Better late than never.
For a number of players around the Canadian Hockey League, getting a pro opportunity comes quickly. But for others, it takes a little longer to get there.
Prince Albert Raiders forward Brett Leason is the perfect example.
The 19-year-old has come into his own this year offensively and with that, the veteran has become a magnet for NHL scouts, after being passed over in the last two NHL drafts.
Leason’s credits a trade to Prince Albert from the Tri-City Americans in 2017 as a turning point for his career.
"In Tri-City I was buried by a very experienced forward group. Then when I got traded, I came to Prince Albert I got the chance to play and just play my game," Leason told Sportsnet’s Josh Beneteau prior to Christmas. "And after Christmas (last season) I started to heat up and it continued this year."
Following the trade, Leason posted 32 points in 52 games to close the season, then proceeded to jump out of the gate with 33 goals and 81 points in just 47 games this year. He also potted three goals and five points in five games for Team Canada at the World Juniors.
Now the twice-passed over player has a chance to be a high draft-pick in the NHL.
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Leason isn’t the only older player that’s forcing scouts to take notice.
In Ontario, Ottawa 67’s forward Tye Felhaber is scoring goals at a rate that has turned many heads as well.
Earlier this month, multiple reports indicated the overage forward had signed a contract with the Dallas Stars.
The signing hasn’t been made official by the Stars but there’s no doubt the high-scoring forward will have an entry level deal at some point soon.
Another overage forward in the OHL, Justin Brazeau of the North Bay Battalion, has flown under the radar a bit prior to this season.
Scoring 50 goals will change that, especially when the player doing it is six-foot-six and 226 pounds.
Earlier this season, Battalion assistant coach Scott Wray said Brazeau’s skill has been on full display this season and people have finally taken notice.
"He’s been an impact guy all year," Wray said. "People are just finally starting to notice him. He’s a big man that has silky-smooth hands. He can do anything with the puck.
"You can ask anybody in the room, we see (Brazeau’s skill) on a weekly basis."
In the QMJHL, Samuel Asselin is hoping a offensive outburst in his overage season and second trip to the Memorial Cup will help lead to an NHL deal.
In 2017-18, Asselin was dealt to the Acadie-Bathurst Titan from Shawinigan and was then dealt by the Titan to the Halifax Mooseheads early on this season.
The 20-year-old has seen his offensive numbers gradually increase over his four years in the QMJHL.
Asselin earned a camp invite by the Columbus Blue Jackets prior to this season and another solid playoff run could help get the veteran forward a pro opportunity next winter.
