Ontario Hockey League – McKeen's Hockey

Will Bitten rising ahead of 2016 NHL Draft

Scott Wheeler — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 02:39:25 +0000

As Team OHL hosted Team Russia in Game 4 of the CHL Canada Russia Series, there were several high-end 2016 NHL Draft prospects on display for a host of NHL scouts. And while Sarnia Sting forward Jordan Kyrou grabbed the spotlight with a nice drop pass before scoring his team's first goal of the game, it was Flint Firebirds centre William Bitten who stood out among the 2016-eligible players.

Lately, the Flint Firebirds have been making news for all the wrong reasons. After owner Rolf Nilsen fired his entire coaching staff following a come from behind victory, the Firebirds players -- Bitten included -- elected to quit, forcing a re-hiring of the coaches. Despite the courageous move from Bitten and his teammates, the narrative quickly turned into that of an overbearing first-year owner.

To his credit, Bitten has been incredible for the Firebirds in their inaugural season after the move from Plymouth. Not only does Bitten lead the team in scoring, he has produced 12 more points than the next closest-scoring forward on the team (27 to 15).

After posting 31 points in 63 games in his rookie season with the then-Whalers, Bitten has bounced back to out score top 2016 NHL Draft prospects such as Alex Nylander, Michael McLeod, Max Jones, Adam Mascherin, and Max Jones in the OHL.

Early on, Bitten's 1.11 primary points per game (PrPPG) places him third among draft-eligible OHL forwards behind only Erie Otters forwards Alex DeBrincat and Taylor Raddysh.

Ranked 28th in my November top 60 ranking for the 2016 NHL Draft, Bitten is quickly rising. And while he failed to register a point in his CHL Canada Russia Series debut, Bitten created several scoring chances. You couldn't tell Bitten was the youngest player in the game by more than three months. Nor could you tell that he stood just 5-10 and a shade under 170 Ibs. A key cog in a 2-1 win that captured the series for the CHL, Bitten looked like he was just getting warmed up.

Read my scouting report of the budding young pivot below:

William Bitten, C, Flint Firebirds

Drafted seventh overall into the OHL by Plymouth .. part of Flint team that walked out after coaching staff was fired .. scored a big goal in Canada’s Group A action against Sweden in this summer's Ivan Hlinka tournament on route to a gold medal .. registered 11 points in five-game streak to start the month of November .. smooth skater who isn’t afraid to hop up into the rush, carry the puck deep into the offensive zone or take it to the net .. works effectively along the boards .. hits extremely hard, can level players with their heads down but needs to avoid leaving his feet .. stops up or twists and turns when gap closes which allows him to hang onto the puck and create with his skill .. extremely quick on his edges, buzzes around the ice .. can be aggressive with his stick and will be prone to taking slashing and hooking penalties if he doesn’t curb it .. needs to work on his faceoffs, gets out-muscled in the circle .. has the skill to be a top 20 pick in the 2016 NHL Draft.

OHL star Dante Salituro focused on hockey after draft snub

Scott Wheeler — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 17:09:03 +0000

Every year, a handful of draft prospects slip as teams focus in on their mid-to-late round targets.

Last season, Ottawa 67’s leading scorer Dante Salituro went undrafted after posting 78 points in 68 games. Despite registering a 1.15 points per game clip, higher than teammate and first round pick Travis Konecny’s 1.13, Salituro watched 211 other players get their name called at the end of June.

After failing to earn a contract from a camp invite from the Columbus Blue Jackets, the undrafted, highly skilled winger and centre has picked up where he left off in the OHL to make sure he isn’t forgotten twice.

Through 16 games, Salituro has elevated his points per game to 1.38 this season with nine goals and 13 assists for 22 points.

Ranked 50th overall in my final top 60 ranking for the 2015 NHL Draft and 49th in my November ranking for the 2016 class, Salituro is performing well enough to merit being selected as an over-aged draftee.

In fact, Salituro was one of only three players ranked in my top 60, along with Sweden’s Sebastian Aho and two-way centre Nathan Noel, who went undrafted in Florida.

Despite standing just 5-9, Salituro is one of the OHL’s most gifted players with the puck.

