A Breakdown of Four Overage Players Looking to Be Selected in the 2024 NHL Draft from the OHL

Each draft season, there are always players that pop out who were passed on in their draft year previously. Here are three overage options from the OHL who show great potential for NHL teams.

From Rodwin Dionicio to Dylan Roobroeck in last years draft, there are always major junior players that get selected as overagers in the NHL Draft. Here are four overage players that could be getting looks from NHL teams, including one at the very top of the league's scoring leaders. 

GP: 54 G: 44 A: 42

2005-born forward Anthony Romani was passed on last season in his draft eligible year, but has popped off this season as one of the league's top players. He is second in OHL scoring, and he has helped North Bay to another successful regular season by leading with his offence.

Romani is incredibly creative, and he never attacks the same way twice. His shot is a weapon, and his hands are weapons offensively. He's able to drive the puck into the zone and manipulate the opposition to open up lanes for himself. Romani is a quick skater too, and he is difficult for opponents to track. 

No one has been able to slow down Anthony Romani this season. If the Battalion go far in the playoffs, it will likely be due to the offensive production of Romani.

GP: 53 G: 28 A: 49

Romani's centre Dalyn Wakely is another player who has a real chance of getting drafted, despite being passed on in two NHL drafts. The Battalion always seem to have a talented lineup, therefore their young talent gets pushed down the depth chart. Wakely is another victim of this, though he easily could have been drafted with his performance last season.

Wakely might have been the league's quietest 30 goal scorer last season, and he is on pace for 35 this year. Wakely has high-end hockey sense and he has taken many steps in his playmaking abilities this season. He's been driving play more this year, and he's been generating with more than just his shot. 

Wakely plays a big game with his 6-foot frame, and he has many maturities in his game which should entice NHL clubs.

GP: 48 GAA: 2.86 SV%: .905

Jacob Oster has been the root of the Oshawa Generals success this season — other than Calum Ritchie. He has been one of the best netminders in the entire OHL, and he has started more games than most. 

Oster moves well in the net and he doesn't get out of position often. He has the ability to steal games, and he has done just for the Generals this season. Oster has backstopped this team all the way to 3rd in the Eastern Conference, where they are not far away from clinching a playoff spot.

A lot of goaltenders are late bloomers and get selected as overagers, I think Jacob Oster has a great chance to be that guy from the OHL this season. 

GP: 45 G: 17 A: 25

Owen Allard received an unexpected invite to Canada's World Junior camp, and he ran with it. Allard not only made the final roster, but played a vital role inside Canada's bottom-six. As a top-six centre in the Soo, Allard has found success in a variety of ways this season.

Allard is a power-forward style of player, he plays with a lot of energy and creates momentum by throwing the body and playing with an edge. He's a tough customer in front of the net, and he often seems to be able to find areas to jump on rebounds before opponents can tie him up. 

There is nothing doubting Allard's compete and work ethic, and he has the potential to be a very effective fourth line player at the professional level.