London Knights & Ottawa 67's Sign 2024 Second Round Picks Caleb Mitchell & Kohyn Eshkawkogan

London and Ottawa both used their second round picks to select high-end skating, puck moving defenders. Now both have committed to their respective clubs.

With a first round pick in the OHL Priority Selection, the team knows that they are picking a player who will play a majority of games the following season. With a second round pick, that isn't always the case.

However, with London and Ottawa's second round picks, they are ready to make the jump full-time.

The London Knights selected Caleb Mitchell with their second round draft pick, and this seems to be another high value pick for the Knights organization. Easton Cowan, Oliver Bonk, and Sam O'Reilly are all examples of second round picks currently playing for London. Cowan and Bonk were first round NHL Draft picks, and O'Reilly will be a high NHL pick this summer.

Now, the Knights have added defender Caleb Mitchell to this group. Mitchell may play a lot of games in Junior B under the Knights next season — as Cowan, Bonk, and O'Reilly did. But he is a player that could quickly turn into a highly-dangerous offensive defenceman in the OHL.

Mitchell's an outstanding skater. His edgework and shiftiness is especially noticeable in transition and on the rush — where he is able to create most of his offence. He possesses high-end passing vision, and he's able to create loads of offence off of the pass. 

He played his U16 season with the Peterborough Petes, being a large factor in their success — especially in the OHL Cup. He had six assists in six games in the OHL Cup, where he helped lead the Petes to the semi-finals.

The Ottawa 67's also chose a smooth-skating defender with their second round pick, with Kohyn Eshkawkogan. Eshkawkogan is another outstanding skater, but he is more well-rounded than Caleb Mitchell is.

Eshkawkogan defends the rush incredibly well with his active movement and quick reads, but he is also dangerous on the rush offensively. He already plays at an advanced pace, and his quickness will not be an issue at the OHL level. 

He played his U16 season with the North York Rangers, a team that had a lot of high draft picks including first rounders Tyler Challenger (ER) and Brady Smith (OSH). He put up a goal and six assists at the OHL Cup, also leading his team to the semi-finals.

Eshkawkogan will add to a 67's defence core that is in need of some "revamping" heading into next season.