“I’m working hard and trying to get chances,” he said following a 3-1 loss to the undefeated-in-regulation Kitchener Rangers on Friday, when he registered an assist on the only 67's goal. “I’m just trying to make my game better and not worry about the draft, I’m going to be successful in the long run if I keep working hard."

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Here's my scouting report:

Dante Salituro: C/RW, #96, Ottawa 67's

Playing to prove people wrong after being passed up in the 2015 NHL Draft .. prone to over handling the puck but he can also hang onto it to create plays that few others can .. can get caught taking unnecessary penalties away from the puck at times .. can make poor decisions with the puck at times with soft, careless passes .. excellent at managing the wall on the PP .. great vision and is often rewarded for his risks .. shies away from contact and turns the puck over too much, often in dangerous situations .. keeps his knees bent when stationary with the puck in order to spin off checks and maneuver between defenders, almost invites players to challenge him with the puck at a standstill .. plays with a chip on his shoulder and exudes confidence .. shifty player who loves to make high risk no-look plays .. loves to have the puck on his stick, but it can be at the expense of his line mates, even with open opportunities .. incredible stick handler who can embarrass defenders one-on-one .. strong skater with lower body strength to fight off defenders despite being one of the smaller players on the ice .. agile, particularly in an inside-out transition .. loves to shoot high and has the accuracy to go to post-in .. will draw intrigue as one of a handful of strong over-aged players worthy of a 2016 selection .. has the skill to push 100 points with the right usage.

Wheeler’s Top 60 Prospects for the 2016 NHL Draft by League (November)

Scott Wheeler — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 13:00:18 +0000

Each season, I release three instalments of my rankings of the top 60 prospects for the NHL draft.

This year, these rankings will be divided by league and produced in November, February, and May, and available online at McKeen’s for the second time.

My top 60 is not to be confused with the official McKeen's Hockey top 30, which is published throughout the draft season.

Note on the rankings: The following rankings are compiled through extensive coverage and viewings of Ottawa 67's and Gatineau Olympiques home games, which provide the chance to watch and follow a hundred or-so draft eligible players in the OHL and QMJHL who make up the majority of the top end of the draft class. For prospects from the NCAA, USHL, NTDP and abroad, I make sure I have several viewings before the first publication of these rankings in November. These viewings are cumulative from this year and last (while scouting the previous class). Events viewed beyond the CHL include the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, World Junior Development Camps, the Subway Super Series, U17s, U18s, club play internationally, marquee U.S. events, college tournaments, and a heavy focus on a select few European players in SHL and Swe. Jr. games.

November’s Top 60 Prospects for the 2015 NHL Draft by League (overall ranking in brackets)

Ontario Hockey League (OHL)

Jakob Chychrun, Sarnia, D (#2)
Matthew Tkachuk, London, LW (#4)
Alex Nylander, Mississauga, LW (#6)
Olli Juolevi, London, D, (#10)
Alex DeBrincat, Erie, RW (#18)
Dmitri Sokolov, Sudbury, C (#20)
Michael McLeod, Mississauga, C (#23)
Logan Brown, Windsor, C (#24)
Mikhail Sergachev, Windsor, D (#26)
Max Jones, London, LW (#27)
William Bitten, Flint, C, (#28)
Sean Day, Mississauga, D (#31)
Adam Mascherin, Kitchener, C/LW (#35)
Victor Mete, London, D (#39)
Dante Salituro, Ottawa, C (#49)
Taylor Raddysh, Erie, RW (#50)
Kyle Maksimovich, Erie, LW (#51)
Travis Barron, Ottawa, LW (#58)
Nathan Bastian, Mississauga, C (#59)
Markus Niemelainen, Saginaw, D (#60)

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)

Pierre-Luc Dubois, Cape Breton, LW/C (#9)
Vitali Abramov, Gatineau, RW (#15)
Julien Gauthier, Val-d’Or, RW (#16)
Samuel Girard, Shawinigan, D (#21)
Luke Green, Saint John, D (#32)
Maxime Fortier, Halifax, RW/C (#36)
Frederic Allard, Chicoutimi, D (#37)
Pascal Laberge, Victoriaville, C (#42)
Matthew Boucher, Quebec, LW (#43)
Otto Somppi, Halifax, C (#45)
Brandon Gignac, Shawinigan, C (#48)

