Of course, a ton is going to change between now and the actual 2027 draft. A lot will likely change before I make my first in season list in October/November. Here was last year's preseason list, as an example.
I think the strength of this crop of OHL'ers is completely up in the air. It all hinges on the new recruits because on this list alone, I wouldn't classify many as "A" grade players. The top player at this point in time, Dima Zhilkin, isn't even a guaranteed top ten selection because he's so undersized...even if he is awesome. So if some of those new players end up living up to the hype, it could really do wonders to improve this OHL group. If not, it could end up being viewed as a down year in terms of top end talent. The depth, given the new NCAA eligibility rules, will always be there now.
Note, I'm only including players who played in the OHL last season at this point. Just easier to create an early list that way. So no Timothy Kazda, Luca Santela, Ty Bergeron, Adam Nemec, Michael Tang, Trevor Daley Jr, etc. Those guys will first appear in my October/November list.
Here's the list:
1. Dima Zhilkin - Wing - Saginaw Spirit
You can never say a player is slam dunk to be the top rated player this early; that's just not a great way to scout. However, it will take a lot for me to move off of Zhilkin...I like him that much. Yes, he's undersized. A lot of times, I'd care about that. This time, I don't. It's cliche, but Zhilkin plays a heck of a lot bigger than he is. This is not a perimeter player. He's got that "dog" in him. He's so tenacious. So physical. I think it was Craig Button who compared him to Brad Marchand recently and I think that's pretty good. For all the positive things you can say about Zhilkin in terms of effort and engagement, he's also highly skilled and intelligent. I expect him to absolutely tear apart the OHL this year, especially if Nikita Klepov ends up finding his way back to Saginaw.
2. Jaakko Wycisk - Center/Wing - Guelph Storm
What a tremendous Hlinka/Gretzky for Wycisk. Heading into the tournament, I was shocked that I wasn't seeing him listed on many preseason first round lists, but that won't be the case any longer. He's the complete package and the top contender to dethrone Zhilkin IMO, because he has some similar qualities but in a larger frame. Wycisk is so strong on the puck and he's very determined to earn touches and outwork defenders. He is a high end playmaker, but he also has a heavy shot, making him a true dual threat. Skating isn't an issue. Just a really complete player who plays that hevay, pro style game. I'm really curious to see how Guelph utilizes him this year given how deep their roster is. Likely, he's either the third line center or a second line wing. My guess would be he slots to the wing to earn more ice time.
3. John McLaughlin - Center - Windsor Spitfires
I was shocked to see McLaughlin left off Canada's Hlinka/Gretzky camp roster given how good he was for Windsor to end last year after the Belchetz injury. He missed almost his entire OHL draft year with a knee injury, so to see such rapid development, especially given his August birthday, is extremely impressive to me. He's the complete package as an intelligent, two-way center. Love the playmaking ability. Love the effort and the potential of his power game. Strong skater who has probably gotten even quicker a year removed from that knee injury. He's likely the top line center in Windsor this year with all of the players they've lost, so we'll get a pretty quick read on whether he's ready to be a go-to player.
4. Kohyn Eshkawkogan - Defense - Ottawa 67's
I would say that #4 and #5 on this list are nearly inseparable. Both Harper and Eshkawkogan are undersized defenders that project similarly. I put Kohyn Eshkawkogan higher because I didn't want to cop out completely, but it's a toss up for me. At the end of the day, I think he's just a little more dynamic as a skater and a better defender currently, thus the nod. In fact, Eshkawkogan's defensive play consistently impressed me last year. He's a solid rush defender and he's not afraid to mix things up physically. It's just a matter of whether you believe he'll be an effective NHL defender given his frame. Offensively, he's quick, agile, intelligent, skilled. He is an excellent play creator from the back-end. It's pretty uncommon for me to rank a smaller defender this high, so I think that tells you how I feel about Eshkawkogan.
5. Levi Harper - Defense - Saginaw Spirit
As mentioned, toss up between he and Eshkawkogan. Harper is a smidge bigger and I actually think he's a more creative offensive player. Like Eshkawkogan, Harper isn't afraid to mix it up physically. It's just that I thought he struggled with his defensive reads and consistency last year. Brendan Taylor is really great with improving defensive play in defenders, so I'm curious to see the influence he has over Harper's game. At the very least, Harper is very much talented enough to be a powerplay quarterback at the NHL level. This season, as a late birthdate, will give us a better indication of whether he'll be able to be a regular even strength contributor. In all honesty, it's hard for me to see both Eshkawkogan and Harper ranked this high, as potential first round selections come next June, but right now, it's deserving.
