Preliminary Top 50 for the 2027 NHL Draft

It's time for my first official ranking of the season. 

My first list includes detailed reports on the Top 30 and small snippets on the other 20 that make up the Top 50. 

A reminder that this list does not include potential re-entry candidates (players already passed over in the draft). I do a separate list for these types later in the season.

Looking at the quality of this group early on, it's a very strong crop. Definitely an exciting draft year coming out of Ontario, even if I'm lukewarm on the quality of this draft class as a whole (when combining all other regions). It's early, but I think that there is a chance that the OHL could have nearly a third of the first round selections this year.

Here's the list:

1. Dima Zhilkin - Wing/Center - Saginaw Spirit

Unquestionably the top draft prospect out of Ontario this year. Brad Marchand comparisons have been running wild lately, but I actually think that's pretty accurate as to the type of player he could become in the NHL. What's most interesting is that Zhilkin has been playing center recently. I'm not necessarily convinced that would be his role at the next level, but it certainly adds value to his "prospect worth." Now we add Nikita Klepov back into the mix, which would elevate Zhilkin's game even further. When you look at Zhilkin, you have a forward who has everything except ideal size. He's competitive, bordering on pest-like. He's skilled. He's intelligent. He can score off the cycle or off the rush. His lack of size should absolutely not be a deterrent, although perhaps the fact that he's generating top five buzz highlights the issues with the quality of this entire draft class (something a lot of scouts have been pointing out lately). Zhilkin is the kind of prospect that would be a great selection for a team in the top five who feels that they are close to competing, because he's likely just a one and done at Michigan...if he even goes, and he jumps right into your top nine as a contributor.

2. Cooper McAslan - Defense - London Knights

Has improved so much that he's become the top defender on a team with two recently selected players in the first round (Sokolovskii and Piiparinen). Personally, he's the top defender available this year behind Landon Dupont for me, ahead of Cripps, L'Italien, and Harper. I think his game is more of a slam dunk to translate, even if the offensive upside isn't as high. I kind of see McAslan as a Josh Morrissey type at the NHL level. Great in all areas. Can play in any situation. Produces offensively even if he's not the most individually skilled or creative defender. Basically someone who can be a really solid #2-3 defender for a decade. I think the one thing that routinely impresses me so much about McAslan is his vision and passing precision from the defensive end. He's such an asset for the breakout and he can make plays under pressure. It seems like every week he seems to gain more confidence in his offensive abilities too; we're seeing him jump up in the play a lot lately. At this point, I'd be shocked if McAslan wasn't a lottery pick in 2027.

3. Jaakko Wycisk - Center/Wing - Guelph Storm

Given the way that Guelph loaded up this year, it hasn't helped their top end draft eligible players like Wycisk and Kazda. I had really high expectations for Wycisk, but he's been pretty underwhelming so far this year. To be honest, he looks a little bit unsure of himself; a bit lost right now. That is very common for draft eligible players with high expectations as the pressure builds. Wycisk looks like he doesn't really know how to fit into the lineup nor does he have great chemistry with the new players Guelph has brought in. He's had some terrific moments, but the shift to shift consistency hasn't been great. He's struggled, in particular IMO, with his puck management and decision making. Forcing plays in the offensive zone. I'd really like to see Wycisk get back to the basics. Use your size and skill to drive the middle, get to the net, work the cycle. Don't worry about being a huge difference maker in transition right now. It's still so early in the draft process, hopefully the Storm are able to get him going because he is potentially the complete package as a center with size, power, skill, and touch. 

4. Aleks Kulemin - Center - Kingston Frontenacs

The opposite of a guy like Wycisk right now; Kulemin has come into this year and played fantastic...exceeding offensive expectations. I thought that he had a poor Hlinka/Gretzky Cup and I was actually pretty skeptical of his upside coming into the season. However, he's been outstanding. Big centers who can play both ends of the ice do not grow on trees. I'd expect NHL scouts are extremely high on Kulemin right now, more so than public lists who seem to still have him outside of the first round. Two things have impressed me the most about Kulemin. The first is the improvements made to his skating; he has a quick first step for a bigger forward and it routinely catches opposing defenders off guard as he gets behind them. The second is how much his hands have improved; his small area skill is terrific. He's really slippery in tight coverage and his puck protection skill is excellent. He extends a lot of plays and is a quality playmaker. Most people would be surprised to hear that he's up near the OHL's leaderboard in successfully completed dekes this year. He's going to push up lists if he keeps playing as well as he has been.