Western Hockey League (WHL)

Tyler Benson, Vancouver, LW (#12)
Sam Steel, Regina, C (#14)
Jake Bean, Calgary, D (#19)
Kale Clague, Brandon, D (#22)
Dillon Dube, Kelowna, C (#29)
Simon Stransky, Prince Albert, LW (#33)
Brett Howden, Moose Jaw, C (#38)
Max Lajoie, Swift Current, D (#41)
Libor Hajek, Saskatoon, D (#44)
Vojtech Budik, Prince Albert, D (#52)
Zach Sawchenko, Moose Jaw, G (#56)
Lucas Johansen, Kelowna, D (#57)

United States (NCAA, USHL, NTDP)

Kieffer Bellows, NTDP, C, (#8)
Clayton Keller, NTDP, C (#13)
Charlie McAvoy, Boston University, D (#17)
Chad Krys, NTDP, D (#25)
Luke Kunin, Wisconsin, C (#46)
Adam Fox, NTDP, D (#53)

Sweden (SHL, Swe. Jr.)

Carl Grundstrom, MODO, LW (#30)
Rasmus Asplund, Farjestad, C/LW (#40)
Sebastian Aho, Skelleftea, D (#47)
David Bernhardt, Djurgardens, D (#54)
Jonathan Dahlen, Timra, C/LW (#55)

Finland (Liiga)

Jesse Puljujarvi, Karpat, RW (#3)
Patrik Laine, Tappara, RW (#5)

British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL)

Dante Fabbro, Penticton, D (#7)
Tyson Jost, Penticton, RW (#11)

Switzerland (NLA)

Auston Matthews, Zurich, C (#1)

Russia (MHL, U18)

German Rubtsov, Russia U18, C (#34)

Just missed: Evan Fitzpatrick, Givani Smith, Otto Makinen, Beck Malenstyn.

Youngblood: 2014-15 OHL Predictions

Brendan Ross — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 23:19:20 +0000

As the Erie Otters and Kitchener Rangers unload their gear off of their buses in Saginaw and Owen Sound, respectively, players, coaches and fans are happy to make the drive to the rink (whether it’s a short drive up the street or a long cross province/state roadie) to catch the opening night of OHL action. A new season creates new hope and a fresh slate for every player and team to work from. As a scout and journalist, I’m taking the opportunity to whip up some predictions and enjoy the short time that I will stand one-hundred percent correct on all of these projections. Because, as with any projection, it’s a matter of time before they all look foolish and land in the WRONG category. For now, the process remains fun so let’s get at it!

Western Conference Standings

For the first time in years, the Western Conference may (key word) actually be the weaker conference as it appears the usual heavyweights will be undergoing some mini-rebuilds and roster shuffling in preparation for stronger and more competitive teams in the future.

The London Knights await on a few key returnees from NHL camps but even if Horvat, Domi and/or Zadorov return, the Hunters have question marks in goal and will be rolling out an entire new defence core (with the exception of Dakota Mermis and Aiden Jamieson). Windsor made some key acquisitions in rookies Luke Kirwan and Logan Brown but it’s yet to be determined how much of an immediate impact they will have. The Erie Otters will have a media circus following them from rink to rink as Connor McDavid and Dylan Strome draw the attention of scouts and cameras everywhere. The rest of the West has promise but no team stands out above the rest.

Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (West Division Champs)

Key Questions: Nurse is expected to return but potentially losing Alex Gudbranson and Jean Dupuy could hurt. Can Brandon Halverson and rookie Joe Raaymakers provide the stability between the pipes to make a long run?
Guelph Storm (MidWest Division Champs)

Key Questions: The graduation of Scott Kosmachuk, Zack Mitchell, captain Matt Finn, Brock McGinn and Kerby Rychel will hurt so the Storm will need Robby Fabbri, Jason Dickinson and Tyler Bertuzzi to step up. Who will step up in goal between Justin Nichols and Matt Mancina?
Plymouth Whalers

Key Questions: Mike Vellucci is out of Plymouth for the first time in years but the incoming Sonny Milano, addition of overager Mathew Campagna and return of star goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic should make them a formidable contender in the West. Can Matt Mistele return to form and will rookie William Bitten make enough of an impact to provide scoring depth?
Windsor Spitfires

