Tyler Hopkins – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #27

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 18:05:59 +0000

Prospect System Ranking – 27th (May 2025 - 29th)
GM: Brad Treliving Hired: May 2023
COACH: Craig Berube Hired: May 2024

The biggest storyline in Toronto this year was defined by a departure rather than an arrival. In a blockbuster “sign-and-trade” deal, star forward Mitch Marner was shipped to Vegas for Nicolas Roy. While the move doesn’t necessarily bolster their pipeline, it marks the end of an era and an obvious pivot away from a direction they have been following for years.

That approach was reinforced when Toronto dealt one of its few premium prospects, Fraser Minten, along with 2026 and 2027 first-round picks, to Boston and Philadelphia in exchange for veteran defenseman Brandon Carlo and forward Scott Laughton. The transaction provided immediate roster support, but it left their already-thin pipeline in an even rougher state.

Easton Cowan now carries the weight of being the organization’s lone “must-hit” prospect. The 20-year-old capped off his OHL career in London with 69 points in 46 games and is on the verge of turning pro. While his NHL impact may be a season or two away, Cowan remains the most promising piece in an otherwise shallow system.

On defense, Ben Danford has quietly emerged as a potential long-term contributor, coming off another strong campaign with Oshawa. His development will be key for a team that lacks young blue line talent.

The 2025 draft added six new players to the organization, though none cracked McKeen’s top 250. Simply put, the Leafs’ pipeline is one of the weakest in the league, and recent trades have further eroded its long-term potential. With so much of their future capital spent, Toronto is firmly betting that its current core can deliver before the bill for this aggressive approach comes due.

Toronto Maple Leafs Top-15 Prospects

1 - Easton Cowan

The 2024 Red Tlison winner in the OHL as the league’s most outstanding player was also the MVP of the playoffs as the Knights captured the title two seasons ago. It would have been hard for him to replicate or build off that success, even if he did help London capture another OHL title last year. Some Leafs fans seem to be down on Cowan after a decline in production and a poor performance at the World Juniors for Canada. However, he’s still a terrific young prospect and someone with a significant chance of becoming a quality middle six forward for the Leafs in the near future. He brings speed. He brings tenacity. He has an attacking mindset and is hungry for the puck in all three zones. Best of all, he’s a skilled one-on-one player who can, both, play through defenders or around them. The key for Cowan will be refining his approach to fit the pro game. He’ll have to cut down on his offensive zone turnovers and be more calculated with the puck. He’ll likely settle into more of a complementary role, and that can be an adjustment for former junior stars. Even if the Leafs could have some holes to fill next year in the bottom six, it could be wise for them to take a cautious approach and start Cowan in the AHL to allow him to build confidence and adjust.

2 - Ben Danford

Don’t be alarmed by the decline in offensive production from Danford this past year. With Luca Marrelli still in the fold, he wasn’t going to be asked to take on more offensive responsibility. That will be next year, when he has a shot to be the team’s top power play quarterback and true number one defender. For now, appreciate the defensive efficiency that Danford brings to the ice. He shuts down the transition game with his mobility and aggressiveness. He clears the net and wins 50/50 battles. He blocks shots extremely effectively. He has an active stick. He even emerged as one of the OHL’s elite body checkers this past year, really upping the ante physically. Danford’s projection still hasn’t changed much in a year; we’re still looking at a potential second pairing defensive anchor who can help neutralize the opponent’s best.

3 - Tyler Hopkins

“Hoppy” as he’s affectionately known by, is a versatile pivot with the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL and a recent third-round selection of the Leafs. He’s a well-rounded player who does a lot of things well. He’s a strong skater. He competes away from the puck and is an effective forechecker. He can make plays in transition and will drive the net. After a breakout season with Kingston last year, Hopkins’ goal this year should be to hone into an identity. His versatility makes him a possible pro, but his jack-of-all-trades skill set does make his upside somewhat uncertain. What kind of pro will Hopkins be? How will his skill set translate? Added strength to his wiry frame should help him become a more consistent player and he will be leaned on more heavily by the Frontenacs this coming season, which will be great for his offensive development.

4 - Noah Chadwick

Over the past few seasons Chadwick has quietly developed into one of the best and most underrated defencemen in the entire WHL. The Hurricanes captain is a responsible, trustworthy player who brings an impressive amount of shift-to-shift consistency and efficiency in all three zones. There really isn't much that he couldn't do if asked, and that primarily stems from just how smart he is. To go so far as to say that he's one of the smartest prospects in all of junior hockey wouldn't even be an exaggeration, as evidenced by him winning the CHL Scholastic Player of the Year award in 2023-24. He's a major minute-eater at his current level of hockey and it's easy to see him eventually doing that in the NHL one day too. Finding prospects of this caliber late in the draft is a difficult task for scouts, so the Maple Leafs must be thrilled that they were able to bring in Chadwick using only a sixth-round pick.

5 - Luke Haymes

It’s been a long road to relevancy for Haymes, a former draft selection of the Soo Greyhounds. A year with Ridley College. A year in the BCHL. Three years with Dartmouth College, including an injury riddled one this past year. But, after signing with Toronto as a free agent, he’s firmly on the NHL radar. Haymes is a workhorse pivot who wins 50/50 battles down low, gets to the net, and is a strong finisher under pressure. He was excellent for the Marlies to end last season after turning pro, suggesting that he could actually be close to being ready for an NHL roster spot. Haymes’ upside is not likely significant. He projects as a bottom six player. But in a system that’s a little thin currently, Haymes’ mature game stands out. Expect him to play out this coming season with the Marlies before pushing for a depth role in 2026.

6 - Tinus Luc Koblar

The Leafs picking Koblar was a shock to many, but a savvy move to those in the know. Despite his lack of production at the J20 level, the young Slovenian-Norwegian forward has a ton of projectable tools that could make him a capable depth NHLer and has the IQ and compete to drive him forward in his development. Koblar is an intelligent, big bodied two-way center. He plays with a ton of skill and has exceptional timing on his passing plays. He’s great at using his frame to shield the puck from defensive pressure and he leverages his size in puck battles at an advanced level. He just seems to play the right way, as cliche as it sounds. Koblar is a raw prospect who will need a fair bit of seasoning before he’s ready to play in the NHL. He’s very lanky and needs to fill out a fair bit. Despite moving the puck well at the junior level, his quickness and acceleration will need improvement to be able to replicate that at higher levels. Next season, Koblar will most likely split time between Leksands U20 and Swedish pro hockey, be it the SHL or a loan to the HockeyAllsvenskan.

7 - William Villeneuve

After William Villeneuve matched both his points and games played totals in his first two AHL seasons, he took a big step forward this past season. William isn’t exactly agile on his feet, something exposed in his rush defence, but grace doesn’t matter as much when you're a top 15 scoring defenceman in the AHL. That said, Villeneuve will need to make big strides in his skating before getting a real NHL look, as the pace of play would likely overwhelm the Sherbrooke native in his current form. He’s someone to keep tabs on over the next couple of seasons, but odds are he settles in as an AHL regular and steady top four presence on the Marlies’ blueline. This is a contract year for William; he must put up another productive season and show he can do more than score. Adding a layer of bite to his defensive game could be what he needs to start getting some NHL looks when opportunities arise.

8 - Jacob Quillan

Jacob Quillian was signed as a free agent by the Leafs following his championship run with Quinnipiac. This year marked his first in the AHL, and he impressed, finishing above a half point per game while playing third-line minutes. He has a good motor and fits well into the Marlies’ middle six, bringing energy on both the backcheck and forecheck. He won’t drive a line, but Quillian can pull off nifty moves to win one-on-one rushes, a trait that boosts his chances as a north-south grinder at the NHL level. He consistently scans well in the defensive zone, identifying threats and plugging lanes. His defensive IQ and effort make him a strong call-up candidate if injuries hit. Quillian will likely return to the AHL next season to work on his offensive consistency, as his points came in bunches, but so did the quiet games. If Steeves is the scoring injury fill-in, Quillian is the defensive energy option.

9 - Artur Akhtiamov

After dominating the VHL and having a very impressive backup season in the KHL at 22, Akhtiamov numbers-wise, took a step back in his Marlies rookie-year. There are a lot of things that could have affected this seeming decrease in performance, but none that should be of any major concern. Transitioning to NA hockey is harder on goalies. Generally, European leagues are more perimeter based and slower paced making it more goalie-friendly. His actual skill set is much more dynamic than someone like Hildeby. He’s a prototypical Russian-style goalie in that he has extreme athleticism and speed. But his skating and anticipation are actually what stand out the most. He has incredible edges and an innate ability to change directions on a dime, reacting quickly to passes. He does struggle with rebounds, excessive movement and needs to learn to engage sooner, but his raw talents are high level. His situation isn’t amazing with the Toronto system as it is, but the ceiling is there to potentially crack a 1A role; it just may be a bit more of a long shot.

10 - Dennis Hildeby

As one of the biggest goalies to play in the NHL this past season at 6-foot-7, Hildeby understandably isn’t overly athletic. His speed, skating, and athletic abilities are about average and are good enough for the NHL, but he makes his paycheque off of his positional game. He’s very positionally sound, having great depth and really smart movement selection. He seems to know what to do; he just hasn’t yet adjusted to the speed of the NHL to fully anticipate plays. But I do think it will come to him easier than most. His level of composure for someone so big is very impressive, as well as how quick his hands can be in making saves. He does struggle with rebounds, which hurt him in the NHL this season. Because of that, he showed that he wasn’t quite ready for the NHL as of yet. His potential could reach a decent tandem goalie by being a calm, reliable presence, but he isn’t dynamic enough or elite in any one thing to become a true starter.

11 - Miroslav Holinka

It was all “veni vidi vici” for Holinka this past winter, who had a successful first WHL season (save for the playoffs) and an upstart WJC before signing his ELC with Toronto this past July. Having made a quick transition to his new surroundings, Holinka brings a solid frame, a multifaceted toolbox, and some natural athleticism to the table. Although a loan-out to a European club isn’t out of the question, Holinka’s versatility and defensive acumen indicate he’s AHL-ready.

12 - Victor Johansson

Slight in frame but big on competitiveness, Johansson comes from a true hockey family. Not only was his dad a long-time pro in Sweden, but his older brothers Simon (Minnesota) and Anton (Detroit) were also NHL draft picks. Oh, and Alex Wennberg (SJS) is a direct cousin. Johansson is coming off a very promising U20 season in Sweden that culminate in 2:13 minutes of SHL action. We’re looking for more pro reps and a WJC push this winter.

13 - William Belle

We had the Minnesota native who is on his way to Notre Dame this fall ranked 121st overall this past summer, ahead of where he went at 137. And sure, we weren’t happy to see him fall down the ranks at the USNTDP (didn’t make the U18 Worlds roster either), but we know Belle’s quite the competitor who can be a wrecking ball of a player. Toronto can bide its time as Belle proves he’s got more to show.

14 - Cade Webber

Very large defensive defencemen - which Webber very much is - take time to develop and Cade has indeed been biding his time to date. Unspectacular with a yeoman style game, the Pennsylvania native understands his role and what is expected of him. Acquired for a sixth-round draft pick from Carolina shortly before becoming a UFA, Webber had a solid, progress-filled first season of AHL play and could be a depth option on the blueline for the Leafs as soon as this winter.

15 - Borya Valis

Valis is a Colorado native who was signed to an ELC this past spring as a WHL free agent. Four successive seasons there were topped off by a breakout offensive campaign in which Valis showed himself to be very adept at getting pucks to the net, driving them there himself whenever possible. He’ll kick off his pro career looking to work on many aspects of his game and it’s up to him to turn himself into an NHL option.

2025 NHL DRAFT: TOP 100 PLUS HONOURABLE MENTIONS – March edition – FOR SUBSCRIBERS

McKeen's Hockey — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 14:34:18 +0000

Porter Mantone of the Brampton Steelheads. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

It’s time for an update to our 2025 NHL draft rankings. Back in December, prior to the World Junior Championships, we released our top 64. Now, not only are we updating, but we’re expanding to a Top 100 (plus honorable mentions). This will be our final draft ranking prior to the release of our Top 300 (along with our annual draft guide).

