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Rookie Standout for Each Team: Central Division

Part 2 of this series: 1/3 of the way through the OHL regular season, here is the top rookie for each team in the Central Division thus far, and a deeper look into their early contributions.

As the month of December slowly arrives upon us, we are roughly one third of the way through the OHL season.

Here is a look at each Central Division team's rookie standout thus far:

Barrie Colts: Jack Brauti

#6 Defenceman Jack Brauti of the Barrie Colts.

#6 Defenceman Jack Brauti of the Barrie Colts.

There have been a lot of significant rookie standouts in Barrie this season. But the one name that has stepped in to fill a huge role, and has made his own case for the 2024 NHL Draft is defenceman Jack Brauti.

With Oilers prospect Beau Akey out with injury for the remainder of the season, the Colts needed defenders to step in and try to fill that hole. Brauti has been one of those players, and he is earning his elevated role.

Brauti is now playing top four minutes and has established a spot on Barrie's second powerplay unit. 

The smooth-strided defender is effective in transition, and consistently shows poise and patience with the puck. He plays efficient rush defence and possesses a flawless stride. His offensive upside isn't through the roof per se, but he's a reliable puck moving defender and has a heavy shot from the point that he's beginning to use more often. 

Mississauga Steelheads: Jakub Fibigr

#5 Defenceman Jakub Fibigr of the Mississauga Steelheads.

#5 Defenceman Jakub Fibigr of the Mississauga Steelheads.

Czechia-born import defender Jakub Fibigr has been a significant addition to the Steelheads' defensive core.

Fibigr has been able to come in and play huge minutes for Mississauga, including playing on both special teams units. The mobile, agile defender has been effective on both ends of the ice. His feet never stop moving, and he often activates lower in the offensive zone to get himself open for scoring chances. 

In his own zone, he steps up often at the top of the zone by using his defensive stick to eliminate chances off of the entry. 

There is a lot to like about Fibigr's game ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft, as he has been able to transition smoothly to the North American game. He's been producing consistently for the Steelheads, and been able to fill into any game situations.

Niagara Icedogs: Ryan Roobroeck

#25 Left Winger Ryan Roobroeck of the Niagara IceDogs.

#25 Left Winger Ryan Roobroeck of the Niagara IceDogs.

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The second overall pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection has proven that he can produce at the junior level. Ryan Roobroeck has 9 goals and 13 points on the season, through just 18 games on a weaker team.

Scoring 0.5 goals-per-game as a rookie in the OHL is a very respectable pace, if he is able to keep this up. 

When watching Roobroeck play minor hockey in London, it was clear that his shot and finishing ability would translate to the OHL level. But there were several concerns and questions regarding his game; Would he be able to keep up? Would his hockey sense improve?

Roobroeck has answered one of these questions so far, as his skating has improved significantly since last spring. He possesses a much quicker stride, and seems to be using all of his long stride. 

The constant concern with Roobroeck's game revolves around his hockey sense. He does make questionable plays somewhat often, and doesn't engage much away from the puck.

Nonetheless, he has been able to produce and his shot has been a consistent threat for the IceDogs offensively this season. He has been Niagara's best rookie, and one of the best in the league when looking at statistics.

North Bay Battalion: Ihnat Pazii

#13 Forward Ihnat Pazii of the North Bay Battalion

#13 Forward Ihnat Pazii of the North Bay Battalion

Import draft winger Ihnat Pazii had a lightning start to his OHL career, putting up 5 points through his first 7 games, and scoring in his first against the Colts.

Pazii values both ends of the ice, coming back frequently defensively. He possesses high speed with the puck, and plays the game with loads of energy. A lot of his chances come from getting open in the slot, as he never stops moving his feet.

Pazii has slightly slowed down since his hot start, but nonetheless he's been one of North Bay's better players. 

Sudbury Wolves: Caden Taylor

#96 Caden Taylor playing for the U16 Mississauga Senators in 2022-2023.

#96 Caden Taylor playing for the U16 Mississauga Senators in 2022-2023.

The Wolves have not had many rookies play minutes in their lineup, but their first round pick Caden Taylor has been able to get into 17 games. Sudbury's forward depth is astounding, and therefore there's not much room for Taylor to get opportunities. He's been spending most of his time on the 4th line.

Nonetheless, Taylor might just have the best shot release in his age group (2007). This was on full display at the OHL Cup in April 2023, where he significantly increased his OHL Draft stock. He's not the quickest player, but there is no denying his shot power. If Taylor is open in reasonable proximity to the net, there is a high chance that it is going in.