5. Vilmer Salen Forsberg - Goaltender - Brantford Bulldogs

I'm usually pretty hesitant to rank goaltenders this high...this early, but Salen Forsberg is the real deal. The big Swedish netminder has been a rock for the surprising Brantford Bulldogs. He's basically the prototype of the modern day NHL netminder, at least the kind of goaltender NHL scouts and executives would have made in a lab. Massive and athletic. His reads don't have to be perfect because he's so quick and so big, allowing him to seal the bottom of the net well and play deeper in his crease. There have been some moments where he's been caught out of position deep in his crease; something to work on. But, largely he's been really impressive. He's quick post to post. He's quick in and out of the butterfly. He's controlled rebounds well, certainly better than your average huge netminder at a young age. Essentially, Salen Forsberg looks the part of an NHL first rounder and the top netminder available this year.

6. John McLaughlin - Center - Windsor Spitfires

Still aggressive on McLaughlin. I thought he was struggling a bit to start the year. Seemed like he was kind of running around like a chicken with his head cut off. He was trying to play at this breakneck pace, but I found that he was fumbling pucks, making poor passes, or taking himself out of the play through his physical play. But he's really calmed down the last month and now the production has exploded (even if he's nursing a knee injury currently). I think worst case scenario sees McLaughlin develop into a Casey Cizikas type who can have a really long NHL career as a role player; I think he's an NHL player for sure. But, best case scenario sees the offensive creativity and confidence continue to blossom as the hands catch up to the feet and he becomes a Brayden Schenn type. Let's not forget that he's an August birthdate, so he's still going to mature physically. There's probably a good chance that McLaughlin is a bit lower on my list as the season goes on and other higher upside players grow further on me/become more consistent, but for right now, I'm still a big McLaughlin fan and believe he should be in consideration for the back half of the first round.

7. Bogdan Yakushevsky - Wing - Windsor Spitfires

I said in a recent piece for McKeen's Hockey that it's obvious that Yakushevsky probably models his game after Alex Ovechkin. Not the current version we're seeing at the conclusion of his career, but the initial version the first decade of his career. It's about playing up tempo, looking for ways to use his big shot, and hunting down pucks and space through being physically assertive. This is a skilled attacking winger who has been about as consistent as can be for a "re-tooling" Windsor squad. He doesn't have the most efficient stride on the planet, but he gets to where he needs to and he builds to a decent top speed. I particularly like how efficient and well rounded his offensive game has been. He can drive the net North/South, but he also works East/West to look to open up shooting lanes. He could end up being a big power play contributor at higher levels because of his power and shot. The flank is his home. This is a player who has 30 goal upside as an NHL player. 

8. Ryerson Edgar - Center - Niagara IceDogs

Edgar is the kind of player that you really have to watch a lot of to gain an appreciation for the finer details of his game. Yeah, he's on the smaller side, but he possesses the attributes that you look for in a smaller player who can be successful at higher levels; he's quick, he's tenacious, and he's intelligent. Even when he's not hitting the scoresheet, I've been impressed with Edgar's work away from the puck this year. He's been solid in his own end, he's been great in puck pursuit, and he's even added a pest like quality to his game to help him find more success through the middle and near the crease. The highlight of Edgar's game is his high IQ IMO. He's so smart in the offensive zone. Times cuts well. Settles into those soft spots in coverage. Anticipates the play well and excels as a playmaker coming off the wall and in transition. I'm not sure he's a first line guy at the NHL level, but he could be a really solid middle six piece who can bring versatility.