Erie Otters defender Matthew Schaefer remains on top, despite not playing since our last release due to a collarbone injury suffered at the World Juniors. However, we have no doubt that Schaefer will return stronger than ever. He has been skating recently and is gearing up for a return for the OHL playoffs. At this point, Schaefer is our clear number one and we don’t expect that to change.

The other players in our top ten are all the same, with some minor shuffling. Michael Misa moves ahead of James Hagens based on his strong production with Saginaw, mixed with Hagen’s drop in production with Boston College post World Juniors. We feel that both players have similar projections as top six pivots, but we feel Misa’s frame gives him a greater opportunity to be a more complete pro. Caleb Desnoyers is the other big riser. While, admittedly, we do have some minimal concerns about his offensive upside, we appreciate his pro style of play and safe floor, in combination with the improvement he has shown offensively over the course of this season. Roger McQueen is the big “faller” inside our top ten due to injury and durability concerns. He has recently returned to action and we’re eager to see how he performs down the stretch.

Among the biggest risers, Bill Zonnon, Cole McKinney, and Jake O’Brien standout. O’Brien is knocking on the door of the top ten, moving from 23 to 13 thanks to his elite playmaking ability and three zone awareness. McKinney elevated his play in the second half to become the top pivot on the US NTDP, giving our scouts a better indication of his offensive upside. Zonnon is an energetic forward with a pro frame who has been a favourite of our Eastern scouts thanks to consistent production.

Among the biggest fallers are Malcolm Spence (from 13 to 23, switching with O’Brien), Luca Romano (24 to 44), Ivan Ryabkin (26 to 39), and Tomas Pobezal (from 39 to 81).

You may have caught our recent, and annual second chances series that outlined the top “re-entries” available for 2025. Kristian Epperson (49), Francesco Dell’Elce (82), Petteri Rimpinen (84), and Sam Laurila (98) cracked our Top 100. Additionally, Jamiro Reber is listed as an honorable mention.

Overall, the picture is becoming more and more clear regarding this draft class. Simply put, the majority of our scouts are not enamored with the depth of this group. “In a normal year, when we put together our March list, the debate for the first round is often charged, with the regional scouts all fighting to have their personal, regional favourites included in the top 32,” said Director of Scouting Brock Otten. “But this year, the debate was more about who actually deserved to be ranked in the first round…there was significantly less table pounding.”

“The way I see it” continues Otten, “there is a clear drop off after about the 20th position. There are unquestionably some solid players available outside this range, but few high upside players. Potential role players are the name of the game this year. As a staff, we’re really hoping some players step up in their respective league playoffs and at the U18’s to help give this draft class a little more excitement.”

You can expect our final draft ranking to be released in late May, coinciding with the release of our annual draft guide.

RANK	PLAYER	POS	TEAM	HT/WT	DOB	GP	G	A	PTS
1	Matthew Schaefer	D	Erie (OHL)	6-2/180	5-Sep-07	17	7	15	22
2	Michael Misa	C	Saginaw (OHL)	6-1/185	16-Feb-07	62	59	67	126
3	James Hagens	C	Boston College (NCAA)	5-10/175	3-Nov-06	35	10	25	35
4	Porter Martone	RW	Brampton (OHL)	6-3/205	26-Oct-06	54	32	60	92
5	Jackson Smith	D	Tri-City (WHL)	6-3/195	13-May-07	65	7	41	48
6	Caleb Desnoyers	C	Moncton (QMJHL)	6-2/180	11-Apr-07	56	35	49	84
7	Victor Eklund	LW	Djurgardens (HockeyAllsvenskan)	5-11/160	3-Oct-06	42	19	12	31
8	Anton Frondell	C	Djurgardens (HockeyAllsvenskan)	6-1/195	7-May-07	29	11	14	25
9	Roger McQueen	C	Brandon (WHL)	6-5/195	2-Oct-06	14	9	9	18
10	Lynden Lakovic	LW	Moose Jaw (WHL)	6-4/190	12-Dec-06	45	24	31	55
11	Radim Mrtka	D	Seattle (WHL)	6-6/205	9-Jun-07	41	3	31	34
12	Brady Martin	C	Soo Greyhounds (OHL)	6-0/175	16-Mar-07	55	30	37	67
13	Jake O'Brien	C	Brantford (OHL)	6-2/170	16-Jun-07	64	32	64	96
14	Cullen Potter	C	Arizona State (NCAA)	5-10/170	10-Jan-07	34	13	9	22
15	Justin Carbonneau	RW	Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)	6-1/190	25-Nov-06	61	46	43	89
16	Kashawn Aitcheson	D	Barrie (OHL)	6-1/195	21-Sep-06	63	25	33	58
17	Cameron Reid	D	Kitchener (OHL)	6-0/190	8-Apr-07	66	14	39	53
18	Ben Kindel	C	Calgary (WHL)	5-10/175	19-Apr-07	62	34	64	98
19	Braeden Cootes	C	Seattle (WHL)	5-11/180	9-Feb-07	58	25	36	61
20	Carter Bear	LW	Everett (WHL)	6-0/180	4-Nov-06	56	40	42	82
21	Jack Murtagh	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	6-1/200	22-Aug-07	42	20	24	44
22	Cameron Schmidt	RW	Vancouver (WHL)	5-7/160	19-Jan-07	59	39	37	76
23	Malcolm Spence	LW	Erie (OHL)	6-1/200	22-Sep-06	62	32	38	70
24	Joshua Ravensbergen	G	Prince George (WHL)	6-5/190	27-Nov-06	50	33	12	2.93
25	Jack Nesbitt	C	Windsor (OHL)	6-4/185	12-Jan-07	63	24	39	63
26	Cole McKinney	C	USN U18 (USDP)	6-0/200	16-Mar-07	45	21	29	50
27	Eric Nilson	C	Djurgardens (Swe J20)	5-11/155	11-May-07	37	12	26	38
28	Logan Hensler	D	Wisconsin (NCAA)	6-2/190	14-Oct-06	32	2	10	12
29	Henry Brzustewicz	D	London (OHL)	6-2/200	9-Feb-07	65	10	29	39
30	Blake Fiddler	D	Edmonton (WHL)	6-4/210	9-Jul-07	62	9	22	31
31	Shane Vansaghi	RW	Michigan State (NCAA)	6-2/210	11-Oct-06	35	6	10	16
32	Bill Zonnon	C	Rouyn Noranda (QMJHL)	6-1/185	3-Oct-06	62	28	53	81
33	Jakob Ihs Wozniak	RW	Lulea (Swe J20)	6-2/185	1-Feb-07	40	23	34	57
34	Nathan Behm	RW	Kamloops (WHL)	6-1/190	18-Apr-07	57	31	35	66
35	Adam Benak	C	Youngstown (USHL)	5-7/160	10-Apr-07	53	16	38	54
36	Kurban Limatov	D	MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)	6-3/195	20-Mar-07	45	8	15	23
37	Carter Amico	D	USN U18 (USDP)	6-5/225	15-Mar-07	13	0	3	3
38	Cole Reschny	C	Victoria (WHL)	5-10/180	6-Apr-07	60	23	63	86
39	Ivan Ryabkin	C	Muskegon (USHL)	6-0/195	25-Apr-07	18	11	8	19
40	Milton Gastrin	C	MoDo Hockey (Swe J20)	6-1/185	2-Jun-07	40	18	24	42
41	Will Moore	C	USN U18 (USDP)	6-2/175	24-Mar-07	49	21	22	43
42	Sascha Boumedienne	D	Boston University (NCAA)	6-1/175	17-Jan-07	35	3	9	12
43	Conrad Fondrk	C	USN U18 (USDP)	6-0/190	1-Jun-07	40	13	14	27
44	Luca Romano	C	Kitchener (OHL)	5-11/175	25-Jun-07	65	25	26	51
45	Alexander Zharovsky	RW	Tolpar Ufa (MHL)	6-1/165	22-Feb-07	45	24	26	50
46	Max Psenicka	D	Portland (WHL)	6-4/175	18-Jan-07	22	1	5	6
47	Jack Ivankovic	G	Brampton (OHL)	5-11/180	22-May-07	41	23	12	3.13
48	Maxim Agafonov	D	Tolpar Ufa (MHL)	6-2/195	10-Apr-07	33	6	7	13
49	Kristian Epperson	LW	Saginaw (OHL)	5-11/180	7-May-06	55	26	51	77
50	Vaclav Nestrasil	RW	Muskegon (USHL)	6-5/185	6-Apr-07	51	14	19	33
51	Jimmy Lombardi	C	Flint (OHL)	6-0/180	16-Feb-07	61	13	28	41
52	Gustav Hillstrom	C	Brynas (Swe J20)	6-1/175	20-Jan-07	43	16	22	38
53	Pyotr Andreyanov	G	Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)	6-0/205	22-Jan-07	37	23	6	1.75
54	Arvid Drott	RW	Djurgardens (Swe J20)	6-0/180	11-Aug-07	40	18	18	36
55	Matthew Gard	C	Red Deer (WHL)	6-5/190	7-Apr-07	63	18	17	35
56	Ethan Czata	C	Niagara (OHL)	6-1/175	29-May-07	65	20	33	53
57	Hayden Paupanekis	C	Spokane-Kelowna (WHL)	6-4/195	4-Feb-07	68	22	19	41
58	Charlie Trethewey	D	USN U18 (USDP)	6-1/200	2-Aug-07	51	6	12	18
59	Aleksei Medvedev	G	London (OHL)	6-2/180	10-Sep-07	33	22	7	2.72
60	Daniil Prokhorov	RW	MHK Dynamo St. Petersburg (MHL)	6-5/210	27-Apr-07	41	19	7	26
61	William Horcoff	C	Michigan (NCAA)	6-5/190	23-Jan-07	18	4	6	10
62	Tyler Hopkins	C	Kingston (OHL)	6-1/180	23-Jan-07	64	19	31	50
63	Lasse Boelius	D	Assat (Fin-U20)	6-0/180	16-Mar-07	34	4	14	18
64	Eddie Genborg	RW	Linkopings (SHL)	6-1/180	20-Apr-07	28	2	0	2
65	Semyon Frolov	G	MHK Krylia Sovetov (MHL)	6-3/200	17-Jan-07	5	2	2	2.75
66	Ben Kevan	RW	Des Moines (USHL)	6-0/180	3-Jan-07	46	12	29	41
67	Peyton Kettles	D	Swift Current (WHL)	6-5/195	1-Sep-07	51	5	9	14
68	Zeb Lindgren	D	Skelleftea (Swe J20)	6-1/195	14-Apr-07	38	4	15	19
69	Everett Baldwin	D	St. George's School (USHS-RI)	5-11/175	15-Jan-07	22	10	10	20
70	Ryker Lee	RW	Madison (USHL)	5-11/180	8-Nov-06	48	27	33	60
71	Michal Svrcek	LW	Brynas (Swe J20)	5-10/175	26-Jan-07	30	14	16	30
72	Zachary Morin	LW	Saint John (QMJHL)	6-1/185	25-Jan-07	54	16	20	36
73	Jacob Rombach	D	Lincoln (USHL)	6-6/200	1-Apr-07	50	3	15	18
74	Alex Huang	D	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	6-0/170	30-Jul-07	62	6	33	39
75	Tommy Lafreniere	C	Kamloops (WHL)	5-11/170	16-Jan-07	66	24	32	56
76	Haoxi (Simon) Wang	D	Oshawa (OHL)	6-6/210	27-Jul-07	29	0	2	2
77	William Belle	RW	USN U18 (USDP)	6-3/220	14-Jan-07	50	4	11	15
78	Jan Chovan	RW	Tappara (Fin-U20)	6-3/185	9-Jan-07	39	11	12	23
79	Luka Radivojevic	D	Muskegon (USHL)	5-9/165	3-Jan-07	28	1	16	17
80	Shamar Moses	RW	North Bay (OHL)	6-1/200	6-May-07	58	12	35	47
81	Tomas Pobezal	C	HK Nitra (Svk)	5-10/180	18-Sep-06	42	15	8	23
82	Francesco Dell'Elce	D	Massachusetts (NCAA)	6-0/170	23-Jun-05	38	6	16	22
83	Vojtech Cihar	LW	Karlovy Vary (Czechia)	6-0/175	29-Mar-07	43	4	5	9
84	Petteri Rimpinen	G	Kiekko-Espoo (Fin)	6-0/175	25-Apr-06	40	16	9	2.36
85	Carlos Handel	D	Halifax (QMJHL)	6-0/170	31-Mar-07	50	3	23	26
86	Burke Hood	G	Vancouver (WHL)	6-3/195	30-Apr-07	41	18	13	3.21
87	Melvin Novotny	LW	Leksands (Swe J20)	6-1/185	3-Apr-07	41	12	26	38
88	Sean Barnhill	D	Dubuque (USHL)	6-5/205	8-Jan-07	46	4	4	8
89	Tomas Poletin	LW	Pelicans (Fin-U20)	6-1/200	30-Apr-07	25	13	7	20
90	Roman Bausov	D	MHK Dynamo St. Petersburg (MHL)	6-5/180	28-Apr-07	39	2	9	11
91	Mason Moe	C	Madison (USHL)	6-1/185	26-Mar-07	41	13	24	37
92	Reese Hamilton	D	Calgary-Regina (WHL)	6-0/170	26-Mar-07	59	4	10	14
93	Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen	D	Michigan (NCAA)	6-0/180	18-Dec-06	35	3	6	9
94	Nathan Quinn	C	Quebec (QMJHL)	5-11/170	29-Aug-07	52	17	29	46
95	Samuel Meloche	G	Rouyn Noranda (QMJHL)	6-2/190	22-Jul-07	49	29	13	2.96
96	Maceo Phillips	D	USN U18 (USDP)	6-6/225	25-Feb-07	47	2	4	6
97	Eduard Bondar	D	Val d'Or (QMJHL)	6-5/195	31-Jan-07	52	3	9	12
98	Sam Laurila	D	Fargo (USHL)	6-1/185	2-Sep-06	50	7	28	35
99	Owen Conrad	D	Charlottetown (QMJHL)	6-2/210	10-Mar-07	62	7	19	26
100	Malte Vass	D	Farjestads (Swe J20)	6-2/185	28-Mar-07	40	2	9	11
HM	Karl Annborn	D	HV 71 (Swe J20)	6-1/185	6-Mar-07	39	3	21	24
HM	Lucas Beckman	G	Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)	6-1/180	23-Aug-07	51	30	18	2.68
HM	Carson Cameron	D	Peterborough (OHL)	6-1/190	27-Jun-07	60	7	16	23
HM	Hayden Harsanyi	C	Medicine Hat-Saskatoon (WHL)	5-10/175	10-Jan-07	34	11	12	23
HM	Dmitri Isayev	LW	Avto Yekaterinburg (MHL)	5-9/150	26-Jun-07	43	22	23	45
HM	Atte Joki	C	Lukko (Fin-U20)	6-1/190	21-Jul-07	40	15	17	32
HM	Viktor Klingsell	RW	Skelleftea (Swe J20)	5-10/185	10-Feb-07	43	17	22	39
HM	Nathan Lecompte	C	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	5-10/165	19-Jan-07	56	14	35	49
HM	Jeremy Loranger	C	Sherwood Park (BCHL)	5-9/160	15-Jun-07	50	37	57	94
HM	Jamiro Reber	C	HV 71 (SHL)	5-10/170	4-Sep-06	47	8	7	15
HM	Grayden Robertson-Palmer	C	Phillips Academy (USHS-MA)	5-11/195	29-Aug-07	30	16	23	39
HM	David Rozsival	RW	Bili Tygri Liberec (Czechia U20)	6-0/185	1-Jun-07	30	17	20	37
HM	Lukas Sawchyn	LW	Edmonton (WHL)	5-10/175	27-Feb-07	64	15	38	53
HM	Theo Stockselius	C	Djurgardens (Swe J20)	6-2/180	24-Jul-07	40	22	29	51
HM	Mason West	RW	Edina (USHS-MN)	6-5/205	3-Aug-07	31	27	22	49
HM	Max Westergard	RW	Frolunda (Swe J20)	5-11/160	3-Sep-07	41	19	31	50

