Every month leading up the NHL Draft, Sam Cosentino ranks the top-10 draft-eligible players from a different league in the CHL. For March, he breaks down prospects from the OHL.
1. Aaron Ekblad, Barrie Colts
Position: Defence
Shoots: Right
Birthdate: Feb. 7/96
Height/weight: 6’3.5”, 216 lbs
Ekblad is a horse for minutes played whose shot is the most underrated of his tools. He may play in the show next year.
2. Sam Bennett, Kingston Frontenacs
Position: Left wing
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: June. 20/96
Height/weight: 6’0.25”, 178 lbs
The nastiness with which he plays is a double-edged sword, but it’s what has him ahead of most of his class.
3. Michael Dal Colle, Oshawa Generals
Position: Centre/Left wing
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: June 20/96
Height/weight: 6’1.5”, 179 lbs
There’s nothing stopping this guy from being a top-five pick come June.
4. Nicholas Ritchie, Peterborough Petes
Position: Left wing
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: Dec. 5/95
Height/weight: 6’2.25″, 231 lbs
Ritchie has been much better since centre Hunter Garlent arrived. An overall inconsistency worries scouts, but the rest of the package dazzles.
5. Brendan Perlini, Niagara IceDogs
Position: Left wing
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: Apr. 27/96
Height/weight: 6’2.5”, 205 lbs
Despite slowing down in the second half, Perlini is still being talked about by scouts. He has NHL bloodlines and his frame will allow him to play 15-20 lb. heavier.
6. Josh Ho-Sang, Windsor Spitfires
Position: Centre
Shoots: Right
Birthdate: Jan. 22/96
Height/weight: 5’11”, 166 lbs
Ho-Sang could go 6th or 56th. There are nights when he’s the best player his age in the world and others when he’s invisible.
7. Robbie Fabbri, Guelph Storm
Position: Centre
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: Jan. 22/96
Height/weight: 5’10”, 166 lbs
Is there a big difference between Fabbri and Max Domi who went 12th overall in 2013? Guelph coach Scott Walker endorsed the former.
8. Alex Nedeljkovic, Plymouth Whalers
Position: Goalie
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: Jan. 7/96
Height/weight: 6’0”, 184 lbs
Nedeljkovic has everything to do with Plymouth’s surge into the playoffs, having posted filthy numbers since February. He will give Guelph a scare.
9. Nikolay Goldobin, Sarnia Sting
Position: Right wing
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: Oct. 7/95
Height/weight: 5’11.5”, 178 lbs
Goldobin has missed one game in two years, which is impressive for a guy as slight as he is. He should excel with better players around him.
10. Jared McCann, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Position: Centre
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: May 31/96
Height/weight: 6’0.25”, 179 lbs
There’s more to this book than meets the eye. McCann can give you good minutes as a producer or shut-down guy.
NOTE: This list includes only players in the OHL. All heights/weights listed were taken from NHL Central Scouting as measured at the BMO Top Prospects Game.