9. Easton Walos - Center - Sarnia Sting

I've gone back and forth on Walos a lot so far this year despite his strong and consistent production. There's no denying the quality of player he is. The question is, will his game translate to the NHL level? He's not huge and he's not the kind of dynamic or explosive skater that you want from someone his size...plus he's a late born 2008, so that means that he's not as likely to grow or mature more physically. Basically, it's more likely to be a what you see is what you get situation. Now...all that said, I've got him ranked pretty high for a reason and that's because he's such an intelligent and mature player. That's the reason others have him ranked highly too despite these drawbacks. Walos is an excellent three zone player; he's really strong on pucks for an "undersized" pivot and he always seems to be in the right place. Like Edgar, the attention to detail is so strong. Walos is also just a really skilled playmaker who makes others around him better with how he sees the ice and can control the pace of play. A heavy one timer in his back pocket too. I've doubted other similar kinds of players in the past and they've gone on to burn me, so I need to trust what I've seen from Walos the last two years and believe that his game can translate to being a solid pro in some capacity.

10. Timo Kazda - Wing - Guelph Storm

This is a tough one. The production has not been good on a deep Guelph team; given his age and experience you could probably even use a stronger word to describe it. Yet, NHL Central Scouting still has him an an "A" and I'm still ranking him here. I think the easy answer is that despite the lack of production, he's still passing the eye test and generating scoring chances. His speed, shot, and hands, wrapped in a strong frame give him a really solid NHL projection. At some point this year, I think the production catches up because he's really not playing that poorly. I think that the one thing that I want to see from him is more consistent jam to his game. He was billed as being a strong and effective three zone player who was difficult to separate from the puck, but we haven't exactly seen that consistently in Guelph. He's being stripped of the puck too easily when attacking the middle of the ice and he's not as strong in the cycle as he should be. In transition he's been good; positively noticeable. But, he's had a more difficult time standing out when the game slows down and he hasn't been as effective on the powerplay as I would have expected. This ranking represents a holding pattern on Kazda. The skill and upside are evident. But, at some point, he needs to be more consistently effective, even if it is in a more limited role. 

11. Levi Harper - Defense - Saginaw Spirit

Even if he's mired in a bit of an offensive slump as I write this, I do think that Harper has made some nice gains in a few areas to improve his projection and odds of becoming a top four NHL defender. Given the nature of his game, the one thing that I really wanted to see from Harper was a more explosive first step, both linearly and laterally. I think he's definitely improved that; he looks like a more dynamic mover and it's really helped him create greater separation to help him work more into the middle of the ice, on both his rushes and his work as a powerplay quarterback. I do also believe that Harper has made a greater effort to be better defensively; increasing his physical intensity a bit at the net front and along the wall. He's a really skilled player and someone that I definitely think can be an effective powerplay quarterback at the NHL level. That said, he's more of a 30-50 ranked guy for me; I'd be more comfortable taking him in the second because I'm not necessarily sure that he's going to defend at a high enough level to be a high leverage NHL player. 

12. Nolan Snyder - Wing - Kingston Frontenacs

I told you that he was going to be one of my guys this year. Look, I do understand why NHL Central Scouting has him listed as a "C." He's an undersized winger who's got an average outlook as a skater. However, sometimes you just need to go with what you're seeing and the gut instinct. Snyder is cut from the same cloth as guys like Jake Guentzel, Logan Stankoven, Zach Benson, etc. He's that dog on a bone who also happens to be skilled. He's had such a terrific year partnering with Aleks Kulemin and he's consistently driving play with the puck. Snyder is also a very tenacious player who is strong in the defensive end and on the penalty kill. His best attribute might just be his shot too. He's a multi-faceted scorer; with a great wrister, a heavy one timer, and a really strong backhand too (a lost art). I just think that Snyder is perfect for a complementary scoring line role in the NHL, similar to the guys I listed above. He has too many things going for him and he's been so remarkably consistent this year, even playing very well for the U.S. at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup.

13. Tyler Hinde - Center/Wing - Oshawa Generals

Easily one of the most underrated draft prospects playing in the OHL right now. Oshawa isn't great this year so there will be ups and downs. However, I think that you have to give credit to Hinde for how impressive he's looked as an OHL rookie following that great season in the OJHL. There's a world where he pushes up draft boards over the year and ends up a first round prospect. The offensive game and play with the puck will need to continue to improve, but there are so many great flashes. The size and speed combination down the middle is rare and he has a really solid "B" game to fall back on as a mature, two-way player who could, at the very least, develop into an Austin Watson kind of NHL player. However, I think he's just scratching the surface. I like his play at the net front. I like his transporting ability and overall effectiveness in transition. As mentioned, the two-way play has been impressive for a first year forward. I think Hinde will continue to grow on me and I won't be shocked if I see him as a top ten OHL draft prospect when all is said and done.