2025 NHL DRAFT: Summer of 25′ – Introducing you to Ontario

Brock Otten — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 11:35:49 +0000

Porter Martone of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

It hasn’t even been a month since the 2024 NHL Draft in Vegas. However, that hasn’t stopped us from thinking about the 2025 Draft.

Welcome to a series at McKeen’s Hockey that aims to introduce you to some of the top prospects from each region for 2025. The disclaimer is that…it’s early. The names on these lists are not likely to be the exact same as the ones you see next June. However, we thought it was important for you to know some of the top players heading into the season.

First up is Ontario. It looks like it could be a really good year for the region. There are several high-end late born 2006 players, which has beefed up the talent pool. Additionally, many OHL teams took some highly rated 2025 prospects with their import selections. An early guess could put Ontario with double digit first round selections.

Porter Martone - Wing - Brampton Steelheads (OHL)

Martone heads into his draft season as a near unanimous top three ranked player thanks to his combination of size, skill, and truculence. The 6’3 winger captained Canada to the gold medal at the most recent IIHF U18’s and was named a tournament all-star in the process. Last year, he also led the Mississauga (now Brampton) Steelheads in goal scoring. Born in October of 2006, Martone is one of those aforementioned late birthdays that has really helped boost this crop from Ontario.

What makes Martone so unique is that he provides that physical spark, to go with his immense offensive skill and sense. He patterns his game after the Tkachuk brothers and it’s very easy to see how. Martone relishes the opportunity to play that pest-like role. He’s physical in puck pursuit. He crashes the net. He consistently involves himself in extracurricular activities; never one to shy away from a scrum. As such, he projects as someone we would classify as an NHL playoff performer.

From an offensive perspective, Martone has a very well-rounded profile. He can beat defenders wide, one on one; once he builds speed, he can be so difficult to stop with his ability to protect the puck. However, he’s also patient. He’ll look to take on defenders head on but has no qualms about having to work to extend possession. He doesn’t have tunnel vision like a lot of young players with his size and skill profile. He’ll curl and work the wall. He’ll dump and chase and beat you down low. He controls the pace the way you want your top offensive players to do.

Martone also has great scoring instincts. He has a lightning quick release that makes him very dangerous in the slot and near the crease. The combination of those two things makes him a potential perennial 30 goal scorer at the next level.

So, what’s the next step? How can he maintain his hold on a spot in the top five? Firstly, it’s a matter of consistency. When he’s put on the Canadian jersey, Martone has been an absolute beast and proven himself to be one of the better 2006 born players on the planet. However, in the OHL, that hasn’t always been the case. He’s gone through lulls of ineffectiveness. The power forward game that makes him such a dangerous player isn’t seen from shift to shift with the Steelheads. Another offseason of training and conditioning should give him the strength he needs to play with tenacity every shift. Secondly, if we’re nitpicking, there’s a need for Martone to improve his ability to play with pace. He’s currently faster without the puck than he is with it. Improving that would make him a near unstoppable force at the junior level.

CLIP #1

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-porter_martone_-_2nd_period_28_9_-_28_22.mp4

This is from the recent U18’s. Martone with a power move to the middle, then he fights through contact to maintain possession to execute a little touch pass to Matthew Schaefer for the goal. Martone is already difficult to separate from the puck and he’s highly skilled in protection scenarios.

CLIP #2

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-porter_martone_-_2nd_period_8_6_-_8_18.mp4

No one is stopping that shot from Martone. He can really rip it.

CLIP #3

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3-porter_martone_-_2nd_period_8_6_-_8_18.mp4

This clip gives an idea of Martone’s need to improve his ability to play with pace. It’s certainly not his best shift. Early in the clip we see him fail to cleanly break into the offensive zone. Later in the clip, we see him get in Luke Misa’s way as he tries to drive the middle lane even though Misa is already occupying that space, causing him to get bottled up.

Michael Misa - Center/Wing - Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

The former exceptional status player had a pretty good sophomore year in the OHL; at least it started and ended extremely well. Misa helped Canada capture gold at last summer’s Hlinka/Gretzky Cup as an underager then concluded the year by winning the Memorial Cup with the Saginaw Spirit.

The 2023 Emms Family Award winner (as the OHL’s top rookie) was solid yet again in 2024, finishing second in scoring behind Zayne Parekh on the Spirit. Did we maybe expect a bigger production jump from him? I would say yes, considering that previous exceptional status players had all pushed their way near the top of the scoring races of their respective leagues. However, there’s more to development than stat watching.

One component of Misa’s game that improved a ton as a sophomore was his off puck play. He doesn’t get enough credit for his defensive commitment and effectiveness. He is active in pursuit and has excellent instincts in his own end, showing attention to detail whether he’s playing center or the wing.

However, obviously, the big ticket for Misa will be his ability to produce offense. He’s the ultimate quick strike player with his combination of speed and skill. Misa is lightning quick in a straight line, but also dynamic on his edges. It makes him difficult to contain or box in. The hands keep pace too, as he maintains possession through quick cuts or pivots.

Another underrated component of Misa’s game is his shot. He can absolutely fire it. The scoring numbers haven’t exactly proven that thus far in his OHL and international career, but the upside as a scorer is immense.

Now it’s just about finding that next level offensively. At times when you watch Misa, you feel like he’s holding back or not being selfish enough, given his ability to create. There’s a need to get stronger on the puck in order to take that next step as a dominant offensive player. That would help him gain the confidence to be a true difference maker; someone who takes the bull by the horns every time he has the puck. In his first two OHL seasons, Misa was more of a solid complementary piece on strong Spirit teams. Now it’s time for him to be “the guy.” He’ll be skipping the Hlinka/Gretzky this year in an effort to heal up from a Memorial Cup run and to focus more attention on offseason training. A bold choice, but one he has earned.

CLIP #1

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-michael_misa_-_2nd_period_31_28_-_31_43.mp4

Such a great play by Misa here from this year’s Memorial Cup. We see his understanding of spacing and supporting the rush as he takes the drop pass from Haight, then makes a tremendous pass back to set up the goal.

CLIP #2

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-michael_misa_-_2nd_period_19_3_-_19_29.mp4

Much like Porter Martone, Misa can really rip it.

CLIP #3

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3-michael_misa_-_3rd_period_27_57_-_28_10.mp4

Misa tries to attack the London defense with speed at this year’s Memorial Cup. He gets behind them, but then is easily separated from the puck by Sam Dickinson down low. There’s a need to get stronger to help him maintain possession.

Clip #4

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/4-michael_misa_-_3rd_period_21_19_-_21_32.mp4

An example of Misa needing to play with more urgency offensively. He needs to attack the wing with speed and chip/chase there. That neutral zone turnover from a soft backhand pass just can’t happen, especially in the Memorial Cup.

Matthew Schaefer - Defense - Erie Otters (OHL)

A player that I’ve been asked about a lot because of the low offensive production last year for Erie. He was 10th overall in the CHL among U17 defender scoring last year, not the kind of production we typically associate with potential top ten selections. However, it’s important to note the difficult season Matthew had off the ice, losing both his mother and billet mother only a few months apart (please read this wonderful story from Ken Campbell on it). His play with the Erie Otters had its ups and downs and rightfully so.

What didn’t have any ups and downs was Matthew’s play with Canada internationally. He captained Canada White to a gold medal at the U17 World Hockey Challenge, Canada’s first gold at the event in six years. He was one of the best players at the event, regardless of position. Then, Matthew played a key role as an underager for Canada at the U18’s, helping them win gold. By the tournament’s conclusion, it could be argued that Schaefer was Canada’s best defender.

