A Look Back at the Top 3 from the 2023 OHL Priority Selection

Since we have passed the halfway mark of the OHL Regular Season, it is time to take a look back at the top three from the 2023 OHL Priority Selection and how they have progressed as junior players.

Since the OHL Trade Deadline and the halfway point of the OHL Regular Season have passed, it is time to take a look back at the 2023 OHL Priority Selection.

Matthew Schaefer, Ryan Roobroeck, & Brady Martin, were all taken in the top three. 

Each has had one-half of a season to adapt and weave themselves into the OHL, and here is a look at their development thus far:

The first overall pick and only defenceman on this list — is Matthew Schaefer. By the end of last season, Schaefer was the clear first overall pick. His smooth-skating, puck-moving ability and intelligence from the back-end was impossible to pass up for the Otters.

Schaefer's hockey sense is what really makes him special. He reads the ice at such a high level, and this has become clear at the OHL level as well. He always seems to make the right plays with the puck on his stick. He has the vision to create offensively from the blue line, and to start his team on the breakout.

The left shot defenceman hasn't exactly exploded offensively — with 12 points in 33 games. Being said that, on a team like Erie that doesn't get much offence, Schaefer is doing well.

Ryan Roobroeck — the brother of current Oshawa General Dylan Roobroeck — has had a productive start to his major junior career. Roobroeck's scoring ability has definitely translates to this level. If he gets an open opportunity to shoot, he is likely converting.

Roobroeck's heavy shot has always been the main weapon in his game, but he has developed in other areas as well. The IceDogs have recently moved him to centre. Roobroeck has never been the best skater or had the highest work ethic, but having him in the centre spot develops his all-round game.

He has 26 points and 12 goals through 34 games this season with Niagara. Being third on the team in scoring as a rookie is impressive.

The question for Roobroeck is if he can continue to develop, or if he will plateau. His skating and lack of compete does hold him back, and if they don't improve he may be in trouble.

After beginning the season injured, Brady Martin has found some opportunities with the Greyhounds. He has 10 points through 25 games this season. 

The heavy shooting, explosive forward has a lot of potential, and will likely wait until next season to come into his own. He has been good this season as he has started to adapt, but next season he will have a much greater opportunity in the Soo.

Martin is a clutch player. He came up the biggest in the OHL Cup last spring, where he carried the Waterloo Wolves farther than they expected to go.

He has the potential to be the best player out of this draft class with his variety of tools, shot, and heavily competitive game.