14. Luca Santala - Wing/Center - Kitchener Rangers

I want to like Santala more than I do currently. I had really high expectations for him coming into this OHL season; I'd been impressed with what I had seen internationally from him. However, I've found him to be fairly vanilla. He hasn't been bad. He's settled in with Kitchener and his scoring touch is impressive. He's a smart player. He's been relatively solid at both ends; the effort is there in puck pursuit and he is solid along the wall. However, with the puck, I just haven't seen a ton of creativity or small area skill that suggests that his upside at the NHL level is extremely high. Additionally, I think his skating, particularly his linear quickness, is just average. Does Santala project as more of a AAAA guy? I just want to see him show a little more on the puck and drive play a little bit more than he has. I think this placement reflects that he could still make some adjustments and be a top two round selections, but also signifies that he could be falling a bit and end up even further down my next list.

15. Max Delisle - Center - Owen Sound Attack

My kind of player. Delisle was my favourite OHL draft prospect from this crop a few years ago and I've really liked what I've seen of him this year in Owen Sound, despite the team's inconsistency this year. He's made some nice and necessary improvements to his skating; he looks significantly quicker and it's made him so much more effective. He's no longer a step behind the play and he's able to use his aggressiveness to make more plays with and without the puck. He's just a really impressive physical player; a tough guy to match up against and I think that will continue to blossom as he bulks up and matures physically. I also really like Delisle's vision and decision making. He's willing to outwork opposing defenders down low and he's using strong scanning habits and quick thinking to funnel passes to the slot or keep plays alive in the cycle. I don't think he's a high upside NHL player. But, I do think that he can be a long time bottom six option who can provide a ton of versatility to his future coaches. This is a guy NHL scouts are going to really value in that 50-75 range. 

16. Kaden McGregor - Center - Brantford Bulldogs

McGregor has been solid for the upstart Bulldogs. The former first overall OHL pick has shown improvement in a lot of areas compared to last year with Peterborough. I think, most importantly, he looks a lot quicker. Adding more explosiveness and a greater top speed has helped to unlock a little more consistency for him. I've actually been impressed with how McGregor has controlled pace; he's shown an ability to slow things down and make plays from the wall, but has also been effective as a carrier in transition who can attack wide and get to the middle. I'm not quite sure we've seen the best of him physically compared to that edge that he played with in minor hockey, so maybe that's still to come. However, you've got a skilled pivot who is making plays all over the ice and that has to be worth something. I will say, however, that I'm a bit worried about McGregor's overall projection as an NHL player. What is he at higher levels? Kind of a jack of all trades type without elite size or skating ability. I'd give him a solid second/third round grade right now and hopefully we see continued growth over the year.

17. Keaton Ardagh - Wing - Brampton Steelheads

While the production on a very weak Steelheads team isn't going to wow you, Ardagh has largely been consistent and effective this year. He's out right now with an injury that could keep him sidelined for a bit. But, he's your classic hard working, goal scoring winger. I'd argue that he has among the highest goal scoring upside of the 2009's from Ontario. Great shooting mechanics and a real nose for the net. Should be a major weapon on the powerplay. I think he could really elevate his draft stock with a more consistent physical game. I'm also not sure he drives a line at this level or the next; more of a complementary piece. However, here's a goal scoring threat with a good frame and a strong skating stride who could be a quality middle six piece at higher levels.

18. Cam Warren - Center/Wing - North Bay Battalion

After a really strong Hlinka/Gretzky Cup on Canada's top line, Warren has had trouble replicating offensive consistency so far this OHL season. Given that he's pretty undersized, that is not going to help his NHL draft stock. However, I do really like the player. He's one of the best skaters available this year. He's a high energy guy who wants the puck. He's creative and slick with the puck, capable of extending plays and operating as a high end playmaker. Yet, I also understand that Warren would be considered a longer shot to be a top six NHL player. The reality is that he's going to need to produce at a greater clip offensively to sniff the top three rounds of the NHL draft. He's capable of it. 

