With the Canadian Hockey League heading into the final six weeks of the regular season, let’s take a look at some of the key players from each team from across the CHL.
Some of these names aren’t shocking by any stretch of the imagination while others might have flown under the radar a bit for one reason or another.
In the OHL, a lot of familiar faces have put together solid seasons while some rookies have stepped in and taken on big roles in their freshman season.
Here’s a team-by-team look at some of the key players across the league.
Barrie Colts: Ryan Suzuki, eligible for the NHL draft this summer, is the leader of the Colts offensively and has shown a knack for making a big play when his team needs one.
Erie Otters: Rookie defenceman Jamie Drysdale has chipped in nicely in his first year in the OHL.
Flint Firebirds: Dallas Stars prospect Ty Dellandrea is the undisputed leader of the Firebirds while Russian defenceman Vladislav Kolyachonok has been solid on the Flint blue line.
Guelph Storm: Since being acquired from the Owen Sound Attack, Montreal Canadiens prospect Nick Suzuki has four goals and 11 points in 11 games.
Hamilton Bulldogs: Philadelphia Flyers prospect Matthew Strome and 2019 draft prospect Arthur Kaliyev will be looked to lead a young Bulldogs team down the stretch.
Kingston Frontenacs: 2019 NHL Draft prospect Billy Constantinou was a key piece to the deal that sent Jacob Paquette and Jason Robertson to Niagara earlier this season.
Kitchener Rangers: Joseph Garreffa is listed as a forward but has played both up front and on the blue line for the Rangers. The third-year forward has averaged a point-per-game this season.
London Knights: One of a number of 2019 prospects on the London roster, Connor McMichael has 31 goals in 48 games this season. In 60 games last season split between London and Hamilton, McMichael had just eight.
Mississauga Steelheads: Aidan Prueter was a key piece when the Steelheads moved Ryan MacLeod (Edmonton) and Owen Tippett (Florida) to the Saginaw Spirit in separate trades prior to the deadline. And in 12 games with Mississauga, Prueter has eight points.
Niagara IceDogs: On a team that features nine NHL prospects, Jason Robertson (Dallas) has shown why the IceDogs paid a steep price to acquire him along with defenceman Jacob Paquette (Nashville). Robertson has 14 goals and 45 points in 20 games with Niagara.
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North Bay Battalion: Overage forward Justin Brazeau is forcing NHL scouts to take notice. The undrafted veteran has 45 goals and 85 points in 51 games.
Oshawa Generals: Overage forward Anthony Salinitri, acquired in a trade with Sarnia earlier this year, has 24 goals in 26 games since joining the Generals. Drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers but never signed, Salinitri is making sure scouts have taken notice down the stretch.
Ottawa 67s: It’s hard to ignore the season undrafted forward Tye Felhaber is having. The overage forward has 53 goals and 91 points in 51 games.
Owen Sound Attack: With the trade of Nick Suzuki to the Guelph Storm, Aidan Dudas becomes the offensive leader for the Attack. The Los Angeles Kings prospect has 19 goals and 43 points in 50 games this season, his third in Owen Sound.
Peterborough Petes: Playing behind a young Petes team, goaltender Hunter Jones has become one of the top draft-eligible goalies in the OHL.
Saginaw Spirit: On a Saginaw team that features the likes of Ryan McLeod and Owen Tippett along with a host of other quality NHL prospects, rookie Cole Perfetti has fit right in. The 17-year-old has 22 goals and 44 points in 45 games.
Sarnia Sting: Similarly to Perfetti, 16-year-old Jacob Perreault has put together a solid rookie season in the OHL. In 47 games for the Sting, Perreault has 25 goals and 45 points.
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds: While Morgan Frost (Flyers) and Barrett Hayton (Coyotes) continue solid seasons, Mac Hollowell (Maple Leafs) used a three-goal performance over the weekend to take over the scoring lead amongst OHL defencemen.
Sudbury Wolves: Import goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been outstanding for a Sudbury team that has put together a solid season. Luukkonen has 27 wins and a 2.41 goals-against average in 36 games. His save percentage is also a solid .921.
Windsor Spitfires: Rookie forwards Will Cuylle (2020) and Jean-Luc Foudy (2020) represent the future in Windsor, and that future is bright.
