Top Four OHL Picks to Watch in the 2023 CHL Import Draft

The 2023 CHL Import Draft provided high end talent, especially to the OHL. The Erie Otters got a top forward at 1st overall, and there were a few other gems later in the draft.

The Slovak forward, who was also a second-round pick of the Chicago Blackhawks, finished last season with the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms.

Misiak is an electric skater who plays with loads of energy on both ends of the ice. He loves to shoot the puck, and isn’t afraid to fire it anytime, anywhere. His Slovak teammate, Ondrej Molnar, took some time to adjust to the North American style of play, but Misiak’s tool set fits the “tight area” type of game that is played here. 

Misiak should boost the Otters’ offense substantially, especially when playing alongside Molnar, who possesses pure offensive skill.

     2. Artu Karki - 7th overall, Soo Greyhounds

The Soo certainly made this pick count, as Karki has had a tremendous start to his OHL career.

The Vegas Golden Knights' prospect put up nine points in his first six games in the OHL, while bolstering a Greyhounds' blue line that was strong to begin with. 

 The Finnish defender has had no problem transitioning to the CHL play style, and has provided an absurd amount of offense from the point. The Greyhounds have had a hot start to the season, and Karki has been a major piece in their early success.

     3. Jakub Fibigr - 16th overall, Mississauga Steelheads

Fibigr joins the Steelheads blue line from the Czechia U20 league. The defenceman has made a seamless transition to the North American game, as he already finds himself on the Steelheads' top pair, their top power play, as well as the penalty kill.

Fibigr does just about everything right. He’s strong in the defensive zone, possesses an elite defensive stick and has the confidence to jump up on the rush and create offence by shooting from the point. He also has a smooth, long stride along with high-end edge work.

There are some concerns with his balance and puck control, but the NHL draft-eligible defenceman may establish himself as one of the most complete defenders in the OHL. 

     4. Jakub Vondras - 22nd overall, Sudbury Wolves

The Wolves have found their starting goaltender in Vondras. A Carolina Hurricanes prospect, the 6-foot-4 Vondras played in the Czechia U20 league last season, where he put up a .929 save percentage.

If he can do the same for the Wolves, whose goaltending depth is poor, pencil Sudbury in for a long playoff run.