19. Noah Laus - Wing - Soo Greyhounds

Laus has had a tremendous start to the year for the Greyhounds. I came into the year quite high on him and given his production, I bet you're probably surprised that I have him this low. The biggest thing for me is that I haven't seen a ton of improvement in his skating ability. His quickness and agility are going to need to improve. But, he's a hard worker who has a very clear understanding of the way that he needs to play to be successful. He gets to the net. He works the cycle. He drives the middle lane in transition. He competes for pucks in all three zones. I don't think the NHL upside is significant, but I could see him as a longtime third line contributor and penalty killer if the skating can improve. 

20. Drew Roscoe - Defense - Saginaw Spirit

Currently out long term with a wrist injury, but Roscoe had a good start to the year for Saginaw. The allure here is obviously the size and athleticism combination on the backend. For a 6'8 defender, he moves pretty well and I think there's even room for the skating to improve more as his lower body strength catches up. As such, he can be a real asset in the defensive end with his ability to disrupt the transition game and defend down hill. His reach and feet give him a real advantage. Early on we were seeing him gain confidence physically too, again something that will likely continue to improve. Then there are the flashes offensively; a rush attempt, a nifty move to hold the line, a strong play on the breakout...and this suggests that he could be capable of more as he gains confidence and is given more offensive responsibility. It'll be really interesting to see how he finishes out the season once he returns.

21. Dmitri Savin - Center - Saginaw Spirit

I kind of see Savin cut from the same cloth as a guy like Mikael Backlund. I've been really impressed with his work away from the puck. He's relentless in puck pursuit, especially on the forecheck. He's got an active stick in the defensive end and neutral zone. He's a committed three zone player already. I think Savin also excels as a distributor. He keeps things simple. He makes quick reads and is willing to battle for pucks and space in high traffic areas. He's definitely a smart player. The skating just needs to tick up a bit. He's not poor, but he's not great either. Stride lacks power and he doesn't have that ability to create serious separation which limits his on puck effectiveness at times. For me, he's firmly in that third round range because if the skating improves, there's enough there where I could see him becoming that Backlund type in the middle six.

22. Ryan Kaczynski - Wing - Soo Greyhounds

Kaczynski was a relative non factor as an OHL rookie a year ago, but he’s taken a huge step forward this season and could end up being a top two round candidate. He started the year out like gangbusters but cooled and then got hurt. How he rebounds from that will be critical. The skating has improved a ton from his rookie year; there's still a ways to go from an explosiveness standpoint, but he's noticeably quicker and he's using his size and speed to get behind defenders. Kaczynski has also impressed with his small area play, finding a home at the net front as a screener and second chance opportunist. He has good hands and could play this role at higher levels. Lastly, he's been solid defensively too and could project as an all situations type at the pro level. I’m always drawn to bigger forwards who have shown rapid progression and growth and Kaczynski fits that bill. I’ll be following his progression this season closely.

23. Brock Chitaroni - Wing - Ottawa 67's

Your classic lunch pail kind of player who could carve out a long NHL career as a role player thanks to a tenacious approach, strong skating ability, and a high IQ that allows him to be a versatile player who can be used in any situation. Chitaroni is a strong transition player offensively because of his speed and he's looked most comfortable as a playmaker coming out of the cycle or when varying pace. He can kill penalties. He can be a really solid F1. I think one of the biggest things hindering his production this year is the fact that Ottawa doesn't have a true pivot to lead the team offensively. That means Chitaroni has even had to play some center this year even though I don't see that as a fit. He's going to be a solid complementary, hard working type at higher levels. Chitaroni should be a solid 60-90 option at the draft this year as teams envision him as a long time bottom six piece.

24. Brenner Lammens - Wing - Sarnia Sting

Classic throwback power forward who I think is still sort of figuring out how to be a consistent physical and offensive force in the OHL. It often takes a lot of time for these types of players to find that consistency because the conditioning, skating, and awareness have to be top notch. I've found with Lammens that when he's been noticeable offensively, he's been less noticeable physically, and then vice versa. It's kind of made it difficult to ascertain what his high end NHL potential truly is. That said, it's also important to remember that he's one of the youngest players eligible this year, so lots of growth still to occur in all likelihood. I think Lammens has a good shot. He skates well enough for the game he plays. He obviously can be very influential physically. It's now just about whether he can show growth in his game over the year and find that consistency. 

