The Prospect and 2020 NHL Draft Feature switches lanes into the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today. More specifically, a group of OHL forward prospects that are projected be taken early in the 2020 draft. As previously noted, the 2020 NHL draft (1st Round/October 6th – rounds 2-7/October 7th) could see half (or more) of the 1st round selections originating from Canadian Hockey League teams. Again, my prediction is that 16 CHL players, 8 from the OHL, will be selected in the 1st round.
Of the OHL players that could potentially be selected in round 1, Jamie Drysdale is likely the lone defenceman among the group. The rest of the bunch contains a great mixture of top end OHL forwards – and lots of them. The OHL forward group is led by Sudbury Wolves sensation, Quinton Byfield. The big. left-handed centre from Newmarket had a big year in Sudbury racking up 32 goals and 50 assists in (82) in only 45 OHL contests. As such, Byfield is firmly established as the 2nd (LA) or 3rd (OTT) choice. A player of this caliber will undeniably be a difficult choice for the LA Kings to pass over – wonder if they have already made that decision?
OHL Snipers After Byfield
Three other forward names to keep an eye on in the top 15 picks of the 2020 NHL Draft are Cole Perfetti, Jack Quinn and Marco Rossi.
Cole Perfetti: Whitby, Ontario – Saginaw Spirit
In his first two seasons in the OHL, Cole Perfetti has produced 185 points. During his rookie season in Saginaw, Perfetti scored 37 goals and added 37 assists (74) during 63 OHL 2018/19 games. This past Covid struck season, the 2002 born center again had 37 goals but doubled his assist total with 74 for a smooth 111-point sophomore year. Sam Cosentino described Perfetti as “a magician in the offensive zone with his ability to change pace and find teammates.” Cole Perfetti could easily be a top 10 selection in this 2020 NHL Draft.
Jack Quinn: Cobden, Ontario – Ottawa 67’s
Jack Quinn is one of two Ottawa 67 players that will factor into the 1st round. With teammate Marco Rossi (see below) as the set-up man, Quinn put away 52 goals in 62 games this season. The 2001 born right winger finished the 2020 season with 89 points along with a +48 plus/minus rating. Quinn, consistently ranked as a top 15 selection in several 2020 NHL Draft rankings is a player that could even slide into the top 10 – stay tuned!
Marco Rossi: Feldkirch, Austria – Ottawa 67’s
Import player Marco Rossi had a dynamite sophomore season for the Ottawa 67’s in 2019/20. In just 56 games, Rossi put up 120 points including 39 goals and 81 assists! Despite being 5’9, Rossi’s game has been described as fearless. The Austrian sensation is clearly an astute play maker but also has silky puck skill and ability to finish (see OHL video above).
In Summary, the OHL is loaded with talent with as many as 5 prospects being discussed as potential top 15 2020 NHL selections. To think that the 1st round of this 2020 NHL draft could include 3 to 4 additional OHL forwards (Jacob Perreault – Sarnia, Tyson Foerester – Barrie, Luke Evangelista – London, and Jan Mysak – Hamilton) is an amazing feat for the league. Well done.
NEXT: Prospect and NHL Draft News: Dominant ‘Theme’ of 2020?
