CHL Top Prospects Game: The Snubs

With the CHL Top Prospects Game festivities beginning today, here is a look at the players that didn't make the trip to Moncton, New Brunswick.

There are always potential 'snubs' in Top Prospects games like this. There are so many players within the three Canadian Junior leagues, that it is impossible to include all of the skilled draft-eligible players.

Here are a few players from the OHL that could have made the final CHL Top Prospects Game roster:

Kevin He is leading the IceDogs in points as a 2006-born player, on a team where he doesn't have a lot of help up front. He plays an electric game, he's always moving at top speed and consistently beats opponents with his feet. He's able to make high-end plays at top speed, and catch opponents off guard on the rush. 

He has been Niagara's best forward all season long, and he continues to lead the team in every aspect. It is exciting to think about what He's production would be like if he was playing alongside high-end players and linemates that could finish his plays.

Jacob Battaglia is the only point-per-game player on this list, and he is flying lower than anybody on the draft radar. The main concerns surround his skating, but he has been able to create and finish at a very high level in Kingston. Battaglia is a heavy winger, he doesn't exactly move well, but he sure knows how to attack on offence.

He possesses loads of finesse and the ability to manipulate defence with his hands. Battaglia uses his hands to get in tight around the net, and is usually able to finish it too. There are definitely gaps in Battaglia's game but no one can knock his ability to create and produce around the net.

November's OHL Rookie of the Month Cole Davis is another name left off the final roster. Cole Davis is another player that is playing on a weak team, but he is playing under the shadow of top 2024 prospect Liam Greentree. Davis possesses high hockey sense and playmaking ability. He's able to create with his hands and get himself through high pressure situations.

Davis has 23 points in 41 games for the Spitfires, but he has also been playing lower in the lineup compared to Greentree. As a first-year player in the OHL, Davis has been turning heads despite his smaller stature.

67's defenceman Frankie Marrelli has fallen down a lot of draft charts this season, but he has been quietly effective in the nation's capital. A fascinating stat — Marrelli has the highest plus/minus on the Ottawa 67's roster. His defensive reliability and physicality is what makes Marrelli's game effective on the back end.

He possesses a strong stick, the ability to box out in front of the net, and use his body to eliminate opportunities for opponents. He plays big minutes for the 67's, and is relied upon in many game situations.