The OHL and their fans, especially the Barrie Colts faithful, received some good news recently regarding defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson.
On Thursday morning, Ryan McArthur, a former scout and someone who is very well connected with the Barrie Colts, tweeted out that he’s hearing that the NCAA is not an option for Aitcheson, and it sounds like he will be back with Barrie for the 2025-26 season.
It was reported one month ago that the fearful, physical blueliner was keeping all his options open as to where he wanted to play next season. Seeing as he’s set to return for his fourth season in the OHL — technically, will be his third season as a full-time player — going to the NCAA to enhance his development is an option to consider. However, would that be the right decision?
If Zayne Parekh and Sam Dickinson don’t crack their respective NHL lineups to start the season, then there’s no reason for them to return to the OHL. Those two separated themselves from the rest of the league and were downright unstoppable at times last season. Returning wouldn’t help their development.
Canada's 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Roster Finalized; 11 OHL Players Set To Represent Their Country Overseas
Hockey Canada has <a href="https://www.hlinkagretzkycup.ca/en-ca/season/2025/stats/team-rosters?teamid=306">announced its 25-man roster for the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup</a>. The tournament will take place in Brno, Czechia, where Group A matches will be held, and in Trencin, Slovakia, for Group B matches. Canada will kick off its tournament on Aug. 11 against Finland.
For Aitcheson, he made significant strides forward offensively last season. His 26 goals were the third-most amongst blueliners in the regular season, nine of which came on the powerplay. Alas, he only registered 59 points, which is a relatively low total for a player who was just picked 17th overall by the New York Islanders. He’s proven that he can score. Now, going back to improve his playmaking abilities while playing 25 minutes a night is a good decision for his development.
McArthur does mention that it’s not a guarantee. This is just what he has been hearing regarding this situation. Until he signs his entry-level contract with the Islanders, there will be NCAA schools in full-on recruitment mode for junior hockey's best hitter.
In his tweet, he also mentions that it’s looking like Vancouver Canucks prospect Riley Patterson will be traded. This is interesting to hear, considering Barrie doesn’t appear to be headed for a retooling year. Are the Colts looking to get back some of the draft capital they have lost from all the trades they made last season? Or is this a player/agent request?
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