25. Genc Ula - Defense - Sudbury Wolves

Ula has been really good for a Sudbury team that has been one of the best teams in the OHL so far this year. The offensive production hasn't been eye popping, but I think he's been a difference maker at both ends. Ula is a strong skater who uses this to influence the game at both ends, be it defending well down hill, being aggressive in the neutral zone, kickstarting the breakout, or leading the charge in transition. Ula is also a very physically assertive player who makes you earn every inch of ice against him. NHL scouts will really appreciate this about Ula. Are we talking about a high upside NHL player? No, I don't believe so. But, I do think that Ula has enough above average traits to be a very dependable #4-6 guy in the NHL down the line. Maybe think of a guy like Sean Walker in Carolina.

26. Alex Forrest - Defense - Kitchener Rangers

Forrest's ice time has been slowly climbing in recent weeks and he's playing well. We're starting to see him gain more confidence in his physical game defensively. We're starting to see him gain more confidence in his play with the puck and ability to use his solid skating ability to be a difference maker transitionally. He's not a huge defender, but he's got the potential to be a contributor at both ends as he develops further. I guess my main question is does he have the standout traits necessary to escape the average sized/jack of all trades defender stereotype and that one can be tough for NHL teams. Hoping he keeps trending upwards and we get a really good idea of what he's capable of.

27. Kohyn Eshkawkogan - Defense - Ottawa 67's

It will probably surprise folks to see him this low. I don't think he's been poor this year, even if the offensive production has declined. It's just that I haven't seen a ton of growth either and that's critical from a late born '08 playing in their third OHL season. Then you throw in the fact that Eshkawkogan is quite undersized as a defender and it makes it hard to rank him as more than a mid round option. The skating ability is still top notch, which is obviously a saving grace given his size. I think NHL scouts will also appreciate his compete level. He can defend. But, will that carry over to higher levels? Can he quarterback an NHL powerplay? He committed to Penn State in the summer and I think he's going to need two-three seasons in the NCAA to really gain strength and confidence; after that we'll have a really good idea if he can be an NHL regular.

28. Royden Smith - Goaltender - Kingston Frontenacs

Quite the success story here. With Gavin Betts injury recovery and Matthew Minchak's struggles early on, rookie Smith has really taken advantage of the opportunity to be an OHL netminder...and a good one at that. He's been absolutely lights out for Kingston, especially lately. He's a big netminder, but I've been impressed with his play tracking and ability to maximize his size to cut down angles. He seems to have a really strong glove hand too. I think there's room for him to improve his quickness and his rebound control, but he's looking like a really nice project for someone in the middle rounds in hopes that he continues his upwards trajectory.

29. Oskar Konobelj - Defense - North Bay Battalion

Quickly becoming one of my favourite under the radar draft prospects from this crop. Konobelj is raw. He's still making mistakes; with the puck, in defensive zone coverage, taking himself out of position. There's going to be some concern over the processing. But, I also think you need to look at this right now through the lens that he's playing his first season in the OHL after playing last year in the lower EOJHL level. There will be adjustments needed. Instead, what I'm focusing on is the strong physical presence and defensive upside thanks to his size, aggressiveness, and decent footwork. There's these flashes offensively too, that suggest that his play with the puck has further room for growth. I mentioned this in an article for McKeen's recently, that you could make comparisons between the way that Sokolovskii looked at this point last year and Konobelj. Not saying Oskar is going to be a first rounder; he doesn't possess the same athleticism or the same skill that Sokolovskii showed, however, I do believe that NHL scouts are going to be extremely intrigued by Konobelj's defensive upside...just as I am.

30. Abe Barnett - Defense - Brantford Bulldogs

I view Barnett very similarly to Genc Ula and I think they have similar projections for the next level. Barnett has been super efficient defensively for the Bulldogs. Strong rush defender. Not extremely physical or anything, but he minds gaps well, uses his stick well, and takes great routes to pucks to kick start the breakout. He's finally starting to hit the scoresheet a bit after being a bit snake bitten (similar to Ula), but I'm not sure that's going to be his game. I guess the main concern that I'd have is that he lacks that high end trait that could separate him as a potential depth defender, but he's had a good rookie season in Brantford and should definitely be on the radar as a mid round option IMO.

