Yesterday, the Brampton Steelheads announced the signing of 2025 OHL Priority Selection first-round pick Keaton Ardagh to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. 

"We are very excited to welcome Keaton and his family to the Steelheads," said Brampton GM James Richmond. "Keaton is a big forward with above-average offensive abilities, but he is also very conscious of his defensive responsibilities."

Brampton's fifteenth overall pick played for the Toronto Jr. Canadiens last season. He recorded 24 goals and added 21 assists in 28 games to finish second on the team in scoring. At the OHL Cup, Ardagh scored three goals and tallied three assists in seven games, helping the Jr. Canadiens to win the championship. 

Ardagh is a 6-foot right winger who may have the opportunity to play big minutes for Brampton depending on how the chips fall.

Brampton could easily be in rebuild mode next season. Seattle Kraken prospect Carson Rehkopf and Dallas Stars prospect Angus MacDonell could join their respective AHL teams, given that they are both 2005-born players who are now eligible to go to the AHL. 

Calgary Flames prospect Luke Misa is also a 2005-born player, though he is committed to Penn State University for next season. On top of this, Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Finn Harding played ECHL games for the Wheeling Nailers at the end of this season and is also eligible to move to the AHL if given the opportunity. 

Just like that, Brampton could be without four of their top five scorers last season and there is no guarantee that Porter Martone will return either. Though the Steelheads captain is ineligible to join the AHL, there have been rumors that NCAA schools are intensely interested in the young power forward. 

If even three of these players don't return, Brampton will need to lean on Ardagh and other young players to find success. It remains to be seen what will happen to Brampton's roster, but it is true that it will be one of the most volatile situations heading into next season.

On the bright side, Steelheads fans now have the assurance of knowing they have their first-pick ready to join the team come September.