6. Camryn Warren - Wing/Center - North Bay Battalion
It's shaping up to be the year of the little man. I thought Warren was excellent at times as an OHL rookie, even if he was overwhelmed physically a fair amount. He's such an explosive player because of his skating ability. It was great to see him have such a terrific Hlinka/Gretzky Cup on that top line with Pue and Schultz. If he can play like he did there, bringing energy, pace, and skill, he's going to have a big year. The real question is whether he plays center or wing this year in North Bay. He dabbled in both last year.
7. Ryerson Edgar - Wing/Center - Niagara IceDogs
You guessed it, another undersized forward. There's likely no way these rankings hold, but Edgar deserves it right now given his fantastic rookie year and strong Hlinka/Gretzky Cup. I think that Edgar is a really smart player, possibly the most intelligent player in this crop from the OHL. He's so good at timing cuts, finding space, and supporting attacks through quick decision making. He has a great shot and he's not afraid of playing through the middle of the ice despite his smaller frame. If you can skate well, process the game well, and have skill, you can often find success despite being undersized. Like Warren, I'm curious to see what position Edgar plays full time this year.
8. Brock Chitaroni - Wing - Ottawa 67's
Chitaroni definitely had a quiet HGC in a checking line, PK type role, but he was really good as a rookie last year for Dave Cameron's upstart 67's team. The offensive totals weren't terrific, but when he was asked to move up the lineup, I felt like he always stood out and acquitted himself well. It's cliche, but Chitaroni plays bigger than his size/frame. The energy and physicality are always present. The key this year will be adding more to his plate from an offensive perspective. Driving play. Improving his scoring ability. As another slightly below average player, he's going to need to score to be a top 50 pick this coming year. Otherwise, he's probably more of a mid/late round gamble as a potential bottom six type.
9. Noah Laus - Center - Soo Greyhounds
I have really high hopes for Laus this year. With some adjustments, I think he could up being a first round candidate. He's the kind of intelligent, two-way, power center that NHL teams are looking for. I think he projects as a balanced scorer, with both a heavy shot and a strong playmaking touch. Consistency wasn't his friend as a rookie, but there were so many solid moments that suggested he could be the kind of guy NHL scouts really fall in love with. The real key for Laus will be improving his skating. I wouldn't classify it as poor given his frame, but he needs to get quicker to be a better offensive player and I'm curious to see if that comes to fruition this season.
10. Brenner Lammens - Wing - Sarnia Sting
I've listed Lammens as a wing because that's where he played last year. I know he was drafted as a center, but with Di Iorio and Walos returning in Sarnia, I'm guessing he continues to slot on the wing (even if Liam Beamish and Beckham Edwards moved on) to get maximum playing time. Lammens is a classic power forward. He brings relentless physicality and a scorer's mentality. He struggled to start last year but seemed to get better with every month; with a mid September birthday, that makes sense. One of the guys I'm most excited to see improvement from this year because I think he has the upside to be a high NHL selection. We just need to see the offense tick up.
11. Cooper McAslan - Defense - London Knights
When McAslan was named to the Canadian Hlinka/Gretzky team, I saw a lot of comments online suggesting that he was named because he played for London. People looked at the fact that he spent the majority of the year in the GOJHL and immediately wrote him off. Tisk Tisk. I think folks need to remember the London Knights model. If you aren't going to get consistent ice time, you're getting sent to the GOJHL; it's a slow play but it works. On the majority of OHL teams last year, McAslan would have played a full year. I see him as a dependable two-way defender. Good mobility. Like the aggressiveness at both ends, maybe not from a physical perspective, but from an activation or active stick perspective. He'll step up confidently to make plays. He was quietly very effective at the Hlinka/Gretzky. Really loved how he handled retrievals and made plays under pressure, especially given how little CHL time he's seen. The big question for me this year is how much offensive upside does he have?
12. Alexander Forrest - Defense - Kitchener Rangers
What I said for McAslan goes double for Forrest. He's on nearly every OHL roster full time last year, except for the Memorial Cup champions. Now he should be an immediate top four defender for the Rangers. I think he might just have the highest upside of any defender on this list. Forrest skates well. He can quarterback the powerplay. He is physical. Only thing he's not blessed with is tremendous size, but he's more "average" than undersized. Look for him to have a big year for Kitchener and I think he can move up lists quickly if he shows well in the first few months.