31. Ty Bergeron - Center/Wing - Windsor Spitfires

It wasn't pretty to start the year. I had really high expectations for Bergeron coming into this season as an OHL rookie out of the USHL, but he really struggled initially. Always seemed to be a step behind, be it with or without the puck. But he's really turned a corner the last month or so and I think he's made some positive adjustments. He has that pro frame. I think he has puck skill and has been much more creative and evasive during this stretch; he's really gaining confidence in his ability to make plays with the puck. Bergeron is also solid defensively and projects as an all situations type who can additionally play the bumper/net front on the powerplay. The real issue is the skating. It's not pretty. He's going to be a long term project. He lacks power in his first few strides and it prevents him from creating separation. He can get really wide in his stride too and it limits his ability to quickly change direction; again putting a cap on how he evades pressure. But I think he can be a center and I think he plays a pro style game. These are the types of players you take in the mid rounds and hope that your development staff can help. 

32. Eloan Le Gallic - Wing - London Knights

His ice time has dried up considerably. It's going to be hard for him to be drafted at this rate. Yet...I can't help but be intrigued by his skill level and good skating ability. I think the offensive upside is really high here. He just really needs to bulk up his lanky frame. The classic London slow burn who breaks out in a year or two?

33. Kane Barch - Wing/Center - London Knights

Barch's ice time hasn't been cut nearly as much as Le Gallic's, but his offensive production has dried up after a good preseason and start to the year. I see Barch as a potentially solid pro because of his high work rate and well rounded skill set. I'm just not sure about the upside. 

34. Peter Green - Defense - Brampton Steelheads

Green has been a workhorse for the Steelheads this year. He's even been quarterbacking the powerplay at times and showing some offensive chops. But, his real calling card is his physical defensive approach. He's a no nonsense, throwback type. That said, he's not huge and I wouldn't classify him as an elite skater. Not poor, but average given his profile. Will NHL teams view him as a potential shutdown type given his average "physical tools?"

35. Broden McArthur - Defense - Erie Otters

First thing that jumps off the page is McArthur's skating ability. Really strong mover who can impact the game offensively from the back-end. Like how he kick starts the breakout. Has had some ups and downs defensively and I'm not confident he's a powerplay quarterback at higher levels, but the mobility and transitional capabilities are intriguing. This grouping of defenders has a lot in common in terms of projection question marks.

36. Carter Kunopaski - Defense - North Bay Battalion

Modern day shutdown defensive prospect. Good size. Good mobility. Physically intense. Good enough with the puck; flashes greater ability there. Without question Kunopaski would be higher on the lists of NHL scouts right now. For me, I want to see how the on puck game continues to evolve over the year to prove that he has more upside than just a bottom pairing/depth type.

37. David Buchman - Defense - Brantford Bulldogs

In terms of impact and performance, Buchman would be right near the top of defenders from this OHL class. He's been excellent in all situations for Brantford. He's actually pretty effective defensively for a slightly undersized defender; I think he's a very intelligent player. My issue is that I don't think he's a strong enough skater given his average size to be a high end draft prospect. His explosiveness needs to improve. 

38. Trevor Daley Jr. - Center - Soo Greyhounds

Honestly just wish he were bigger. He's been noticeable in every viewing that I've had of the Greyhounds this year. The skill is legit and he can play at a breakneck pace. Like how he plays a pretty fearless game too; gets to the middle and to the net. I'm curious to see how everything comes together for him over the season given that he missed almost all of last year. Still trying to figure out whether I think he has what it takes to overcome the size deficit. 

39. Adam Nemec - Wing - Brantford Bulldogs

A different player than the other Adam Nemec in Sudbury. I see Brantford's version as more of a finesse type who has had trouble adjusting to the physicality and pace of the OHL. There are flashes of skill that suggest high upside; he was highly touted entering the league. He's also been producing more lately. Curious to see if he's the kind of import who makes the right adjustments over the year.