The offensive production will come at the OHL level, likely as early as this season. He’s too intelligent to not put up points. The skating ability combined with the vision makes him a terrific puck mover. Flash and dash isn’t his game and likely never will be. It’s about leveraging his mobility to help him make quick decisions. As he gains confidence, he’ll start to be more aggressive in jumping up or leading the rush, but until then, NHL scouts will appreciate his mechanical and methodical approach to the breakout.

Defensively, Schaefer just needs to get stronger. His positioning and reads are almost spot on. He went through a few growing pains early on in his rookie season in relation to when to be aggressive, but his gap control improved considerably over the year. He’s got an excellent stick in the defensive end and consistently forces turnovers with his anticipation. It’s just the need to bulk up to win those battles in high traffic areas with greater consistency, defending the crease and sealing the wall.

The question is, what if Schaefer’s offensive production doesn’t come around? It’s a logical question, but I’d argue that Schaefer’s intangibles could still make him a relatively high pick in 2025. He’s future captain material. He competes. He is intelligent. He should at the very least excel in the defensive end. It’s just a matter of what kind of projectable upside he possesses, and we should know more about that this season.

CLIP #1

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-matthew_schaefer_-_1st_period_17_25_-_17_42.mp4

Great play by Schaefer here at the U18’s. We see his ability to start and lead the breakout. Leads to a goal by Tij Iginla.

CLIP #2

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-matthew_schaefer_-_1st_period_14_45_-_14_58.mp4

Calm under pressure, Schaefer really has the potential to be a breakout machine. He always seems to be one step ahead of the competition.

CLIP #3

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3-matthew_schaefer_-_2nd_period_11_6_-_11_21.mp4

This poor defensive play from this year’s playoffs highlights Schaefer’s need to get stronger and more physically intense. First he turns the puck over under pressure, then he can’t tie up Trent Swick near the crease, leading to a goal. However, it should be noted that Schaefer was playing nearly 30 minutes per game for Erie in the playoffs.

Malcolm Spence - Wing - Erie Otters (OHL)

Spence is best described as a player who people are still waiting to see if he can become the sum of all his parts. The concept of Malcolm Spence is better than the player Malcolm Spence is currently on a consistent basis. That sounds a little philosophical, but it’s the correct description of the state of his play and development through two OHL seasons (as a later September born 2006 player).

No question, he was a standout for Canada internationally last year. He played a critical checking line role at the Hlinka/Gretzky, excelling as a penalty killer and shutdown option. Then he played the same role to a tee at the year-end U18’s. He was physical. He was clutch. He was a complete pain in the butt for the opposition to play against. That Malcolm Spence is a lottery pick in 2025.

But through two seasons in the OHL with Erie, that version of Malcolm Spence hasn’t always been visible. His combination of size and explosiveness should make him a dominant player every time he steps on the ice. His first step quickness is so impressive for a power winger. He utilized his speed and power to his advantage consistently as a minor hockey player, helping the Mississauga Senators capture the OHL Cup (in U16). It made him a dominant player and a truly unstoppable force. However, with Erie, he seems to still be figuring out how to leverage his speed. He can fade to the background and be content as a complement, rather than the shining star. He should be dominating puck touches, rather than working as a shooting option from the flank or slot. When he does try to create with the puck, sometimes his decision making can be called into question. It’s about finding confidence. The dedication to off puck play and the tenacity just haven’t been as consistent in the OHL as they have been when he puts on a Canadian jersey. That fix is as simple as flipping that switch.

Part of why his game has worked so well for Canada, is that the Canadian coaching staffs have really simplified his game. Use your speed to drive wide. Dump and chase. Apply pressure in pursuit. Play physical. That’s worked so well. So why hasn’t it worked quite AS well at the OHL level? As mentioned, I would argue that the key is finding that consistent level of physical intensity. That’s the key.

If Malcolm Spence is a 30/50, 80-point guy for the Otters this year, he’s going to be a potential lottery pick. If the offensive game continues to show signs of plateauing, then it will depend on the consistency of his off puck play. Regardless, Spence has the potential to be a really unique player, and that kind of tantalizing upside makes him a real player to watch early on in the OHL season.

CLIP #1

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-malcolm_spence_-_1st_period_19_25_-_19_37.mp4

Hard on the puck, Spence forces the turnover then rips one past the Swedish netminder at the recent U18’s.

CLIP #2

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-malcolm-spence-canada_u18_-_1st_overtime_27_11_-_27_33.mp4

Spence, the OT hero in the gold medal game at the summer’s Hlinka/Gretzky. Another turnover forced and it’s off to the races.

CLIP #3

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3-malcolm_spence_-_2nd_period_34_55_-_35_8.mp4

Through his OHL career thus far, unfortunately these types of turnovers have been too commonplace when he has the puck. Can his playmaking ability and overall decision making improve in his third year?

Brady Martin - Center - Soo Greyhounds (OHL)

Sometimes it just takes U17 players a little while to find the confidence to play at the OHL level. I put a ton of stock into how a player finishes the year. No question, Martin was a way better player in the final 20 or so games than he was in the first 20. The skating looked way better. The confidence with the puck greatly improved. He started to bring a more consistent physical element. If Martin can put it all together, he’s the prototypical power center NHL franchises are searching long and hard for.

One of the most under-appreciated components of Martin’s game is his skill/creativity. Yes, he can barrel through you with his strength (think Mason McTavish level of bullishness through the middle). However, he is highly skilled and consistently evades/escapes pressure with his ability to keep the puck on a string. When I saw some advanced stats for the OHL from the past year, I was actually shocked to see Martin near the top of “successful dekes completed.” He can prolong possession and has the creativity to be a true primary play driver and playmaker.

But that’s not where Martin’s skill set ends. He can really fire the puck, making him a true dual threat from an offensive perspective. He shows promise as a competitive two-way player. He flashes a power forward-esque game built around physicality.

The key for Martin is continuing to improve his skating. He needs to get more explosive. He needs to improve his agility and edge work. He needs to work on sustaining speed. I think significant growth was already shown as a rookie (from the start of the year to the end), but how much more he improves will likely dictate where he gets selected in 2025. Production will also be key too, given that the Greyhounds are going to need to replace a ton of scoring from a year ago and he’s going to be counted upon heavily to take that next step.

CLIP #1

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-brady_martin_-_1st_period_6_10_-_6_23.mp4

Exhibit A of Martin’s stickhandling ability. He turns Jackson Edward into swiss cheese (not an easy thing to do) and then sets up a scoring chance in the slot. You do get an idea about Martin’s inefficient stride from this clip too.

CLIP #2

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-brady_martin_-_3rd_period_9_5_-_9_18.mp4

Exhibit B of Martin’s stickhandling ability. This is from the same game against London. So many different clips I could have chosen to demonstrate his skill and creativity; as mentioned, he routinely makes moves like this.

CLIP #3

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3-brady_martin_-_3rd_period_36_24_-_36_37.mp4

Martin loves to chip and chase, it’s part of his workhorse mentality. However, as you can see, a lot of the time he’s just not quick enough to get behind defenders.

Jake O’Brien - Center/Wing - Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

This past year’s Emms Family Award winner (OHL ROY), O’Brien was terrific as a rookie for Brantford. Given how good he was as a U16 player for JrC, there was hope that his mature game would translate immediately into being an impact player and that assumption was correct.

O’Brien, simply put, is a top-notch playmaker. The vision, touch, sense, and hands are all high end. He’s the kind of forward who makes his linemates better because he consistently finds them in open space. O’Brien is one of those guys who has eyes in the back of his head; his offensive zone anticipation is excellent. His 51 assists last year were no joke. O’Brien can pass the biscuit.

I think most people would probably have him 5th out of Ontario right now, at least that’s what I’ve consistently seen. That would be easy to argue too. However, I want to see how he can take his game to another level next year without high end physical tools. Given his average size, O’Brien isn’t someone that I would consider to be a high-end skater or a high end physical player. Just how projectable is O’Brien? We’ve seen a lot of players with a similar profile to O’Brien find success as U17 players, but then plateau as U18 players without improving those aforementioned physical tools. I think back to former Bulldog Logan Morrison as the perfect example of that. That said, Morrison should have been drafted into the NHL and based on his strong AHL play under Seattle’s umbrella, I’m sure many teams are kicking themselves for not taking that chance on him.

The point being, I want to see how O’Brien’s game improves next year. Can his skating become more dynamic? Can he improve his confidence as a goal scorer to become more of a dual threat? Can he play center all season and excel on both sides of the puck? Can he be stronger on the puck and improve his physical play, finding more success in the corners and near the crease? If the answer is yes to even a few of those, O’Brien will be a first-round pick.

CLIP #1

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-jake_o_brien_-_1st_period_2_38_-_2_50.mp4

Look at the patience, vision, and passing precision here from O’Brien to set up this goal.

CLIP #2

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-jake_o_brien_-_3rd_period_11_42_-_11_54.mp4

Eyes in the back of his head as he quickly finds a teammate in the slot to help create this goal.

CLIP #3

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3-jake_o_brien_-_3rd_period_11_49_-_12_4.mp4

If there is a criticism of O’Brien’s terrific rookie year, it’s that plays like this were a little too commonplace. Pressured along the wall and O’Brien would not be able to sustain possession, or he would make a poor pass in anticipation of the pressure. It just points to a need to get stronger.

Carson Cameron - Defense - Peterborough Petes (OHL)

If you thought I loved Ben Danford, get ready for me to hype up Petes’ defender Carson Cameron. He’s cut from the same cloth as a competitive, two-way defender from the right side.

The Petes were on the losing end of things a fair amount last year, yet I found Cameron’s play to be remarkably consistent for a rookie defender. Better yet, I found his compete level and drive to be consistent. He’s not huge, but he’s already very strong down low. He takes good routes to retrievals and he’s excellent at getting inside leverage physically to win those 50/50 battles. As he gets stronger and gains confidence, I would expect him to develop into a very physical OHL player; we saw glimpses of that last season. NHL scouts are probably going to wish he were 6’3 with better reach; the prototype for the modern-day NHL shutdown guy, but let’s see how much Cameron grows this year.

Given that his size/reach isn’t going to impress a ton of folks, Cameron’s offensive production will probably need to be pretty solid. He showed flashes of being a capable puck mover and off puck shooting option as a rookie, so it will be interesting to see how much his confidence grows in those regards. He does have a big point shot that can be used as an offensive weapon. Additionally, Cameron is definitely a solid skater, so he should be able to leverage that. He’s fluid in all four directions. He can make a clean exit. Now it’s just about seeing how skilled Cameron is. This is definitely an aggressive ranking for a defender who may, or may not, have offensive upside. But, I love the player and I believe we’ll see more from him this coming year.

CLIP #1

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-carson_cameron_-_3rd_period_17_17_-_17_29.mp4

Cameron showed a penchant for finding space in the offensive zone in his rookie year, hunting scoring chances by slipping backdoor or joining the rush as a trailer. This is one such example.

CLIP #2

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-carson_cameron_-_2nd_period_16_15_-_16_27.mp4

Cameron lowers the boom. Colton Smith is listed at 6’3, 215lbs, FYI.

CLIP #3

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3-carson_cameron_-_2nd_period_31_58_-_32_10.mp4

Cameron completely obliterates fellow 2025 prospect Adam Benak at the World Under 17’s.

Clip #4

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/4-carson_cameron_-_1st_period_34_35_-_34_47.mp4

This clip proves a few things. One…that Cameron did struggle at times with processing as a rookie, be it quick decisions with the puck or reads in the defensive end. But two, it also shows how much of a mess Peterborough was late in the year. Where’s the support here? The Petes ended up losing this game 9-0 and it’s easy to see why with plays like this. As Peterborough’s young roster improves around Cameron, it will be interesting to see what he is capable of.

