Training camps for the OHL are set to begin in about a month. Teams have been actively signing import players over the past two to three weeks. However, several teams have not yet signed their 2025 first-round draft picks, including two players from the top five.
Hockey Canada recently conducted their U17 summer development camp, which featured four of the five players who remained unsigned. Will we see these players sign their OHL scholarships in the coming weeks, or are they having commitment issues?
C, Kaden McGregor - Peterborough Petes - 1st overall
The first name on this list is the most surprising. The Peterborough Petes selected forward Kaden McGregor first overall after a dominant season in Eastern Ontario in the HEO league and impressing at the 2025 OHL Cup. He wasn’t seen as a lock to go first overall until his play at the OHL Cup solidified it, but what’s the holdup, and why hasn’t he signed yet?
The Braeside, Ontario native has an ultra-competitive attitude and a desire for winning. He hates to lose, and his competitiveness will be a positive addition to a Petes team that is looking to get out from the bottom of the table.
For reference, Matthew Schaefer — first overall pick in 2023 — signed his contract on May 20, 2023, while Ethan Belchetz — first overall pick in 2024 — signed on May 4, 2024.
To be three months past the draft and the first overall selection remaining unsigned seems a little worrisome. However, McGregor spoke at the Hockey Canada camp this past week regarding how excited he is to play in front of the Petes faithful.
“The fans are definitely unreal. I’ve seen lots of videos, dating back to their championship season (2023), and I’d like to bring that back to Peterborough,” said McGregor.
LW, Brenner Lammens - Sarnia Sting - 4th overall
The second player in the top five who remains without an OHL contract is Sarnia Sting’s fourth-overall selection, Brenner Lammens.
Lammens, 15, doesn’t turn 16 until Sept. 13. Sarnia plays a pre-season game the day before his birthday, against the Peterborough Petes. Hopefully, the No. 1 overall pick and No. 4 overall pick are signed and face off against each other that day.
The physical power forward from Langton, Ontario won’t be intimidated when he jumps into the league. He has a mean demeanor in his playstyle, finishing checks, getting involved in battles, and making plays in tight areas. As Sting GM Dylan Seca has mentioned, “We think he’s the type that you win with.”
Sarnia has already signed second-round picks Kaden Aucoin and Sarvir Jaworski. Why haven’t they put pen to paper with their new budding young star? Lammens should slot in nicely to the team’s third line and play alongside newly acquired veteran Jack Van Volsen.
C, Aleks Kulemin - Kingston Frontenacs - 9th overall
The third player on the list is forward Aleks Kulemin, the ninth overall pick of the Kingston Frontenacs. He is the son of former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nikolai Kulemin. Last season, Aleks played for the top-ranked Don Mills Flyers in the GTHL. Unfortunately, he faced challenges during the OHL Cup due to an injury.
Of course, the young man still has plenty of room to grow into his 6-foot-2 frame, but the Russian center is a beast along the boards for his age, possessing excellent puck protection skills utilizing his big frame. He’ll be able to hold his own as a 16-year-old in the OHL.
Kingston signed their 17th overall pick, Matthew Henderson, last month, and eighth-rounder Nolan Snyder signed just over a week ago. Now it's time to sign their young forward star.
LHD, David Buchman - Brantford Bulldogs - 20th overall
The third defenseman taken in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, David Buchman, has yet to sign with the Brantford Bulldogs, although the team has been busy this summer with a couple of trades and 18-year-old American signings.
Brantford’s blueline has a lot of question marks heading into the 2025-26 season. Tomas Hamara and Tommy Budnick won’t be back, being 2004-borns. The club made three selections in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, so Adam Jiricek may not return. Will Lucas Moore be back for his OA year? And with Winnipeg Jets prospect Edison Engle in the fold, who will round out the team’s third pair?
Is Buchman worried that he may not have a consistent role on the team in 2025-26? Splitting the season between Jr. A or Jr. B and the OHL wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world for his development, however.
LW, Kane Barch - Kitchener Rangers - 22nd overall
The last player on the list isn’t a surprise. Kane Barch, the son of new Niagara IceDogs head coach Krys Barch, was taken as the second-last pick of the first round by Kitchener, even though they knew he was being considered for the United States National Team Development Program.
Barch, 16, is expected to play for the U.S. National U17 Team in the upcoming season. It would come as a complete shock if he decommitted and signed with the Rangers. Now, it doesn’t mean that he won’t join them in the future. Kitchener’s recruiting skills are among the best in the OHL. Never count them out. After all, they did just get the top 2026 NHL draft prospect, Adam Valentini, to commit.
(Top photo credit: Josh Mailloux/OHL Images)
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