40. Charlie Murata - Wing - Flint Firebirds

Has been better than the production would indicate, even if he's been inconsistent shift to shift. Good frame. Creative and skilled. I think, perhaps, what has left me most disappointed is that we haven't seen that physical, two-way game he showed at the Hlinka/Gretzky carry over to the OHL. I wonder if the vision/sense is strong enough to up the production. Is he a potential top six player at the NHL level?

41. Tyler Martyniuk - Defense - Saginaw Spirit

Martyniuk has been solid for the Spirit in his first OHL season out of the NTDP. I wouldn't classify him as flashy, but he's efficient at both ends. Decent size. Good mobility. Brings some physical intensity. Proved that when Levi Harper was out that he could take on more offensive responsibility. He looks the part of a possible future bottom pairing, depth guy.

42. Jesse Debruyn - Defense - Windsor Spitfires

Has been a pleasant surprise for the Spitfires this year. Part of me wonders whether he has true NHL upside as another one of those average sized, jack of all trades types. However, I've liked his decision making with the puck and heads up passing ability. Strong skater too. 

43. Tommy Kut - Defense - Kitchener Rangers

Was surprised that Kut didn't get a letter grade from NHL Central Scouting. I've been really impressed by Kut's ability to defend downhill. Minds his gaps well and has decent four way mobility for a big defender. I think he's got NHL upside as a stay at home type. Defensive zone decision making, especially with the puck, does need to improve though.

44. Jonas Gulbrandsen - Center/Wing - Sarnia Sting

Honestly, the consistency hasn't been there and you'd want to see more offensive production from a late born 2008...but the tools are intriguing. He's a massive young man and he's not a poor skater. He can build speed and it allows him to be a serious factor in puck pursuit. He's shown flashes of skill too on top of the "grinding" skill set. Long term project.

45. Sam Roberts - Wing - Brantford Bulldogs

Gary's son does have some pro level attributes. Huge frame. Hard worker. Physical and tenacious. Skating is good for his size; I've been told that it's improved a ton this year. Offensively, I'm not sure there's a ton of upside. However, it's possible that after a few years in the OHL and a couple more in the NCAA, an NHL franchise could have a bottom six candidate on their hands.

46. Gavin Christie - Defense - Kingston Frontenacs

The playing time hasn't been there in spades on a strong Kingston team, but I've really been impressed with Christie at times. Throwback style defender who is one of the more physically assertive players on this list. Decent skater who is comfortable making plays in the neutral zone and who has shown some flashes with the puck. Puck management needs to get better; he's had some trouble with heavy forechecks. However, I think there's defensive upside here.

47. Hagan Bach - Goaltender - Barrie Colts

Bach has been solid this year for a rebuilding Colts' team. Good size. Competes to make saves and shows strong tracking ability. Solid mobility. The type of goalie you take in the later rounds who could end up being a solid long term play. Love that he's committed to Cornell who has developed goalies well IMO.

48. Connor Haffner - Goaltender - Niagara IceDogs

Another strong rookie netminder. Haffner has kind of come out of nowhere this year to be a great find for Niagara. The big netminder is a solid play tracker who really takes advantage of his size. Been really impressed with his rebound control for a larger goalie. Not currently blessed with elite quickness or agility, but he's also one of the youngest available this year. A long term project worth investing in.

49. Cam Anderson - Wing - Soo Greyhounds

Keeps catching my eye when I watch the Greyhounds. Big guy who moves well North/South. Can really drive the net or get after it on the forecheck. Has shown serious flashes of skill in transition. I think there's upside and he could be the type who eventually develops into an NHL prospect. A guy to watch IMO.

50. Jake Murray - Center - Erie Otters

Had higher expectations for Murray this season but he's been buried in Erie's bottom six for most of the year. He's been a strong penalty killer and I think his value lies in his two-way potential. Skating needs to continue to improve and it's what currently holds him back offensively. But I think we haven't seen the best of him yet.

LV - Michael D'Alessio - Defense - Erie Otters

A forgotten man because he hasn't played this year due to an upper body injury. However, I had high expectations for him and I think he's not someone who should be forgotten about. Good combination of size, mobility, and two-way skill. Hoping he can make his way back at some point this year, because I'm a believer in his ability and upside.