Cameron Reid - Defense - Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

I’ve said this a few times, on social media and in written work; Cameron Reid might just have the highest upside of any defender available from Ontario in 2025, Matt Schaefer included. He’s not as consistent with the puck as Matt Schaefer currently. He’s not as strong defensively as Cameron currently. However, he has projectable skills at both ends that could make him the OHL’s top rated defender for the draft when all is said and done.

It all starts with Reid’s strong skating ability. He’s an effortless and fluid four-way mover. He builds speed quickly to help him escape the forecheck and lead the rush. But he’s also strong on his edges, allowing him to escape pressure on the point in the offensive zone. Reid’s strong mobility also makes him an excellent transitional defender. His gap control and stick improved a lot over the course of his rookie season. You’d like him to be a bit bigger/longer, but he shows well defending pace.

Reid is also a high skill guy who IMO does possess a higher offensive floor than Schaefer because he’s a more natural powerplay quarterback. It seems likely that we’ll get a chance to see Reid QB the Rangers top powerplay unit this year with Brzustewicz and Motew graduating. While there’s definitely a chance that Kitchener retools (trading guys like Rehkopf), there should still be a fair amount of talent surrounding him to help him put up points as a sophomore.

Similar to Schaefer, Reid needed to get stronger this offseason to be more difficult to play against. We saw his defensive reads improve a ton over his rookie year, but he still struggled at times defending those higher traffic areas. It’ll be interesting to see how he handles the increased workload on a team that might struggle at times.

Overall, what we’re looking at is a defender who showed tremendous growth as a U17 player, emerging as a top four defender on the Rangers in the second half and down the stretch. If that growth can continue into this season, I have no doubt that Reid will be a first-round selection.

CLIP #1

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-cameron_reid_-_1st_period_10_42_-_10_55.mp4

A glimpse of Reid’s rushing ability from the U17’s. His ability to protect the puck is very advanced for his age.

CLIP #2

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-cameron_reid_-_3rd_period_16_33_-_16_57.mp4

Bit of a blowout here, but still an impressive play by Reid as he works his way down low and makes a nice feed out front.

CLIP #3

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3-cameron_reid_-_1st_period_1_11_-_1_26.mp4

As mentioned, Reid’s reads are not as advanced as Schaefer’s are and this is an example from the playoffs this past year.

Kashawn Aitcheson - Defense - Barrie Colts (OHL)

Even before Beau Akey went down with a season ending injury, I remember watching Barrie early on in the season and thinking, “wow, Aitcheson has improved a ton.” He consistently stood out for the right reasons and that carried through the year, after Akey’s injury and after Connor Punnett’s departure.

It was great to see Aitcheson rewarded with a spot on Canada’s U18 team and he ended up performing pretty well, helping Canada earn gold. I don’t think he has the upside of Schaefer or Reid, but as a strong two-way presence, he could end up developing into a very solid, long time NHL defender.

Defensively, Aitcheson is a mean customer. He’s a consistent physical presence, both in open ice and below the hash marks. He makes opposing players earn space against him. His compete level is just solid. Aitcheson is the kind of defender who can be trusted as a penalty kill anchor and as someone you want on the ice late in games because he blocks shots, brings consistent physicality, and has an active stick.

Offensively, Aitcheson is strong in the offensive end. He holds the line well. He has a good point shot. He’s not extremely creative, but he’s efficient and a quick thinker. His decision making in his own end with the puck could be cleaned up a bit, but that comes with the territory of playing more and handling tougher assignments.

The key for Aitcheson, as a later born 2006 entering his third OHL season, is to continue to progress. NHL scouts are going to want to see his skating (particularly his explosiveness in all four directions and the fluidity of his transitions) pick up. They will want to see his decision making become more consistent. They are going to want to see his production increase yet again, even with Akey returning.

CLIP #1

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-kashawn_aitcheson_-_1st_period_3_40_-_3_52.mp4

This is the type of big hit you can expect from Aitcheson. He’s one tough customer.

CLIP #2

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-kashawn_aitcheson_-_3rd_period_12_53_-_13_11.mp4

An example of how Aitcheson can have a positive impact on the game with the puck.

CLIP #3

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3-kashawn_aitcheson_-_1st_period_29_27_-_29_40.mp4

As mentioned, Aitcheson’s four-way mobility does need to improve. Here we see him trip over himself trying to make a quick directional change to stay with the Ottawa player behind the net.

Aidan Lane - Wing - St. Andrew’s College (U18 AAA)

When we look at some of the great players to come through SAC in the last decade, Lane’s goal scoring numbers compare pretty favorably and that’s why he’s #10 on this list currently. Lane had 30 goals as a U17 in that loop last year. Dean Letourneau had 25 in his U17 year. Warren Foegele had 37 in 2013, but SAC played in a different loop at that time. What you’re looking at is a power winger with good size and a scorer’s touch and those don’t usually last long on NHL draft day.

A Harvard commit, Lane will likely spend this year with SAC the same way that Letourneau did last year. You can also expect him to get some games with Green Bay of the USHL at various points (holiday breaks and after SAC’s season, for example). Games against other top-notch programs like Shattuck St. Mary’s will be closely scrutinized, just as they were for Letourneau this past year.

Lane projects as a solid complementary goal scorer. He’s a high IQ winger; one of those players who seems to consistently find pucks in that home plate area. His offensive zone anticipation is excellent. He also possesses an excellent shot. He generates a lot of power on his wrister, and he can beat goalies clean from longer distances. Lane also has a good motor and plays a solid North/South game. He’s heavy on pucks. He plays with pace thanks to a solid top speed, although there’s room for him to get quicker from a standstill. There’s a lot to like.

Like any prep/high school/Tier 2 player, it’s going to be about whether Lane can produce at an elite clip much like teammate Dean Letourneau did last year. Can Lane begin to create his own scoring chances consistently? Can he dominate touches and offensive zone possession? Can he become a high-end two-way winger? Safe to assume he gets some USHL games in this year with Green Bay too, which will serve as a great measuring stick.

CLIP #1

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-aidan_lane_-_3rd_period_4_35_-_5_1.mp4

Classic Lane goal. Well timed cut and a solid finish as he heads to the net. A lot of his goals this year were scored within a few feet of the crease.

CLIP #2

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-aidan_lane_-_2nd_period_9_52_-_10_18.mp4

Great stick in the defensive zone, then persistence on the puck leads to Lane scoring from his office in tight.

CLIP #3

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3-aidan_lane_-_1st_period_22_30_-_22_43.mp4

You can see the need here for Lane to become just that little bit more explosive, as his advance into the offensive zone is stopped pretty easily.

Honorable Mentions:

Tyler Hopkins - Center/Wing - Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

The former fourth overall pick in the 2023 OHL priority selection, Hopkins didn’t have the kind of season many in Kingston would have liked or expected. The speed can play, but he really struggled physically and was largely ineffective trying to get to the middle of the ice. This is not uncommon for U17 players, but it does put him behind the eight-ball compared to some of his peers selected in that same draft.

I still have a ton of hope for Hopkins and the reason for that is two-fold. Firstly, Hopkins was great at the U17’s, helping Canada White capture gold (along with Schaefer, Cameron, Reid, and others from this Ontario class). This is a useful measuring stick to see how he does against similarly aged players, canceling out the size/strength issues. Secondly, Hopkins closed out last season on a high note, playing well in the last month and into the playoffs.

The key for him, outside of improving his conditioning, is finding that identity as an OHL player. He’s a terrific skater, but how can he use that to his advantage offensively at the OHL level? He’s also a high IQ player, which generally bodes well for the development of a two-way game. Can he become more tenacious? Lots of questions about how he projects moving forward, but the upside is still significant.

CLIP #1

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-tyler_hopkins_-_3rd_period_30_57_-_31_12.mp4

Typical Hopkins kind of play. Quick strike, using his anticipation and his quickness. He’s not able to score here, but it’s a strong play. We started to see more of this later in the OHL season.

CLIP #2

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-tyler_hopkins_-_1st_period_3_31_-_3_44.mp4

We see the speed, but he’s just not effective at trying to break into the middle at the OHL level yet.

Caden Taylor - Wing - Peterborough Petes (OHL)

Acquired by Peterborough in the Donovan McCoy trade with Sudbury, Taylor is a player who could move significantly up this list this season if he shows terrific progression and maturity. The reason? Taylor is a 6’3 winger with one of the best shots/releases in this Ontario class. He has a pro frame and a pro level shot; that combination rarely lasts long on NHL draft day if the production matches the potential.

The key for him is finding consistency in all other parts of his game. Can he improve his pace? Can he improve his off-puck play? Can he improve his decision making with the puck and overall effectiveness as a playmaker? Consistency was a knock on Taylor exiting U16 play and he needs to change that narrative.

The early returns after the trade from Sudbury were excellent. He had 11 goals in 31 games with Peterborough to end the year. That’s a near 25 goal pace which would have been third in the age group behind Misa and Ryan Roobroeck.

CLIP #1

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-caden_taylor_-_2nd_period_21_8_-_21_20.mp4

This is what Taylor can do as a dangerous North/South attacker. Turns the defender inside out and rips one for the goal.

CLIP #2

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-caden_taylor_-_2nd_period_11_48_-_12_1.mp4

This is where Taylor is going to end up being a frustrating draft eligible to follow without some improvement. Not a ton of effort defensively here as he makes a soft pass at the North Bay player getting behind Peterborough’s defense. Can Taylor become a better off puck player and someone who can use his size to get to the middle consistently?

Travis Hayes - Wing - Soo Greyhounds (OHL)

I think the best way to describe Travis is that he’s the hybrid between his brothers Gavin and Avery; sidenote, there’s a fourth brother (Elijah) eligible for this year’s OHL draft. Travis has Gavin’s tenacity and bulldog mentality. However, he’s built more like Avery and also has his offensive touch and playmaking ability. That’s a pretty effective hockey player if you ask me.

Effective was exactly what Travis Hayes was last year for the Soo; an immediate impact player as a complementary piece on a solid Greyhounds team. He finished fourth in scoring among U17 players and was a member of the year end OHL all rookie team.

Much like Brady Martin, it will be interesting to see how Travis responds to more ice time and responsibility on a potentially retooling Soo team this year. As an “average” sized player, can the physical tools (speed, strength) continue to improve?

CLIP #1

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-travis_hayes_-_1st_period_12_20_-_12_32.mp4

Hayes bursts into the fray on the forecheck and helps force a turnover that allows SSM to sustain pressure.

CLIP #2

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-travis_hayes_-_3rd_period_5_20_-_5_42.mp4

Hayes’ hard work and tenaciousness in puck pursuit allows him to come away with the puck down low and he buries it.

2023 OHL PRIORITY SELECTION: DRAFT RANKING

Joely Stockl and Chase Rochon — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 13:45:17 +0000

With the OHL Priority Selection beginning on Friday April 21st, scouts Chase Rochon & Joely Stockl worked together to rank the first round (including two compensatory picks). Both scouts were in attendance for the OHL Cup, as well as countless viewings throughout the regular season. The OHL Cup had a huge impact on some player’s draft stock, which is evident with a lot of these picks. It is important to preface that this is an OHL Draft ranking, not a mock draft. Players are ranked purely by the player’s skillset and performance, rather than projecting which team is going to take which player. This ranking was done by alternating picks, Chase Rochon made pick #1, Joely Stockl made pick #2…and so on.

Note: This list excludes American born players.

