Henry Mews has been playing an unfamiliar role on right wing for the 67's with the return of defender Thomas Sirman and several forwards out of the lineup due to injury.
With several injuries up front and Thomas Sirman returning to the lineup, defenceman Henry Mews has been moved up to the wing for the Ottawa 67's.
Forwards Chris Barlas and Tuomas Uronen are currently out with injuries for the 67's, which has left a large gap in their lineup. Top draft eligible defender Henry Mews is the player that Ottawa has decided to use to fill this gap.
Mews was first moved to the wing on Thursday against the Niagara IceDogs, and has stayed there through their game yesterday against Erie, and today against Mississauga.
He has been slotted on the first line with Luca Pinelli at centre, and Cooper Foster on the opposite wing.
Mews is generally a offensively-minded defenceman as is, but playing on the wing is a huge adjustment for any defender. He does appear afraid at times on the forecheck, shying away from crashing into the boards to battle for the puck. He also looks lost at times positionally, but this is to be expected.
On a more positive note, Mews' utility has been proven with this switch. His offensive vision and intelligence has still been constant, and he has been able to utilize his strengths on the wing.
Mews' poise and patience with the puck in the offensive zone is elite for his age, and he never rushes plays or hesitates with possession. This has all been emphasized more by playing on the wing, and he has been able to adapt his own game to his new position.
His flawlessly-smooth stride has given him zero issues keeping up to the speed of the forwards in this league. Mews' skating ability is likely a large reason why his coaches have decided to move him up to forward, compared to some of the other defenders on the 67's.
Though his switch to wing is temporary, it gives the 67's some options knowing that he can be effective playing up-front.
Mews is projected to be a high pick in this year's NHL Draft in Vegas, and rightfully so. Look for Mews' name to be called as one of the smoothest-skating defenders in the draft.
I project him as the third-best draft eligible defender in the OHL — behind Sam Dickinson and Zayne Parekh.