. Strong two-way player. Versatile positionally and situationally. Underrated playmaker. The IceDogs made the playoffs this year for the first time in a while and Czata was one of the main reasons. Are there limitations to his upside currently? Yeah, I do believe so. He can struggle to handle with pace at times, especially under pressure. This doesn't allow him to truly utilize his speed offensively. I don't think he's a natural finisher in the home plate area. However, with work, both of these things can be improved a bit, to the point where I could see him being a solid 3C or complementary 2W. I thought Czata was really solid for Canada in a depth role at the U18's, killing penalties, working the cycle; grinding it out basically. NHL teams give up first round selections for guys like that come playoff time, so why not draft them in the second round and develop them? 

12. Jack Ivankovic - Goaltender - Brampton Steelheads

Did Ivankovic get the kiss of death at the combine when he measured at 5'11? Historical draft data would suggest yes, unfortunately. I know that his father was huge and that there is evidence Jack hits a late growth spurt. To some NHL teams, who have size requirements for the position...that won't matter. For me, I'm still an Ivankovic fan, but maybe not as much as some others in the scouting community. He's a late second/early third rounder for me. I wasn't blown away with his season in the OHL, where I thought he struggled with his rebound control, angles, and ability to fight through traffic at times...and the stats back that up (even if the Steelheads defense was also decimated by injuries at different times). Of course, you'd be hard pressed to find someone who wasn't blown away by his international performances this year. He was outstanding for Canada at both the Hlinka/Gretzky and the U18's. When he's dialed in, he's really tough to beat, size or not. He's lightning quick. He tracks the play well. He competes to make saves. He's aggressive in challenging shooters and trying to take away angles. Will that hold up at the higher levels to become a Saros, Wolf, Quick, Hasek, etc? I think it's worth trying to find out in the range that I said. It's also worth noting that Ivankovic is one of the better puck handling goaltenders that I've seen come through the OHL. He's like a third defender back there. It's a bit of a lost art, but it really can make a difference on the ice when you have a goaltender who is a confident playing the puck to take some pressure off the defense. Obviously, I'm sure you've heard by now about Ivankovic's commitment to Michigan and it'll present a new challenge as he tries to shore up their goaltending and become their starter.

13. Alexei Medvedev - Goaltender - London Knights

A player who has been criminally underrated this year based on the fact that he didn’t play a ton down the stretch and in the playoffs for London; it was obviously the Austin Elliott show. That adds a bit of mystique to Medvedev, because we didn’t get to see his true progression over the year or to see how he performed under pressure in the playoffs. But, I’m a big fan and I think he and Ivankovic are basically 1A and 1B. Medvedev is a great athlete, but he’s also 6’3 and one of the youngest players available this year (Sept. 10 birth date), which means he could grow even more. I like how he tracks the play and I like how aggressive he is in challenging shooters. He can get caught out of position sometimes and his rebound control needs work; refinement is needed in some technical areas. However, this was his first year in the OHL and he’s going to be London’s starter moving forward…which is obviously going to be great for his development. For my money, he’s right in the conversation as the best goalie available and he should be a top two round pick.

14. Jimmy Lombardi - Center - Flint Firebirds

I continue to be aggressively high on Lombardi. Yes, consistency was a major issue. Yes, he needs to majorly bulk up. But, even with those issues, he led the Firebirds in assists this year. He was also among the OHL’s leaders in defensive and neutral zone takeaways. Oh…and he was among the OHL’s leaders in successfully completed dekes. I see a pivot with skill, creativity, and sense. He can be a real difference maker in transition with how he can create mismatches by taking defenders out of position. And even without elite skating ability or even adequate strength on the puck, he manages to cut through the middle and get to the net. When he gets that space, he looks good as a playmaker too and doesn't need to alter pace to make plays; his hands are great. Defensively, his awareness and instincts are terrific. He always seems to be in the right place, thus the high takeaway numbers. There are times where you wish he were better under pressure with the puck; he can be prone to offensive zone and neutral zone turnovers. However, I truly believe all of Lombardi's issues are related to him needing to bulk up. It'll help with his skating power and ability to build speed quicker. It'll help him be stronger on pucks and, in turn, help him cut down on turnovers. The upside here, IMO, is for him to develop into a really solid number two, all situations kind of center. But, I also believe he has a floor as an NHL player in some capacity too, obviously depending on how those physical tools improve. Lots to like and a player who shouldn't have fallen as much as he did on some lists in the second half.

15. Luca Romano - Center/Wing - Kitchener Rangers

For Romano, it’s all about adding strength and improving his conditioning, which will in turn improve his consistency. He has all the tools, but he still gets overwhelmed physically at the OHL level and that limits his impact. It was kind of a yo-yo act for him this year. I like the skating ability, particularly given how so much of his game is created in transition and out of hard work in puck pursuit. He has that elusiveness to counter his lack of true size. I also think Romano is an intelligent player. Sees the ice well. Understands how to play without the puck in all three zones. He projects as a versatile guy who can slide up and down the lineup. Two areas of his game that I actually see developing into major assets for him are his shot and his physicality/tenacity. The shot flashes plus upside; he can really rip it, both from a standstill and while in motion. But, because he can struggle to shake coverage sometimes, he's just not getting to those spots and giving himself enough time right now. The tenacity and physicality is there, he's just not effective currently because he's not strong enough. But as the conditioning improves, I think it's going to be a hallmark of his game. I guess the concerns I have are related to the fact that I'm not sure Romano is a center moving forward to the pro level. He's not an overly creative player; he's better in straight lines. And I think he'll settle into more of a high energy, goal scoring kind of role on the wing. Given that he's not huge, it makes his projection a little more murky. I wonder if he's the kind of guy who falls into that third/fourth round range at the draft. If he does, I think that would be amazing value...but I see the reasoning.