Key Questions: It’s Josh Ho-Sang’s team now. The additions of import forward Markus Soberg, Luke Kirwan, Logan Brown and Slater Doggett should help but much of their success depends on how the rookies perform. Will Brady Vail return? Is the goaltending duo of Alex Fotinos and Brendan Johnston strong enough?
Owen Sound Attack

Key Questions: The Victor Mete situation has been resolved and the Owen Sound enter the season as a sleeper. The returning veterans of Holden Cook, Zach Nastasiuk, Kyle Platzer and defenseman Chris Bigras are a strong core and there’s plenty of excitement surrounding diminutive import Palmu Petrus. Will it be Brandon Hope or the towering Jack Flinn who takes ownership of the Attack’s crease?
Erie Otters

Key Questions: The Otters will rely heavily on Connor McDavid but he’s got some promising talent in Dylan Strome, rookie Alex DeBrincat, Nick Betz and a few other incoming young forwards to help support him. Devin Williams is no worse than Oscar Dansk and the backend of Travis Dermott, Cory Genovese, Darren Raddysh, Cole Mayo and TJ Fergus mixes youth and experience well. How far can McDavid need to carry this team offensively?
London Knights

Key Questions: Many years have passed since we’ve seen the London Knights this low in the projected standings. Based on the assumption that London won’t return all of Bo Horvat, Max Domi or Nikita Zadorov (in addition to the losses of Chris Tierney, Ryan Rupert, Josh Anderson and Anthony Stolarz), it could be a tough year offensively for London. Brett Welychka, Mitch Marner and Christian Dvorak will need to step up huge? Can Michael McCarron reach his 1^st round potential? The Knights have a lot of exciting young incoming talent (Mete, Gleason) but they’re inexperienced, especially in goal.
Sarnia Sting

Key Questions: Adding top picks Jakob Chychrun and Pavel Zacha should spark interest in a frustrated fan-base but success will depend on how impactful sophomores Nikita Korostelev and Noah Bushnell can be. Look for Davis Brown, Daniel Nikandrov, Josh Chapman and goaltender Taylor Dupuis (once he returns from injury) to be the veteran leadership. Is there any chance that first rounder Nikolay Goldobin returns from San Jose? If so, which import player will be moved?
Saginaw Spirit

Key Questions: Slightly underrated, Saginaw could finish anywhere from 5^th to out of the playoffs. Saginaw’s 2014 top pick, Tye Felhaber, is as deadly an offensive weapon as was available at the draft and forward Blake Clarke can’t have a worse season, can he? As difficult as it is to pronounce the Spirits’ goaltending duo, Nikita Serebryakov and David Ovsjannikov are a solid pairing.
Kitchener Rangers

Key Questions: The Rangers, like Saginaw, are capable of finishing higher in the standings but there are questions surrounding how their goaltending will play out and the loss (at least temporarily) of defenseman Max Iafrate certainly won’t be easy. How long will it take top pick Adam Mascherin to find his lethal scoring touch at the OHL level?

Eastern Conference Standings

The East is Beast this season and I expect to see some old school rivalries develop throughout the course of the season. It’s going to be a tightly packed conference and when the regular season closes out, two teams are going to be very disappointed because they’ll miss post-season by just a few points. The Niagara IceDogs, Barrie Colts, Peterborough Petes and Kingston Frontenacs will all be in a dog-fight to secure home-ice advantage while Belleville, Mississauga, and Ottawa will look to play spoiler showing the rest of the league that they have improved and are ready to compete. The defending East Champs in North Bay will continue to play their stifling style and make life hell on the opposition each night. The East is no different from the West as they will be waiting on the likes of stars (Sam Bennett, Brendan Perlini (injured) and Nick Ritchie) to return from NHL camps before their team gets into the full swing of things.

