2024 NHL Draft Profile: Ollie Josephson
A deep dive into 2024 NHL Draft prospect and Red Deer Rebels forward Ollie Josephson.
Photo by Erica Perreaux/WHL - 2024 NHL Draft Profile: Ollie JosephsonThe WHL is set to play a significant role in this year's 2024 NHL Draft. 57 players were included on NHL Central Scouting's final rankings, with a handful expected to be drafted in the first round. Today's draft profile is of Red Deer Rebels' Ollie Josephson, who enters the draft as the 40th-ranked North American Skater.
Josephson is an intriguing prospect thanks to his strong two-way game. While he may not light it up offensively on a nightly basis, the impact he has in the defensive zone should entice GMs from around the league. A staple on the penalty kill, he understands his role and has become one of the best shutdown centers in this year's draft.
When it comes to Josephson, it's not just NHL GMs that are interested, but also Hockey Canada. Josephson was part of the Gold Medal-winning Hilinka Gretzy team last summer and recently took home Gold at the U18s. Still 17, he was also selected to wear an "A" at this year's Top Prospects Game, showing just how highly valued a prospect he is.
Focusing on his defensive play, Josephson is a player who is rarely caught out of position. He is always ready to engage the opposition in board battles and excels at pressuring puck carriers, which leads to turnovers. It also feels like he never gets tired on the ice, as he is consistently one of the most active players throughout the game.
The biggest question with Josephson is what sort of offensive impact he can have on a team. While he did see an increase in points from 19 to 47, he only had 12 goals last season on 133 shots. If Josephson can become a more dynamic shooter, it should help him become more established at the pro level.
As for a future projection, Josephson has all the tools needed to be an effective fourth-line center that penalty kills. He was strong in the faceoff dot this season, winning 53% of his draws and finished the season with two shorthanded goals. Most likely a player that goes in the third or fourth round, he has the potential to carve out a solid career at the NHL level.
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