#1 Brady Martin - Center (Waterloo Wolves U16 AAA / ALLIANCE)

Height - 6'0"

Weight - 176 lbs

36 GP - 43G - 44A - 87PTS (Regular season + Playoffs + OHLCup)

Won Gold for Team Ontario

Brady Martin played with the 2006 draft class last season and turned some heads at the 2022 OHL Cup with his relentless tenacity to complement his raw skill. This made Brady one of the favourites entering this season's draft class, along with the other underagers last season, Ryan Roobroeck, William Moore, Ethan Weir, Cayden Taylor, Owen Griffen and, of course, the exceptional status sensation Michael Misa. Brady being a hardworking Mennonite farm boy he chose to play his draft year for his hometown Waterloo Wolves rather than join the London Jr. Knights or make his way to GTHL to maximize his exposure on a top team in the province. This did not stop Brady from having a dominant year in ALLIANCE, where he put up 56 points in 23 games carrying his team to a 24-7 record. During this time, he was invited and selected to represent Team Ontario at the Canada Winter Games, producing six goals and two helpers and Won Gold for Team Ontario.

Once he returned, his focus shifted to the biggest tournament of his life at the OHL Cup. Martin got better every game at the tournament and was steamrolling the competition finishing every check and riffling every puck. He single-handedly defeated the tournament favourite Toronto Marlboros 3-2 with a hat trick. Unfortunately, they could not defeat the loaded JRC roster, which went on to win it all. Brady finished the tournament with eight goals(1st) and four assists for 12 points(3rd).

Now, what makes Martin so special? The better question is, what doesn't? When you are the strongest player in the draft class and have the hardest work ethic, you are bound to be a good athlete no matter your sport. This means that Brady does every hit, pass, shot, and block at the best of his ability, and wow, is that ability elite. He is skilled in all categories a hockey player can possess, specifically his lethal shot. Martin's perfect combination of accuracy and power is a nightmare for goaltenders. Picking all his shots inside the post makes it very difficult for goaltenders to stop. His shot is also very diverse, wrist shots, snapshots and, most importantly, slapshots. When Brady winds that stick back, it is best to get out of the way because that puck will find a way to the back of the net.

Most importantly, Brady is a very intelligent player. He always knows when to make the safe play and when to take it on his own, constantly scanning options and processing to make great decisions. This benefits Brady and all his teammates as he makes the game simple. He takes ice when given and knows how to maintain possession when space is lost. With his tenacity, he is always hard on the back check and right to hunting the puck down to get back down the ice to create offence. Brady may not be the fastest skater on the ice, but he has great edges and mechanics that will only benefit him once he gets bigger and stronger. He is far from slow, but his top-end speed will only increase once he can grow even more. To add, everything from his skating, physicality, smarts, shot, playmaking and puck skills, he is a complete player, making him the safest bet of any player who can transition to the OHL the smoothest and make an impact right away. There are many descriptive words to describe Brady Martin, but the best is Rockstar.

#2 Matthew Schaefer - Defense (Halton Hurricanes U16 AAA / SCTA)

Height - 6’1”

Weight - 161 lbs

34GP - 19G - 31A - 50PTS (Regular Season + Playoffs + OHL Cup)

Won Gold for Team Ontario

With the recent decline of previously projected 1st overall pick Ryan Roobroeck, Matthew Schaefer has emerged as a top two pick. The two-way defender plays loads of minutes on a talented Halton team. Between his incredibly smooth skating, puck moving ability, and high hockey smarts, Schaefer is a weapon from the back end. Once the puck is on his stick, it is incredibly difficult to peel it off of him. He seems to dodge oncoming pressure with ease and is super confident carrying the puck through the neutral zone. All aspects of his skating stride are elite, which immediately puts him ahead of a lot of players in this draft class. With a quick stride and lateral mobility while utilizing his edges, he will translate into an excellent transition player at the next level. When his team is moving up the ice to attack on offense, Schaefer is almost always the one facilitating an entry into the zone. His transition game is extremely quick, and he is able to create momentum up-ice for his team.

Schaefer is average on defense, not an extremely “lockdown” defender, but his work in the defensive zone is enough to eliminate chances and begin to move the puck back up the ice. As he gets stronger and begins to fill out his frame, he will hopefully be able to develop his physical and net front game. His hockey IQ is mainly what makes him successful at the offensive end. He is able to find his teammates through traffic in quiet areas of the ice and shoot the puck himself when he is able to find a clean lane.

Schaefer was arguably the best player for Team Ontario at the 2023 Canada Winter Games, helping his team win gold. This performance boosted his stock tremendously, along with his performances when it mattered most, at the OMHA Championships and the OHL Cup. Even though his team didn’t perform as well as expected, Schaefer was consistently effective at both ends of the ice. In the OHL, Schaefer projects as one of the better skating defenders in the league who can carry his team in transition and quarterback the power play. He has the ability to eat lots of minutes and play in a variety of situations. Whichever team is able to pick up Schaefer is getting a player who is going to make an immediate impact.

#3 Ryan Roobroeck - Forward (London Jr. Knights U16 AAA / ALLIANCE)

Height - 6'2"

Weight - 185 lbs

43GP - 66G - 36A - 102PTS (Regular season + Playoffs + OHLCup)

Won Gold for Team Ontario

Ryan Roobroeck entered the 2022-23 season as the favourite for first overall after an impressive 63 points in 27 games as an underager and was the biggest player for his age. This made him a quality candidate for exceptional status, but he was denied by the league. This didn't stop Ryan from putting on a clinic this season with 51 goals and 28 helpers for 79 points in 30 games. He also had the opportunity to represent Ontario at the Canada winter games and lead his team with 7 goals and 11 points, and a gold medal. Ryan then shifted focus to the OHLCup with a loaded Jr. Knights team, where they were eliminated in the quarters by JRC, who went on to win the tournament. Ryan put up 7 points in 5 games, leading to much chatter about Roobroeck falling in the draft. A small sample size like this after a year of dominant hockey is not enough to change any OHL team's rankings. Ryan easily has the ability to become the best player out of this draft class and should make an immediate impact in the OHL next season based on his size alone.

Still, size isn't the only reason Ryan is the dominant player he is. He had outgrown his time in U16AAA this season as it got to a point where he could do what he wanted with the puck and wasn't having much fun leading to a lack of drive in his game. Ryans's ability to protect the puck, combined with his top-end skating, makes it near impossible for defenders to poke it off his stick. When contact is the last resort of defence, he is untouchable, and defenders bounce right off him.

Regarding being an offensive threat, Ryan has all the tools necessary from his lethal shot, quick hands, deep strides, and hard, accurate passes that can seriously impact the OHL. Ryan is playing at such a high level against some low-level teams you can understand and see the motor decrease in his game, but when it is on, he loves to hunt down pucks and take away the time and space of the attackers in his zone. He has shown the ability to play center and wing and should be able to step into the league next season and make an immediate impact.

#4 William Moore - Centre (Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA / GTHL)

Height - 6’3”

Weight - 165 lbs

Now that it has been confirmed that William Moore has committed to the U.S National Team Development Program (USNTDP), it is unlikely that he is a lottery pick, but his skill set certainly projects him as one in any other scenario. There isn’t much that Moore can’t do, he’s an explosive skater with a loaded shot, he can make plays, he is competitive along the wall, and he’s dangerous in transition. A lot of Moore’s goals come on odd man rushes and breakaways. His explosiveness propels him past defenders and his big frame is difficult for defenders to hold back. Moore is always looking to breakaway up the ice in transition. He is so dominant when he has the puck.

Interestingly, Moore is usually the play generator from the point on the man advantage. His quick decision making allows him to move it around the zone and then quickly attack the net with a shot of his own. Moore’s release isn’t necessarily the quickest, but it is calculated, and it is heavy. He shoots often from far out, so he is ensuring that he has the lane clear before he unloads the puck. Moore creates lanes for himself when he skates, he doesn't move around the attack, he forces himself through it.

Moore was a huge part of a very talented Marlboros team that won the U16 GTHL Championships by beating the Toronto Jr. Canadiens this season. The OHL Cup didn’t go exactly to plan, as the Marlboros lost to Brady Martin and the Waterloo Wolves in the quarter finals. Nonetheless, it was a season where the Marlboros dominated quite often, and William Moore was the centre of attention. Unfortunately for the OHL, Moore committed to the USNTDP. That being said, if the right team picks him up, there is nothing holding Moore back from coming back over to Ontario down the road.

#5 Tyler Hopkins (Halton Hurricanes U16 AAA / SCTA)

Height - 6'0"

Weight - 159 lbs

40GP - 45G - 42A - 87PTS (Regular season + Playoffs + OHLCup)

Won Gold for Team Ontario

Tyler Hopkins was the engine of the best team in SCTA, the Halton Hurricanes. With a large sample size of viewings, Tyler brought his A-game every night, and this elite consistency was super impressive. He is an excellent skater and can change various speeds at a high level, making it near impossible for his competitors to match. He plays at such a higher speed game than everyone else that sometimes it can be hysterical to watch how effortlessly he can break a team down and create space. He uses his deceptive release on his shot when he gets this space, often finding the net. This space often leads to breakaways where he shows off his puck skills and makes goaltenders look lost.

Mentally, Hopkins thinks the game very well, scanning for options and often choosing the best one, using a good mixture of attacks and knowing when to make the safe play or take it on his own. It is very difficult to find flaws in his game as he is well-rounded and excels in all areas. Hopkins possesses great shooting, puck skills, IQ, physicality and skating, but I think for him to excel in the OHL, he will have to find his specialty skills and hone in on them to become truly elite. Hopkins has what it takes to be a dominant center and a lethal powerplay flank. With the correct development and opportunity, Hopkins can immediately make an impact and look toward the 2025 NHL Draft.

#6 Owen Griffin - Centre (York-Simcoe Express U16 AAA / ETA)

Height - 5’9”

Weight - 150 lbs

47GP - 72G - 55A - 127 (Regular season + Playoffs + OHLCup)

Owen Griffin has been the heart and soul for the York-Simcoe Express all season long, and he was able to help carry his team to the OHL Cup. Griffin is a playmaking centreman with high level acceleration and a knack for scoring goals. He sees the ice incredibly well and is able to elevate the performance of his linemates. Griffin is a very unselfish player and has high awareness for passing lanes through traffic and through the seam in the offensive zone. With how unselfish he is, it is astounding to see how many goals he scored throughout the course of the year (72). He is very dangerous in transition with his quick first step and acceleration, he always seems to be looking to turn and go with the puck as quickly as possible. In the offensive zone, you can often find Griffin hanging around the net and below the goal line. He does a lot of work low in the zone and this is how he is able to feed teammates out front through lots of sticks and bodies. A lot of his goals come from right around the net too, he has great vision to find lanes and create space for himself around the slot. His vision is what ultimately separates Griffin from others in this draft class, he seems to be able to find lanes on the ice that no one else is able to see.

He is a natural centre and I think he will continue to play centre at the next level. On the slighter side, Griffin is 5’9'' and 150 lbs. His size doesn’t affect his game too much right now, but I do have concerns about him getting taken advantage of with his net front presence and tendency to get into those high traffic areas. His feet are incredibly quick so this does help him evade pressure, he will just need to be more aware at the next level. Griffin projects as an incredibly smart playmaking centre at the next level. I think he will be a play driver as soon as he enters the OHL and a dangerous one at that. He just makes the players around him better and his hockey mind is very advanced. The team that is able to select him in this draft is getting a player that will jump in and make an impact individually but will also be able to elevate his team’s overall offensive ability.

#7 Quinn Beauchesne (Nepean Raiders U18 AAA / HEO)

Height - 5'11"

Weight - 159 lbs

31GP - 10G - 29A - 39PTS (Regular season + Playoffs)

Won Gold for Team Ontario

Quinn Beauchesne played during the Canada Winter Games for Team Ontario, and I was thoroughly impressed. As a defenseman from the HEO, Beauchesne is a force to be reckoned with when driving play from the blue line. His offensive prowess is undeniable, and his squad has heavily relied on him to push the game's pace. One thing that sets Beauchesne apart from his peers is his incredible skating ability. He is undoubtedly one of the most mobile skating defenders in this year's draft, thanks to his great usage of his edges and momentum to pivot, twist, and turn. This makes him an excellent defender against rushes and speedy puck carriers alike.