Peterborough Petes (East Division Champs)

Key Questions: Can Nick Ritchie and Hunter Garlent pick up where they left off last year with their chemistry and become star OHLers for the entire season? Can Eric Cornel become the star he has been projected to be since he was drafted? The Petes are inexperienced on the blueline and their goaltending is very unproven. Look for high potential rookies – Jonathan Ang, Josh Coyle, Adam Timleck, Dominik Masin and Matthew Timms – to make an impact. They’re good.
Niagara IceDogs (Central Division Champs)

Key Questions: The ‘Dogs have arguably the best blueline in the league with Luke Mercer, Vince Dunn (breakout season coming, mark it), Blake Siebenaler, Zach Wilkie, Aaron Haydon and the addition of Ryan Mantha makes them tougher to play against. Can sophomore Hayden McCool elevate his game? Look for Carter Verhaeghe, Jordan Maletta, Anthony DiFruscia, Brendan Perlini, Cody Payne and Cody Caron (another breakout player) to carry the offensive load.
Kingston Frontenacs

Key Questions: When will Sam Bennett return and will he be fully recovered from that nagging groin injury suffered at Flames camp? Ryan Kujawinski should return to form and post point-per-game numbers. Draft eligible Lawson Crouse could become the most important player on this team as Coach McFarland relies on his strong two-way game. Neither Peressini nor Helvig are proven between the pipes and that’s scary for a “contending” team.
Barrie Colts

Key Questions: The Eastern Conference’s most underrated team also made one of the best off-season signings when they brought in Roy Radke. Look for Radke to become a frustrating presence to play against as his large frame crashes around the ice. Can Brendan Lemieux stay out of the sin bin to help replace the scoring lost from the departing Athanasiou and Zach Hall. Look for Swedish import Rasmus Andersson to excite fans and Andrew Mangiapane, Joseph Blandisi and Kevin Lebanc to become regulars on the scoresheet.
North Bay Battalion

Key Questions: Can Nick Paul continue his impressive development without Barclay Goodrow? Brett McKenzie will need to show his first round talent while Zach Bratina and Mike Amadio are two key forwards ready to take the next step.
Mississauga Steelheads

Key Questions: Finally able to add a highly offensive talent in Mikey McLeod, don’t underestimate the impact this game-breaking forward has in Mississauga. The young McLeod will open up time and space for players like Brycen Cianfrone, Jesse Barwell (breakout year coming) and Josh Burnside to operate easier. Could goaltender Spencer Martin improve upon his underwhelming 2013-14 season and lift this squad to home ice advantage? It’s possible.
Oshawa Generals

Key Questions: Michael Dal Colle will start the season with no Cole Cassels as he battles mono. With no Scott Laughton, Dal Colle, Josh Sterk, Hunter Smith, Sam Harding and rookie Cliff Pu will be counted on for goals. Everyone underestimated the Generals last season and I may be doing it again but I question how much scoring depth and experience on the blueline the Gens have. Jeremy Brodeur, son of future HHOF’er Martin Brodeau, is a goaltender to watch.
Ottawa 67’s

Key Questions: Travis Konecny surpassed everyone’s expectations in his rookie season as he moved up the depth chart and eventually won rookie of the year. Look for Dante Salituro to improve upon a great sophomore campaign and solidify himself as one of the OHL’s most dangerous offensive weapons. How good will Russian import Artur Tyanulin? I suspect he will be very good. Can the inexperienced but highly touted goaltending duo of Liam Herbst and Leo Lazarev quiet critics?
Belleville Bulls

Key Questions: Remi Elie, Jordan Subban, David Tomasek and Brett Gustavsen are expected to put up the points. Rookie Brandon Saigeon was one of the drafts most talented forwards and should transition well into the league. On the blueline, I expect Justin Lemcke to raise his draft status with a strong season and rookie Cole Candella should earn big minutes quite quickly.
Sudbury Wolves

Key Questions: The Wolves traded away Matt Campagna and it appears Nick Baptiste will eventually moved out for future assets so it could be a long season in Sudbury. However, the Wolves are bringing in two new faces from the import draft in Ivan Kashtanov and Pavel Jenys who will certainly excite the fan base. Is sophomore David Zeppieri ready to breakout and become a regular contributor? Look for Kyle Capobianco to earn more minutes and show his first round talents on the blue line.

