Every month leading up the NHL Draft, Sam Cosentino ranks the top-10 draft-eligible players from a different league in the CHL. For December, Cosentino 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
Underrated defensively, good decision maker, great shot. Eats big minutes. Huge endorsement from the Hunters.
2. Michael Dal Colle, Oshawa Generals
Position: Centre/Left wing
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: June 20/96
Height/weight: 6’1.5”, 179
Top line minutes last two seasons. Not always top billing from NHL types, but does nothing other than produce.
3. Sam Bennett, Kingston Frontenacs
Position: Left wing
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: June 20/96
Height/weight: 6’0.25”, 178
Displays excellent two-way game. Has high level of compete. Skills are abundant. Needs to pack on pounds.
4. Roland McKeown, Kingston Frontenacs
Position: Defence
Shoots: Right
Birthdate: Jan 20/96
Height/weight: 6’0.75”, 197
Guilty of doing too much at times. Needs help on D-side of game, but skates and shoots like a pro.
5. Nicholas Ritchie, Peterborough Petes
Position : Left Wing
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: Dec. 5/95
Height/weight: 6’2.25”, 231
Never seems to dazzle, but with his size has potential to play NHL style of game on most nights.
6. Robbie Fabbri, Guelph Storm
Position: Centre
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: Jan. 22/96
Height/weight: 5’10”, 166
A deep Guelph team is much better with him in the lineup and that speaks volumes. Good vision, has some grit.
7. Josh Ho-Sang, Windsor Spitfires
Position: Centre
Shoots: Right
Birthdate: Jan 22/96
Height/weight: 5’11”, 166
With no Rychel around to draw attention, will face top defensive players from opposition, how will he respond?
8. Christian Dvorak, London Knights
Position: Left Wing
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: Feb. 2/96
Height/weight: 6’0.25”, 178
Like Platzer, Elie and Anderson before him, don’t be fooled by limited minutes on a deep team. Packed tool box.
9. Alex Lintuniemi, Ottawa 67’s
Position: Defence
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: Sep. 23/95
Height/weight: 6’3”, 231
Playing in the CHL a career changing decision. Defends well and has untapped offensive upside, with good size.
10. Alex Nedeljkovic, Plymouth Whalers
Position: Goalie
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: Jan. 7/96
Height/weight: 6’0”, 184
Calm and quirky. Doesn’t get rattled allowing a softie. Unseated a drafted goalie and began rise in 2nd half of 12-13.
NOTE: Size taken from NHL Central Scouting as measured previous to the release of the Preliminary Players to Watch Lists released in November.