Western Michigan's Jason Polin is emerging as the front-runner while the next generation of OHL stars took center stage in Toronto.
For all you Future Watch sickos out there – work has begun on one of our cornerstone issues. Thus begins my favorite time of year, when I bend the ear of NHL scouts to get the inside goods on prospects for the next three drafts (this then continues as I collect quotes for Draft Preview, so really the rest of the season is fun for me).
On top of the NHL draft, we always feature the most sought-after NCAA free agents and right now, it feels like the big fish will be Western Michigan right winger Jason Polin. The Broncos senior has been a goal machine this season, but what NHL teams really appreciate is his all-around game.
"He's more well-rounded as far as being a 200-foot player," said one team scout. "He could play in your bottom-six. He's climbing the list and brings something different than many of the other forwards."
Polin's versatility is important because even the top college free agents tend to become NHL bottom-sixers (or good AHLers) these days. You're not going to luck into an Adam Oates or Ed Belfour like in the old days. As a good measure, look at last year's big prize, Ben Meyers. He was a force for the Minnesota Golden Gophers and chose Colorado from a large group of NHL suitors. As he continues to learn the pro game, Meyers has played 26 games for the Avs this season, netting one goal and averaging 10:38 of ice time while also spending time in the AHL.
So it's important to temper expectations with college free agents but also consider that those same Avs traded for Nico Sturm – himself a college free agent out of Clarkson who originally signed with the Minnesota Wild – and he helped them win a Stanley Cup in a bottom-six role.
But Polin isn't the only Western Michigan player in the rumor mill. His linemate, Ryan McAllister, is making waves, too. NHL teams are hearing that McAllister, a freshman, might come out and try his luck in the pros after the college season ends. Now, that seems way too soon and there are many benefits to staying at Western Michigan for at least another season, but for the record, McAllister is already 21 years old – so he's not young young.
NHL teams are also keeping an eye on Bowling Green junior Anton Malmstrom. The shutdown defenseman has great feet and comes in at 6-foot-4 and 203 pounds. Malmstrom's teammates on the Falcons include Jack Blake and Quinn Emerson – the sons of Los Angeles Kings GM Rob Blake and assistant GM Nelson Emerson, respectively. Needless to say, there's a lot of speculation about Malmstrom ending up in L.A.
Shifting gears to younger prospects, I had the chance to take in the GTHL Top Prospects Game this week, which featured the best U-16 players in the Toronto area. And lest you think I'm being a homer, keep in mind the league has been home to Connor McDavid, Mitch Marner and Jack and Quinn Hughes in recent years. It's the best minor hockey league there is, so it makes sense to pay attention to the high end.
This year's top prospects for the OHL draft are Ryan Roobroeck of the London Jr. Knights (who are not part of the GTHL) and William Moore of the Toronto Marlboros. Moore tallied the game-winner and the empty-net dagger at the Top Prospects Game and brings an interesting family history to the table: He was born in Canada, but his dad is American and his mom is from Brazil. Moore has dual Canadian/American citizenship. Already 6-foot-3, the skilled center uses his frame to his advantage.
"It's really helpful, especially down low," Moore said. "I can create space and find my teammates in the slot for open shooting chances. It's really helpful to have such great genetics at a young age."
A couple of other players that caught my eye at the game: Moore's Marlboros teammate, defenseman Gabriel Smith – another big kid who looks like he could become a smart shutdown guy – and Nico Addy of the Toronto Jr. Canadiens, who has a lot of power forward potential.
Top OHL goalie prospect Jack Ivankovic of the Mississauga Senators allowed just one goal in half a game's work and showed off his quickness and compete.
I'll leave you with one last anecdote, this time from an NHL scout on Mack Celebrini, the Chicago Steel center and 2024 NHL draft prospect who dazzled at Shattuck-St. Mary's prep school last year: "He's the best youth player I've ever seen," said the scout. "It's because he plays a 200-foot game and he doesn't cheat. He constantly works on doing things the right way: he stops and starts on pucks, he forechecks and hunts for pucks, he finishes checks even though he's not the biggest guy. Definitely the No. 1 pick if you asked today."
Celebrini ranks second in USHL scoring with 41 points in 27 games, but he's first in points per game (1.52) among regulars, since he missed time for the World Under-17 Challenge earlier this season.