OHL Championship Series: Kingston Frontenacs vs. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

OHL Champions: Kingston Frontenacs

Individual Awards

Red Tilson Trophy (OHL MVP) - Connor McDavid, Erie Otters

Honourable Mentions: Robby Fabbri, Guelph Storm; Sam Bennett, Kingston Frontenacs

Wild Card Choice: Sonny Milano, Plymouth Whalers

OHL Goaltender of the Year – Alex Nedeljkovic, Plymouth Whalers

Honourable Mentions: Spencer Martin, Mississauga Steelheads; Mackenzie Blackwood, Barrie Colts

Wild Card Choice: Jeremy Helvig, Kingston Frontenacs

Max Kaminski Trophy (OHL Top Defenceman) – Darnell Nurse, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

Honourable Mentions: Anthony DeAngelo, Sarnia Sting; Chris Bigras, Owen Sound Attack

Wild Card Choice: Vince Dunn, Niagara IceDogs

Eddie Powers Trophy (OHL Leading Scorer) – Connor McDavid, Erie Otters

Honourable Mentions: Robby Fabbri, Guelph Storm; Josh Ho-Sang, Windsor Spitfires

Wild Card Choice: Michael Dal Colle, Oshawa Generals (ya, not that “wild”)

Goal Scoring Leader –Robby Fabbri, Guelph Storm

Honourable Mentions: Michael Dal Colle, Oshawa Generals; Nick Baptiste, Sudbury Wolves

Wild Card Choice: Nick Ritchie, Peterborough Petes

Emms Family Award (ROY) – Pavel Zacha, Sarnia Sting

Honourable Mentions: Jakob Chychrun, Sarnia Sting; Mikey McLeod, Mississauga Steelheads

Wild Card Choice: Alex DeBrincat, Erie Otters

Leo Lalande Trophy (OHL Overage Player of the Year) – Mathew Campagna, Plymouth Whalers

Honourable Mentions: Garrett Hoey, Barrie Colts; Zac Leslie, Guelph Storm

Wild Card Choice: Joseph Blandisi, Barrie Colts

Matt Leyden Trophy (OHL Coach of the Year)- Jody Hull, Peterborough Petes

Honourable Mentions: Marty Williamson, Niagara IceDogs; Paul McFarland, Kingston Frontenacs

Wild Card Choice: Jeff Brown, Ottawa 67’s

To view the 2013-14 OHL Award winners, click here

What would your predictions look like?

Youngblood: Top 10 – New Faces in the OHL

Brendan Ross — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 15:54:38 +0000

In the first part of a series of Top 10s, Youngblood will explore ten exciting players who are embarking on their first OHL seasons. Destined to become fan favourites and fill arena seats around the league, the following prospects are part of a freshmen group who have promising hockey futures. Without further ado, let’s introduce hockey fans to Youngblood’s favourite new OHLers.

10. Roy Radke, RW, Barrie Colts (2015 draft eligible)

Drafted by Barrie as a 12^th round flier in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection Draft, Radke is a promising power forward who has quickly shown fans that his physicality, swift skating skills and untapped offensive potential was worthy of a homerun swing. Radke entered Colts camp full of enthusiasm and playing his rough and tumble style, gained confidence in his possession game as the days unfolded. Having a player with Radke’s ability in the lineup will provide Head Coach Dale Hawerchuk with flexibility as he can be used to energize the lineup or dominate in the possession game deep inside the offensive zone. Radke enters his NHL draft season as a sleeper but he certainly has Top 60 potential and will be looking to get on scout’s radars quickly.

9. Petrus Palmu, RW, Owen Sound Attack (2015 draft eligible)

Finnish import Petrus Palmu (22^nd overall, 2014 CHL Import Draft) will be an electrifying talent to watch and should cause scouts to wrestle with the idea of drafting this pint-sized 5-foot-4 winger (ahem, Nathan Gerbe, you’ve got competition). Just weeks ago, Palmu finished second (tie) in Ivan Hlinka tournament scoring after racking up four goals and eight points (4-4-4-8). Accumulating points has never been an issue for the small winger and he proved that after posting the highest point-per-game production (1.74 PPG) of any Jr.B SM-sarja player who skated in at least 20 games (31-25-29-54). Palmu hopes to show scouts that his plus hockey sense, advanced skating abilities and thick frame all trump the fact that he is limited in height.