On the offensive end of the ice, he can lead the rush, jump in as a trailing man if needed, and even finish off plays here and there. His mentality from the backend sets him apart from most defenders, as he wants to drive play, have the puck, and create things through transition using his stick and decision-making. Of course, no player is without their flaws. Occasionally, Beauchesne can make a mistake or two with the puck as he transitions up ice. However, the good far outweighs the bad. Quinn Beauchesne is a valuable asset to any team looking for a skilled, offensive-minded defenseman. With his impressive skating ability, strong defensive play, and willingness to take risks, he could be a real game-changer for any team lucky enough to draft him.

#8 Caden Taylor - Forward (Mississauga Senators U16 AAA / GTHL)

Height - 6’2”

Weight - 174 lbs

39GP - 37G - 21A - 58PTS (Regular Season + Playoffs + OHL Cup)

One word for Caden Taylor; Release. Taylor’s release is one of the best in the draft class. He is able to get it off tremendously quick and with power. A large majority of his goals come from his off wing, where he is able to find open space up high. He will find a way to put the puck in the net, even if there is just a few inches of space. His shot is heavy, and it is precise. Taylor’s elite shot immediately makes him dangerous and projectable to the next level. When he is not shooting the puck, he is able to handle it with tremendous dominance and it is difficult to strip it off of him. He stretches out the ice very wide in his tendency to play more of an east/west game. With this mindset, he is able to find wide open space very often and has tons of time to get his shot off.

Taylor was one of the leading scorers at the OHL Cup despite his team not making it past the round robin. He definitely made his mark as one of the best players in that tournament, and one of the best goal scorers in the class. There are some questions about Taylor’s off-puck disengagement and lack of quickness, but he has the most valuable tool that a forward can have; he can score goals, and he does it well. Taylor will be incredibly appealing for teams given his size and of course, his shot.

#9 Luca Romano (Toronto Jr. Canadiens U16 AAA / GTHL)

Height - 5'11"

Weight - 168 lbs

63GP - 31G - 47A - 78PTS (Regular season + Playoffs + OHLCup)

Among the Junior Canadiens players, Romano stands out as a player with remarkable skills and talent. Although not the team's most physically imposing or high-scoring player, Romano's contribution to the game goes beyond stats. His skating abilities are exceptional, with effortless strides and impressive acceleration that make him a formidable force on the ice. Romano's vision on the ice is unmatched, and he has gained a reputation as one of the best in his age group regarding puck distribution, but his exceptional hockey sense and IQ truly set Romano apart from his peers. He is the type of player that can be counted on in all situations. His ability to safely get the puck out of the zone, combined with his poise, is remarkable. When he has the puck, he can control the pace of play, making him an exciting player and a joy to play with. Romano's style of play often makes those around him better. With such skills and leadership qualities, any team that selects him will surely be pleased with their pick for years to come.

#10 Nico Addy - Forward (Toronto Jr. Canadiens U16 AAA / GTHL)

Height - 6’4”

Weight - 205 lbs

Nico Addy was an entertaining player to watch for the OHL Cup winning Toronto Jr. Canadiens this season. Between his finesse, his release, and his size, Addy is a very appealing prospect in this draft class. For a player that is 6’4” and is potentially still growing, Addy has phenomenal hands. He is able to manipulate defenders at a high level and make them look silly in the process. Addy always seems to be able to find tiny open pockets in the ice behind the defense where his teammates can find him. He is incredibly difficult for defenders to handle, often trailing the play and waiting behind the defense before he pounces into the slot. Addy’s awareness for open space and lanes to the net is elite. At times, Addy is able to pull moves out of his back pocket that you wouldn’t think he had at his size.

With his tremendous size, Addy definitely doesn’t shy away from the physical game either. He does tend to be undisciplined with his hits, and sometimes hitting takes him out of the play and he takes a couple cheap shots afterwards. But players seem to bounce off of him when he is charging down the ice and he is a force to be reckoned with when battling for position against him in any situation. Partially due to his size, Addy isn’t the most effective in transition with his lack of a quick first step. It can take him a second to fully get his legs going in the opposite direction, and it makes him not a great outlet option on the breakout. Opponents seem to be able to jump on him before he is able to get going the other way. That being said, between his strength/size and his impact and awareness at the offensive end, Addy is going to be a very dynamic winger in the OHL. He is a player that I can see making an impact in the bottom six next season before jumping up into the top lines. His versatility and mix of an offensive/physical game make him utilizable in a variety of situations.

#11 Aiden Young (London Jr. Knights U16 AAA / ALLIANCE)

Height - 5'11"

Weight - 163 lbs

54GP - 38G - 37A - 75PTS (Regular season + Playoffs + OHLCup)

Aiden Young has been making waves in his local Jr. Knights team. With his exceptional skating skills and high IQ, Young possesses the two most essential traits that are highly transferable for succeeding at the OHL level. In addition, his skills should make for a smooth transition as he develops into an OHL star. Although Aiden is a strong player in his own right, he also works very well with an elite company. He can create space and generate offence independently, which would be a perfect fit for playing with high-end talent. He would be a valuable asset to any OHL team with top-level players. With great coaching and management, Aiden's game can be rounded out to turn him into a star player. This would involve refining his skills and developing his strengths while working on his weaknesses. Aiden could be well on his way to achieving great success in the OHL with a bright future ahead of him. With his skills and proper support, he could become one of the top OHL players and beyond players. It will be exciting to watch his career unfold in the coming years.

#12 Parker Snelgrove - Centre (London Jr. Knights U16 AAA / ALLIANCE)

Height - 6’0”

Weight 170 lbs

47GP - 19G - 43A - 62PTS (Regular Season + Playoffs + OHL Cup)

The London Jr. Knights best player in the OHL Cup was probably hard working centreman, Parker Snelgrove. Snelgrove finished the tournament with 6 points in 5 games after losing to the Jr. Canadiens in the quarter finals. What stands out most about Snelgrove’s game is his compete level. He is absolutely relentless on the attack, whether he has the puck or not. He pressures pucks that appear too far out of reach, but his speed makes opposing player’s panic. He plays at a very high pace with loads of tenacity and energy in his game. Snelgrove’s speed is a difference maker. Just when you think the defender has him beat, he is able to swoop in and gain body position in the blink of an eye. His explosiveness is what makes his game effective. He finishes off every single check and makes sure the opponents know that he is not giving them a second of space.

Snelgrove is the go-getter on his line between Aidan Young & Ryan Roobroeck. He fills this role well, especially playing with two players that are as offensively inclined as they are. He is able to pressure the defense, cause a turnover and let his wingers do the rest. At the same time, Snelgrove’s skill should not be undermined. His shot is average, but his hands allow him to get into tight quarters on the ice. He possesses great puck control on the fly and hands in transition which allow him to generate plenty of chances on the rush. He is a shoo-in to beat a goaltender one on one and he seems to be able to take it to the front of the net very often. Snelgrove translates as a high energy player that can play just about anywhere in the lineup and complement highly-talented players around him.

#13 Jake O’Brien (Toronto Jr. Canadiens U16 AAA / GTHL)

Height - 6'0"

Weight - 150 lbs

63GP - 34G - 45A - 79PTS (Regular season + Playoffs + OHLCup)

Jake O’Brien’s ability to impact the game is undeniable whenever he takes to the ice. This is due to his high hockey IQ, which allows him to understand where to position himself in all three zones of the rink. Specifically in the offensive zone, O'Brien has a knack for finding the puck and creating offensive opportunities for himself and his teammates. What sets O'Brien apart from other skilled players is the combination of his high-level hockey IQ and exceptional puck skills. This makes him a scoring threat every time he touches the puck. Whether stickhandling through traffic or decking around defenders, O'Brien's ability to control the puck is second to none. O'Brien's intelligence on the ice and impressive skill set make him a formidable opponent and an invaluable asset to any team. In addition, his dedication to improving his game and tireless work ethic have made him a true leader on and off the ice.

#14 Luke Dragusica - Defense (Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA / GTHL)

Height - 6’1”

Weight - 164 lbs

36GP - 2G - 14A - 16PTS (Regular season + Playoffs + OHLCup)

Leading the crop on defense for the GTHL Champion Toronto Marlboros was Hamilton Ontario native, Luke Dragusica. Dragusica has a safer projection to the OHL with his style of play, he is not enjoyable to play against. He is always looking to take advantage physically with his heavy-weighted skating style. Battling against Dragusica in the corners is a nightmare for any opponent, and he isn’t afraid to take the body before going after the puck. He’s always looking to take advantage of forwards rushing the puck with their head down, and he absolutely has the ability to “lower the boom”.

Outside of his physical game, Dragusica is a long-strided defender that takes his time when making plays. He isn’t going to rush up the ice at full speed, but he is very calm, collected, and patient when he has the puck on his stick. He wants to play a north/south game with his lengthy passes out of the defensive zone. Looking to send his teammates into the attacking zone with stride, Dragusica has the ability to seek lanes through to the other side of the neutral zone. Defensively, he is a force in front of his own net, but his long reach allows him to eliminate chances near the top of the zone before the offense is able to set up. He may only measure up at 6’1”, which is a good size for this age anyway, but Dragusica plays a 6’4” style of game.

Dragusica isn’t going to win any offensive defenseman awards, but he is a defender that can eat huge minutes and be a force to be reckoned with. He is the type of player that brings team’s success in the playoffs with his aggressive style. The team that gets Dragusica is adopting a very mature player that understands his role and plays to his strengths. He doesn’t try to do things he is not capable of on the offensive end, he emphasizes his physical and passing games which he does very well. Dragusica is a player to be aware of at all times when on the ice against him. As he continues to develop physically and learns to use his body against competition with higher speed, he is going to round out as a very reliable defender in the OHL.

#15 Ethan Czata - Forward (Mississauga Rebels U16 AAA / GTHL)

Height - 5’10”

Weight - 141lbs

53GP - 36G - 27A - 63PTS (Regular season + Playoffs + OHLCup)

Throughout the regular season, playoffs, and OHL Cup, Czata played a pivotal role on the Mississauga Rebels team. The Rebels consistently turned to Czata during some of the team's most significant moments, relying on his exceptional two-way play and situational awareness. As a centreman, Czata's positioning in all three zones was impressive. He consistently found himself in the right place at the right time, disrupting opposing offences and creating scoring opportunities for his team. What truly sets Czata apart, however, is his hockey IQ. Off the puck, he can anticipate the game's flow and find open space on the ice. Late in games, Czata proved himself a reliable and invaluable asset to the Rebels. Overall, Czata's exceptional play and dedication to his team have made him a standout player on the Rebels roster and a force to be reckoned with on the ice.

#16 Jack Ivankovic - Goalie (Mississauga Senators U16 AAA / GTHL)

Height - 6’0”

Weight - 154 lbs

The highest regarded goaltender in several years, Jack Ivankovic is projected to be a first-round lock. The OHL hasn’t had a top goalie prospect from the GTHL in recent memory, but Ivankovic is going to be the next. Ivankovic moves incredibly smoothly in the net, there aren't any flaws in his physical positioning. He is very active in the net and slides from left to right quickly. He tracks pucks at a high level, and he never seems to overestimate shots or allow himself to get drawn out of position. This is the type of goaltender that can steal games for his team, and he has done this countless times for the Mississauga Sens this season.

Though his team didn’t make it very far, Ivankovic proved his case once again at the OHL Cup, performing steadily in each game. Ivankovic covers a lot of net, and his frame gives him room to fill out physically. Whichever team is able to pick up Ivankovic in this draft will get a game-changing goaltender. Goaltending prospects seem to be harder and harder to find in the OHL, but it is safe to say that Ivankovic will be talked about as one of the best goaltenders in the league over the next 3-4 seasons.