16. Tyler Hopkins - Center/Wing - Kingston Frontenacs

I absolutely love the versatility in Hopkins' game. He's a bit of a Swiss army knife. His game improved by leaps and bounds from his rookie year. He can play center or the wing. He can kill penalties or look comfortable in any role on the powerplay. He loves to attack the offensive zone with pace, but he's worked hard to improve his off puck play to the point where he is a valuable forechecker and three zone player. His skill and creativity with the puck is best on display when he's attacking in transition. Can beat guys wide with speed and cut back in; he's far from a perimeter player. However, the lack of true identity; the concept of him being a Swiss army knife also concerns me about his upside and projection. What is he at the next level? The finishing ability needs to improve, first and foremost. He struggled to finish off plays this year, especially in tight. I think the key for him is leaning into the pest like role that he plays sometimes. If he can continue to get stronger and make the physical part of his game more consistent, there could definitely be a place for him in the NHL. He just needs to really spend the next few seasons adapting his game and developing that identity, because I don't think he's going to be the scorer that he was drafted into the OHL to be...or that he was in minor hockey. 

17. Simon Wang - Defense - Oshawa Generals

I fully expect Wang to be drafted well before this. He's going to in the top 45 or so. And I get it. It's just not often you find a defender his size who can move like he does. The ease of his stride and power. The fluidity of his four way mobility. He also flashes the potential to be dominant physically. He can be too passive at times, but when he lays the body...he lays the body. Dudes bounce off him like a pinball. I must say, I was really impressed with the improvements he showed defensively in this year's playoffs. Was taking better routes and showing better gap control. Was a real disruptive force at times with his ability to close in on loose pucks. The offense is still a major work in progress and I guess my concern is that I'm not sure it gets to where it needs to. In the OJHL, he flashed offensive upside. He was working inside and using his shot to create offense. But the adjustment to the OHL has been a tough one for him. He's struggled to make plays under pressure. He hasn't been able to get himself looks to use his shot and his release needs to get way quicker. I guess you could argue, but...Wang has elite defensive upside. I'd probably agree. However, as I've said a bunch in these write ups...there are a lot of these types this year and I think many have shown better puck skill and habits than Wang...yet they aren't universally ranked as high. 

18. Quinn Beauchesne - Defense - Guelph Storm

I do worry about Beauchesne being one of those jack of all trades types that we've discussed previously; the types who have difficulty finding a niche at the NHL level. His season with Guelph was pretty up and down, and we never really saw him take the training wheels off as an offensive defender. Yet...he was so good for Canada internationally this year, I think we need to put a lot of stock in that given that Guelph struggled as a team and that can be difficult for a younger defender. We see this year in, year out at the draft. Defenders on struggling CHL teams get drafted later, but then explode to become solid NHL prospects once the team improves around them and they don't have to force things and become more comfortable. Beauchesne is a really intelligent player. Makes a clean exit pass. Takes good routes to pucks. Has great defensive instincts. Can use his good feet to skate the puck out of trouble or create a shooting lane in the offensive end. I do feel like there is a chance he pops off in the next few years for the Storm. And if he doesn't? I think he's smart enough, mobile enough, and long enough to be a depth, defensive type at the NHL level. If he's drafted outside of the third round, it's a major value pick by whatever NHL team selects him.

19. Filip Ekberg - Wing - Ottawa 67's

Will the real Filip Ekberg please stand up? Illness and injury may have played a role in his slow start, but he had a difficult time earning ice time and responsibility from 67’s head coach Dave Cameron. His start was so lacklustre that we’re not sure a lot of folks in the scouting community took notice of his terrific finish to the OHL season, where he had 24 points in the last 18 games of the year. But, they certainly took notice of his performance at the U18’s, where he led the tournament in scoring and was named tournament MVP, dominating touches on a Swedish team with several first round candidates. I could see an argument for having him higher, but I'm just a bit concerned about the lack of physical/athletic tools. Not a big guy. Not exceptionally quick or strong. Defensive game was hit and miss. His shot might be his best offensive weapon, but I don't see him getting into spots to use it enough. At the U18's he shined as a transitional attacker, showing skill and a great passing touch. But, is he going to dominate touches at the NHL level without some serious upgrades to those physical tools? Does he profile as more of a complementary piece? With the tumultuous season he had, I just find myself confused over his projection. That's why I have him as a third rounder and not more.

20. Owen Griffin - Center - Oshawa Generals

Since 2000, the only U18 players with more points in the OHL playoffs than Owen Griffin (29) were Connor McDavid, Taylor Hall, Jeff Skinner, Max Domi, and Ryan Ellis. It tied or surpassed the likes of Sam Gagner, Robby Fabbri, Mike Richards, Matt Duchene, and Nazem Kadri. Not bad company. That helps to explain Griffin’s late season surge up draft boards. He went from being a draft long shot to a potential top three round pick. His meteoric rise of 127 spots on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings is evidence of that. I really applaud him for improving so much this year. The skating uptick has been the most noticeable difference. It was previously a weakness, now it's getting close to a strength. And he's putting the improved quickness to use without the puck, operating really well as someone who hounds and hunts pucks. It's why he's been very useful as a penalty killer. Griffin has also increased his physical intensity level over the course of the year. His ability to get to the middle and be stronger playing through traffic was one of the main reasons he was so good in the OHL playoffs. In summary, Griffin has managed to completely change the narrative surrounding him to become a reliable three zone player who can use his high end sense and tenaciousness to hunt touches and create chances. Obviously, the concern is similar to others in this range. He's not huge. He's not a truly dynamic or creative offensive player. His skating will still need to tick up more given his size. His future position remains up for debate. There are projection concerns. However, how could you not move Griffin up your board based on in season progression?