8. Ivan Kashtanov, LW, Sudbury Wolves (2015 draft eligible)

The Russian pipeline of talented hockey prospects remains open and the Sudbury Wolves are welcoming their 2^nd round import selection, Ivan Kashtanov, with open arms. Expectations are high in Sudbury for both of their import forwards, Pavel Jenys (Minnesota Wild) and Kashtanov, as the duo paired up to excite fans in preseason action. While Jenys is the power forward of the two, Kashtanov is being praised for his offensive creativity, leadership qualities and rather robust style. The young Russian stands at only 5-foot-10 but boasts a stocky frame and isn’t shy about mixing it up, an element that NHL scouts will fancy as they follow him in his draft season.

7. Artur Tyanulin, RW, Ottawa 67’s (2015 draft eligible)

Dominant at the 2013 World Under-17 Championships, Artur Tyanulin exploded for seven goals and a dozen points (six games) for Russia which was good enough to place third in tournament scoring. The Ottawa 67’s fancied Tyanulin’s skillset and made him the 7^th overall selection (third among OHLers) in the 2014 import draft. With a similar build as new teammate (and fellow draft eligible forward) Travis Konecny, the 5-foot-9 winger from Kazan is a dynamic offensive talent with outstanding puck skills. Between Konecny and Tyanulin, Ottawa fans may never find the backs of their seats.

6. Michael McLeod, RC, Mississauga Steelheads (2016 draft eligible)

The Mississauga Steelheads would be the first ones to admit they landed an absolute steal when they selected Michael McLeod 5^th overall last season, after many had the high potential pivot as a top-two candidate. Blessed with elite skating abilities and a lengthy frame, McLeod spent last season flashing jaw-dropping end-to-end rushes with the Toronto Marlboros minor midget squad. It was a familiar scene as McLeod took the ice during Steelheads camp scrimmages and proceeded to finish off a dazzling goal line-to-goal line rush that found the back of the net as the buzzer sounded to end the opening frame. His new veteran teammates were in awe as they sat in the stands watching this rare skillset that will soon be the face of the Steelheads. With the Steelheads looking to add some more bite to their offense, look for McLeod to play an important role in his OHL rookie season.

5. Luke Kirwan, LW, Windsor Spitfires (2016 draft eligible)

Void of a 1^st round selection in the 2013 draft because of recruiting sanctions, Windsor struck a deal with Guelph earlier this summer to acquire the Storm’s 2013 2^nd round selection, Luke Kirwan. The New York native acquisition helps ease the pain of the Spitfires’ lost pick as Kirwan certainly offers first-round worthy talent. Early signs are pointing toward Like Kirwan being the stud that the Spitfires envision after he notched three points in his opening camp scrimmage and then added six goals in the second. Sure, Kirwan will need to prove that he can score at the OHL level in regular season action but his scoring prowess and large power forward frame are qualities that can’t be taught. Kirwan is a projected top 10 pick for the 2016 NHL draft and will immediately provide Windsor with a high-end offensive threat as he competes as a top candidate for OHL Rookie of the Year.

4. Rasmus Andersson, RD, Barrie Colts (2015 draft eligible)

It was a pleasant addition when the Barrie Colts were able to draft and receive commitment from Rasmus Andersson after the team graduated franchise defenseman Aaron Ekblad (2015 1^st overall NHL selection). Andersson enters the seasons as one of the top defenseman available for the 2015 draft. The swift skating, highly confident Swede possesses a high-panic threshold and handles the puck with the ease of a savvy veteran as he shows an ability to move through the neutral zone untouched. He was a standout instantly at Barrie’s training camp showing virtually no problems transitioning to North America. As the puck drops on the Colts season, look for Hawerchuk to utilize Andersson’s offensive instincts on the powerplay as the blueliner attempts to lock down a first round selection for the 2015 draft.

3. Jakob Chychrun, LD, Sarnia Sting (2016 draft eligible)

For the third time in nine years, Sarnia held the first overall selection in the annual OHL Priority Selection Draft. With highly competitive defenseman Jakob Chychrun pegged as the unanimous top ranked prospect, Sarnia made the Florida native its top choice, following similar paths as Sting top picks Steven Stamkos (2006) and Alex Galchenyuk (2010). Chychrun enters an organization built for the future and he will earn top-pairing minutes right out of the gate as Sarnia looks to showcase their young budding talent. Capable of end-to-end rushes, bone-crushing hits or unleashing a booming point shot, Chychrun has the luxury of opportunity on his side to showcase his natural athleticism and skills. A top prospect for the 2016 draft, Chychrun has the leadership abilities, maturity and professionalism to develop into the franchise defenseman that Sarnia has been missing.