#17 Luka Graziano (Toronto Jr. Canadiens U16 AAA / GTHL)

Height - N/A

Weight - N/A

63GP - 20G - 32A - 52PTS (Regular season + Playoffs + OHLCup)

With his impressive performance at the OHL Cup, Graziano led all defensemen in both goals and points, with 4 goals and 8 points. This earned him a spot on the OHLCup all-star team, and he was also named player of the game in the finals, where he helped his team to victory. However, there are other times Graziano has made a mark this season. He has been dominating the game all season long, with 16 goals and 44 points in 56 regular season games as a defenseman in the GTHL. This is truly an impressive feat.

One of Graziano's biggest strengths is his skating ability. He has excellent edges and elite mobility, which make him very shifty and challenging for opponents to defend against. He uses his skating to his advantage to gain space and open up shooting lanes, particularly on the blue line. In addition, Graziano has a quick release and can easily beat far-away goaltenders. There is no doubt that Graziano is one of the most offensively gifted defensemen in this draft. However, he must work on his strength and conditioning to become a more effective two-way player at the next level. This will help him be more effective physically on the defensive side of the game.

#18 William McFadden - Forward (Peterborough Petes U16 AAA / ETA)

Height - 5’7”

Weight - 146 lbs

50GP - 56G - 53A - 109PTS (Regular season + Playoffs + OHLCup)

Will McFadden is a winger that oozes pure offensive skill. His wicked release and ability to make plays in tight makes him a difference maker in the offensive zone. McFadden helped lead his team to the OHL Cup semi-finals and to the U16 OMHA championship title. The Peterborough Petes were a dominant team that showed up when it mattered most, and that is exactly what McFadden does. He is the player that you want on the ice to help score a winning goal at the end of the game, anytime he is in the offensive zone, he is a viable threat.

McFadden has layers to his game. He plays with an emotionally competitive edge that makes him even more fun to watch. He doesn’t shy away from charging into the corners with players that are bigger than him, and his low centre of gravity makes him difficult to knock over. When rushing the puck in transition, McFadden is always driving the puck at full speed and with maximum effort. As a coach, you can feel confident knowing that McFadden is going to leave everything he has, out on the ice.

Averaging over 2 points per game in the regular season displays how much offensive success McFadden has had this season. He is able to score on a large majority of his high danger chances, but he moves the puck around a lot as well. His quick hands in tight around the net allow him to create space and seek out shooting lanes. The main concern with McFadden; his size. Levelling out at just 5’7”, there are going to need to be some adjustments made with his game when playing at the next level. Putting bigger players around him and continuing to build his own strength will be crucial to making a smooth transition. I am confident that McFadden’s offensive tools will translate well to the next level, the concern lies where he projects in an OHL lineup and if he can jump into a role where all he has to do is produce offensively.

#19 Kieran Riley

Height - 6’0”

Weight - 176lbs

21GP - 3G - 5A - 8PTS (Regular season + Playoffs + OHLCup)

Kieran Riley performed exceptionally at the 2023 OHL Cup tournament, representing the underdog wildcard Toronto Nationals. Despite his limited scoring, with only two goals, he made a significant impact in the games, as both were game winners, including a single-handed effort overtime winner. Riley's production this season might not be impressive, with only five points in 16 games and, unfortunately, missing a significant chunk of the season due to an injury. Therefore, he may fall in the draft day rankings. However, at the beginning of the 2022-23 season, he was regarded as one of the favourites to become the top defenseman in his class, and rightfully so.

Riley is very deceptive and hard to read, which makes him an exceptional evader of forecheckers, thanks to his quick fakes and remarkable footwork. His large frame makes him a formidable shut-down defenseman, making life hard for opposing offensive attacks. He has a long reach that makes it difficult for the opposing team to enter the zone. If they manage to do so, they face a challenge dealing with his strength and size, making it almost impossible to get past him with the puck.

Assuming he is healthy, Riley could be one of the most OHL-ready players in his class, capable of making an immediate impact in his rookie season. His size, skillset, and work ethic make him a valuable asset for any team that puts him in a position to succeed. In conclusion, Kieran Riley's performance at the 2023 OHL Cup tournament showcased his potential to become a significant force in the OHL and possibly the NHL.

#20 Rylan Singh - Defense (York-Simcoe Express U16 AAA / ETA)

Height - 5’9”

Weight - 145 lbs

48GP - 16G - 49A - 65PTS (Regular season + Playoffs + OHLCup)

Being the leader from the back end on a successful York-Simcoe team, Rylan Singh has emerged as one of the top puck moving defenders in the draft class. Singh is always prioritizing moving the puck up ice and is able to produce entry after entry for his team. His vision is what makes Singh special. He is able to find passing lanes, long and short, through loads of traffic and still send his teammate into the attacking zone. Not only is he able to find his teammates in tough spots, but he is able to deliver it into high danger spaces of the ice. He is continuously trying to get pucks to the net, and he does so with great awareness and patience. Singh doesn’t force any plays, he is confident enough to remain patient and seek out the right lane. If he does get pressured, Singh is very evasive, and he can use his hands and feet to get himself out of tough situations. It will be fascinating to see how Singh can develop his game as he gets bigger and stronger, as he is sitting at just 5’9” currently. He is a perfect fit to quarterback a power play because of how much he loves to push the play and how he is able to find passing lanes.

#21 Dryden Allen (Southern Tier Admirals U16 AAA / SCTA U16)

Height - 5'11"

Weight - 161 lbs

45GP - 2G - 24A - 26PTS (Regular season + Playoffs + OHLCup)

Won Gold for Team Ontario

The Southern Tier Admirals have a standout player in Dryden Allen. He is a great pick, not only for his exceptional skills on the ice but also for his safe play style. With his expertise in headmaning the puck and driving play, Allen has the potential to be a valuable asset to any team. Additionally, he is still growing and maturing, which means he has even more potential to develop into a top-tier player. Once he fills out and gains more strength, he can utilize his slender frame to his advantage.

One of Allen's most notable strengths is his outstanding skating ability. He moves with grace and agility, making him a true force on the ice. His high IQ and excellent decision-making skills are impressive, allowing him to read and create plays easily. Allen's performance on the Southern Tier Admirals has demonstrated his capability to succeed at the next level. He has all the necessary tools and skills to become a future top-tier player.

Allen has dedicated countless hours of hard work and dedication to his craft. His abilities have not gone unnoticed by his coaches and teammates, who speak highly of him on and off the ice. Allen is a team player who is always willing to go the extra mile to support his team and help them achieve their goals. His skills, work ethic, and commitment to the game make him a standout player destined for success.

#22 Nolan Jackson - Defense (Barrie Jr. Colts U16 AAA / ETA)

Height - 6’1”

Weight - 170 lbs

50GP - 11G - 25A (U16/U18 Regular season + U16/U18 Playoffs + OHLCup)

Watching Nolan Jackson skate in transition is truly something to behold. His confidence driving the play and elite skating ability has made him a viable threat from the backend. The Barrie Jr. Colts likely would not have had much of the success that they have had without defender Nolan Jackson. The majority of offense seems to go through Jackson’s hands, and though his defensive game tends to be chaotic, his offensive upside is something worth taking a chance on.

In the offensive zone, Jackson seems to find shooting lane after shooting lane and generate chances for himself. He almost acts as a 4th forward up in the attacking zone. He is able to beat attackers using his quickness, but sometimes relies on winning foot races too much to generate offense. Jackson plays a high-risk game, that is just the reality. He is often forcing plays through the middle of the ice, but his puck control and handling tools allow him to be successful. Jackson loves having the puck on his stick, sometimes so much that he doesn’t move the puck enough. He has a super creative mind and is able to create opportunities that don’t seem to be there at times. At the next level, he will have to pick and choose when he makes a risky play. If Jackson can learn risk management, he has a very high upside in the OHL and beyond.

Yes, there is a lot of chaos in Jackson’s game, similar to Sudbury Wolves defender Matthew Mania. The tools are all there for Jackson to be successful, including a glaring confidence every time he touches the puck. If an OHL team is able to give him a long leash, Jackson has the potential to be one of the higher producing defenders in a couple seasons. He is a player that won’t likely succeed if forced into a defense-minded role. The team that takes a chance on Jackson has the potential to get a severely skilled and smooth skating defender who is going to make a difference at the offensive end.

Tyler Hopkins – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #27

Toronto Maple Leafs Top-15 Prospects

1 - Easton Cowan

2 - Ben Danford

3 - Tyler Hopkins

4 - Noah Chadwick

5 - Luke Haymes

6 - Tinus Luc Koblar

7 - William Villeneuve

8 - Jacob Quillan

9 - Artur Akhtiamov

10 - Dennis Hildeby

11 - Miroslav Holinka

12 - Victor Johansson

13 - William Belle

14 - Cade Webber

15 - Borya Valis

2025 NHL DRAFT: TOP 100 PLUS HONOURABLE MENTIONS – March edition – FOR SUBSCRIBERS

2025 NHL DRAFT: Summer of 25′ – Introducing you to Ontario

Porter Martone - Wing - Brampton Steelheads (OHL)

Michael Misa - Center/Wing - Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

Matthew Schaefer - Defense - Erie Otters (OHL)

Malcolm Spence - Wing - Erie Otters (OHL)

Brady Martin - Center - Soo Greyhounds (OHL)

Jake O’Brien - Center/Wing - Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

Carson Cameron - Defense - Peterborough Petes (OHL)

Cameron Reid - Defense - Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

Kashawn Aitcheson - Defense - Barrie Colts (OHL)

Aidan Lane - Wing - St. Andrew’s College (U18 AAA)

Tyler Hopkins - Center/Wing - Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

Caden Taylor - Wing - Peterborough Petes (OHL)

Travis Hayes - Wing - Soo Greyhounds (OHL)

2023 OHL PRIORITY SELECTION: DRAFT RANKING

#1 Brady Martin - Center (Waterloo Wolves U16 AAA / ALLIANCE)

Height - 6'0"

Weight - 176 lbs

36 GP - 43G - 44A - 87PTS (Regular season + Playoffs + OHLCup)

Won Gold for Team Ontario

#2 Matthew Schaefer - Defense (Halton Hurricanes U16 AAA / SCTA)

Height - 6’1”

Weight - 161 lbs

34GP - 19G - 31A - 50PTS (Regular Season + Playoffs + OHL Cup)

Won Gold for Team Ontario

#3 Ryan Roobroeck - Forward (London Jr. Knights U16 AAA / ALLIANCE)

Height - 6'2"

Weight - 185 lbs

43GP - 66G - 36A - 102PTS (Regular season + Playoffs + OHLCup)

Won Gold for Team Ontario

#4 William Moore - Centre (Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA / GTHL)

Height - 6’3”

Weight - 165 lbs

#5 Tyler Hopkins (Halton Hurricanes U16 AAA / SCTA)

Height - 6'0"

Weight - 159 lbs

40GP - 45G - 42A - 87PTS (Regular season + Playoffs + OHLCup)

Won Gold for Team Ontario

#6 Owen Griffin - Centre (York-Simcoe Express U16 AAA / ETA)

Height - 5’9”

Weight - 150 lbs

47GP - 72G - 55A - 127 (Regular season + Playoffs + OHLCup)

#7 Quinn Beauchesne (Nepean Raiders U18 AAA / HEO)

Height - 5'11"

Weight - 159 lbs

31GP - 10G - 29A - 39PTS (Regular season + Playoffs)

Won Gold for Team Ontario

#8 Caden Taylor - Forward (Mississauga Senators U16 AAA / GTHL)

Height - 6’2”

Weight - 174 lbs

39GP - 37G - 21A - 58PTS (Regular Season + Playoffs + OHL Cup)

#9 Luca Romano (Toronto Jr. Canadiens U16 AAA / GTHL)

Height - 5'11"

Weight - 168 lbs

63GP - 31G - 47A - 78PTS (Regular season + Playoffs + OHLCup)

#10 Nico Addy - Forward (Toronto Jr. Canadiens U16 AAA / GTHL)

Height - 6’4”

Weight - 205 lbs

#11 Aiden Young (London Jr. Knights U16 AAA / ALLIANCE)

Height - 5'11"

Weight - 163 lbs