13. Aleks Kulemin - Center - Kingston Frontenacs
I know there were a lot of folks disappointed with Kulemin's play at the Hlinka/Gretzky; he basically was reduced to a 13th forward role by the end of the tournament. But, you can't judge him solely on that. Did he struggle with pace and offensive efficiency? Yes. But, he's still a big pivot with an intriguing two-way skill set in a draft full of smaller forwards who probably shift to the wing. That needs to be valued appropriately. Let's see how he builds upon his rookie OHL season and make adjustments off that.
14. Easton Walos - Center - Sarnia Sting
I'm not even sure there's an argument to be made over the fact that Walos was Sarnia's most consistent player last year. He was really good as an OHL rookie out of the BCHL. I think a good word to describe Walos is "spunky." He's feisty. He's not huge, but he works his butt off in all three zones. I think he's smart and crafty too. Big thing for him this year is to take his skating from a little above average to well above average given his frame. That could really catapult him into the top 40 conversation IMO. He's being underrated right now because he played on a poor team last year and he's a late birthday.
15. Charlie Murata - Wing - Flint Firebirds
It was really interesting to see Murata play more of a high energy, checking line role for Canada at the HGC. I would not have pegged him for that previously. If he can bring that type of off puck dedication and physicality back to the OHL with him for his sophomore year, he's going to be great for Flint. As is, I don't really know what to make of Murata. I think he's skilled. I think he's crafty. I think he can be a point producer. He is a very good skater, but I'm not sure he quite knows how to weaponize that at the OHL level yet. The tools are there, but I think we just need to see more consistency.
16. Keaton Ardagh - Wing - Brampton Steelheads
Despite inconsistent production on a bland Brampton team, I thought Ardagh improved a lot over the course of the season. He plays a pretty translatable North/South power game and protects the puck well, which allows him to control the wall or drive the net. I think he has among the highest goal scoring upside of any player in this Ontario age group with good hands and strong off puck instincts. Let's see how it all comes together for him this year in Brampton.
17. Nolan Snyder - Wing - Kingston Frontenacs
What a find by Kingston's scouting staff. Snyder was one of the most consistently effective 2009's in the OHL last year and he's now fresh off winning a silver medal with the US at the HGC. I love the pace and tenacity that Snyder plays with. Really great at forcing turnovers and jumping on the counter attack. I think he has a chance to be a quality complementary middle six piece at the NHL level if his offensive game continues to grow. I think he could be a point per game player in Kingston this year.
18. Max Delisle - Center - Owen Sound Attack
Absolutely loved Delisle's game as a U16 player with the Toronto Titans. And while his rookie OHL season had probably more downs than ups, I still feel like he could be a quality pro prospect. He's a true power forward pivot. The physicality transitioned seamlessly to the OHL; he can drive through people. The key for him this year is showing improvements in his skating, in addition to his ability to make plays with the puck at pace and under pressure. If it clicks this year, he moves quickly up draft boards. If it doesn't, he's probably a later round target like Colin Fitzgerald.
19. Kaden McGregor - Center/Wing - Brantford Bulldogs
Crazy to see McGregor, the former first overall pick, dealt already. It wasn't a great year for him in Peterborough and a season ending shoulder injury exasperated that. Consistency was a major issue for him as a rookie even before the injury. I think the biggest thing holding him back was a need to improve his skating and pace. Seemed like he really struggled with the speed of the OHL at times. That said, he was the first overall pick for a reason (albeit in a year where everyone had a different opinion regarding the top prospect). He's got the skill and he can play a competitive, power forward like game. I'm really curious to see how he plays in Brantford.
20. Kaden Aucoin - Defense - Sarnia Sting
The son of former NHL'er Adrian Aucoin, Kaden was largely solid as an OHL rookie last year on a weak Sting team. He is best described as "toolsy." The size, mobility, and physicality combination gives him strong NHL upside and now it's about seeing how his offensive game can make a jump. If he shows more in that regard, he'll move up lists quickly and has a chance to be one of the first Ontario defenders off the board.