2. Sonny Milano, LW, Plymouth Whalers (16^th overall, 2014; Columbus Blue Jackets)

The Sonny Milano story has been front and centre after the Blue Jackets drafted the highly skilled forward 16^th overall at the 2014 draft. Milano struggled internally to make a decision on his immediate future and whether he should honour his commitment to Boston College (a life-long dream) or potentially fast-track his way to the NHL by heading to the OHL’s Plymouth Whalers. In the end, Milano opted to join the Whalers and his individual talent instantly makes him one of the league’s most skilled forwards. It’s expected that Milano will be the centerpiece of the Whalers’ offensive attack looking to extend their 23-season playoff streak. Milano should compete for the league scoring title.

1. Pavel Zacha, LC, Sarnia Sting (2015 draft eligible)

Under new General Manager Nick Sinclair, Sarnia made national headlines when they selected talented Czech forward Pavel Zacha, only for the his agent to immediately rip the franchise publically for drafting a player who was expected not to report. Since then, cooler heads have prevailed and Pavel Zacha, his agent and the Sarnia Sting are happy that the skilled pivot is preparing to embark on his first OHL season with the Sarnia Sting. Zacha will step into first line duties alongside fellow draft eligible winger Nikita Korostelev and if the preseason is any indication of what is to come, Zacha and Korostelev are in for big offensive seasons. As a key cog of the Sting’s young offensive line, Zacha’s vision and playmaking abilities have been outstanding throughout preseason but as the 6-foot-3 pivot continues to acclimate himself to the OHL game, he will continue to shine even brighter. Pavel Zacha is projected as a potential top 10 selection for the upcoming star-studded 2015 NHL Draft class.

Honorable Mentions

Logan Brown, LC, Windsor Spitfires (2016 draft eligible)

The highly publicized rookie acquisition, 2014 6^th overall selection Logan Brown can finally call Windsor home after the Spitfires acquired his rights from Niagara for a boatload of draft picks. Destined for big time action with the future Spitfires, Brown will use his rookie campaign to carve out his niche as a complementary scorer among a group including Joshua Ho-Sang (New York Islanders) and rookie Luke Kirwan.

Tobias Lindberg, LC/RW, Oshawa Generals (102^nd overall, 2013; Ottawa Senators)

Scott Laughton is off to play professional hockey so Tobias Lindberg will eat up some of those departing minutes. Skating at 6-foot-2, the Stockholm native is a powerful winger who shows good physicality. He won’t dangle through defenders but his speed and ability to drive wide and to the net are difficult to contain. Lindberg projects as a complementary forward for the Generals and will be looking to impress the Senators to earn an entry-level contract.

Ryan Mantha, RD, Niagara IceDogs (104^th overall, 2014; New York Rangers)

The Niagara IceDogs are expected to move into their new rink come mid-October and fans will need to familiarize themselves with the sound of Ryan Mantha’s board-rattling body checks. Mantha is an impressive skating defenseman who will anchor the IceDogs blue line providing admirable puck-moving abilities and an intimidating physical presence.

Dominik Masin, LD, Peterborough Petes (35^th overall, 2014; Tampa Bay Lightning)

Looking as though the Petes will be among the Eastern Conference contenders, adding import defender and Lightning second rounder, Dominik Masin, will help solidify a blueline that had some question marks surrounding it after Clark Seymour and Nelson Armstrong graduated. Masin will provide the blueline with stability as this stay-at-home defenseman owns the size, strength and defensive acumen to stifle opposing offenses. It will be interesting to see whether Masin will attempt to employ more offensive rushes into his game at the OHL level which is an area where he certainly could improve. Either way, look for Masin to provide good defensive value for an improving Petes franchise.

Be sure to follow the McKeen’s Hockey Youngblood series as Brendan Ross (@RossyYoungblood) continues to break down the happenings inside the hockey prospect world.