2006-born Saginaw Spirit defenceman Zayne Parekh talking after win against Niagara IceDogs With NHL Trade Deadline day underway, playoff talk is at the forefront of discussion. In playoff discussions, we have to consider the draft lottery for the fourteen teams that won't make the postseason. TSN' Craig Button created a mock draft based on a random lottery that they conducted. Three OHL players were featured in this top-sixteen mock draft. Most notably, Saginaw's Zayne Parekh was ranked at second overall by the TSN crew. Parekh has had an excellent season with the Spirit, he's finding a way to consistently dominate offensively from the back end, and his point totals are astounding. He has a lot of "swag" and confidence in his game, and he won't back down from any challenge. Despite this incredible season, second overall may seem a little high for Parekh. I believe he will land in the 10-15 pick range on draft day, but Craig Button seems to think that a team might snag him as the first defender off the board. TSN has Parekh being selected by the Ottawa Senators at 2nd overall, should they jump up the board in the lottery. A little further down the list at number ten is Sam Dickinson — London Knights defenceman. Dickinson has been ranked higher than Parekh by many, including myself. Dickinson is already an NHL defenceman. His maturity and presence on the ice is at a whole other level compared to his competition. His poise, patience, and hockey sense are what make him special from an on-ice character stand point. Otherwise, Dickinson has a weapon of a shot from the blue line and he is a breakout catalyst. There isn't much that he can't do for his team. TSN has New Jersey selecting Dickinson at 10th overall to add to their young defence core. Liam Greentree is the third and final OHLer on the list at number thirteen, as the first OHL forward off the board. The young Windsor Spitfires captain has a lot of maturities to his game as well, but most notably his pace is already at an NHL level. Greentree does everything at a similar speed. The way he attacks, forechecks, backchecks, and makes plays are already at a pro-level pace. He has a bigger frame for a winger as well, and his creativity is high-end. TSN has Seattle taking Greentree at 13th overall, adding to their — already — full prospect pool of OHL players.