21. Luca Blonda - Defense - Sudbury Wolves
A really tough player to slot into a ranking right now IMO. On one hand, there's probably not a lot separating Blonda from Harper/Eshkawkogan in terms of upside as a late born 2008. He's also mobile, competitive, but undersized. However, his offensive production has lagged behind because he's not yet as aggressive (or surrounded by as strong of a cast) as the above two. Is he more of a strong junior style defender (and eventual NCAA standout) or is he a true NHL prospect? The key for him is finding that next level offensively; that swagger that Harper/Eshkawkogan have.
22. Peter Green - Defense - Brampton Steelheads
Physicality is the major standout trait here. Green isn't huge, but man he's mean. He's a throwback. However, Green also moves well and flashes some offensive upside. I'm really curious to see how the offensive side of things grows for him this year because I do think he has the skating ability to be a catalyst in the offensive zone; we certainly saw that as a U16 player before he missed the OHL Cup with an injury.
23. Matthew Henderson - Defense - Kingston Frontenacs
Henderson is coming off playing a third pairing role for Canada at the HGC, where his play had its ups and downs. He struggled at times with his decision making with the puck, but he was largely efficient in the defensive end. I currently see Henderson as a jack of all trades type and given his average size, that could spell trouble for his potential as a top 100 pick come next June. What's the high end ceiling here? Can one or two parts of his game elevate this year to alter his projection? In particular, I'll be looking at a jump from him offensively.
24. Jake Murray - Center - Erie Otters
I have a lot of time for players like Murray a year out from their draft year. Rangy pivots who can play with power and execute in all three zones. Watching him as an OHL rookie it was obvious that he would be a longer term project. Execution consistency was an issue. He looks like one of those guys who is still growing into his frame and the coordination needs to catch up. There's shades of Jack Nesbitt here. I saw enough flashes to suggest that he could be a highly coveted NHL prospect with some fine tuning. I don't even think you can write him off if he has a slow start either. Murray will be the type of guy we can truly evaluate based on the final few months of his draft year.
25. Matthew Perreault - Defense - Peterborough Petes
Very similar to the other Matthew in Kingston. Jack of all trades type defender with average size who we need to see develop more above average/elite tools. He was the highest scoring U17 defender in the OHL last year by a country mile, that's no fluke. He can move the puck. He's mobile. Efficient. Let's see the next steps he takes this season.
26. Michael D’Alessio - Defense - Erie Otters
I was a bit disappointed by D'Alessio's development last year as an OHL sophomore. I think he has all the tools. He's a great skater. He flashes skill and creativity as a transitional leader and catalyst. He can bring an element of physicality defensively. Consistency and execution were an issue for him on a struggling Erie team. I think he can be a major breakout star in the league if the Otters can improve as a team around him. I'll have my eye on him closely to start the season.
27. Drew Roscoe - Defense - Saginaw Spirit
Sky high upside here. Didn't play a ton as a rookie and that has shrouded his abilities and true ceiling a bit. However, here's a massive defender that is one of the most fluid skaters on this list. He has flashed an ability to be a difference maker at both ends, be it leading the attack offensively or shutting it down as a rush defender. Lots of questions here, but I think we'll get more answers this year as his playing time increases. With a strong start, he'll move up lists quickly.
28. Tyler Hinde - Wing/Center - Oshawa Generals
Another guy with significant upside to move up this list once we see him get more consistent playing time in the OHL. The reigning OJHL rookie of the year was absolutely dominant at that level, having one of the best U17 seasons in the league this millennia. The size, skating, and skill combo is legit. Playing minimally in the OHL last year, he actually showed some ability to play a complete game too, seeing PK time and bringing some physicality in puck pursuit. I'm really curious to see how he looks this season.
29. Genc Ula - Defense - Sudbury Wolves
No nonsense, physical defender who took on considerably more ice time following a trade to Sudbury last year. Love his physical approach to defending; he can be suffocating in the defensive end and a real asset on the PK. I do think that he has some offensive upside too. Let's see how the skating and decision making improve this year. A late born 2008, Ula could very much end up an NHL pick with his size and defensive upside.
30. Landon Jackman - Wing/Center - Owen Sound Attack
Could have went a lot of different routes with number 30. A few late born 2008 goaltenders for example or a few other high upside types who spent the majority of the year in the GOJHL or OJHL. However, I'm going Jackman, who struggled with consistency and injuries in his rookie OHL season. I feel like the big man has interesting power forward potential. He's a natural center who could slide back there this year. He drives the net, has a heavy shot, and brings physicality. The skating needs to improve. The pace and ability to make plays at full speed needs to improve. However, I do think that he's someone to watch heading into the year.
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