2023 OHL PRIORITY SELECTION: DRAFT RANKING

With the OHL Priority Selection beginning on Friday April 21st, scouts Chase Rochon & Joely Stockl worked together to rank the first round (including two compensatory picks). Both scouts were in attendance for the OHL Cup, as well as countless viewings throughout the regular season. The OHL Cup had a huge impact on some player’s draft stock, which is evident with a lot of these picks. It is important to preface that this is an OHL Draft ranking, not a mock draft. Players are ranked purely by the player’s skillset and performance, rather than projecting which team is going to take which player. This ranking was done by alternating picks, Chase Rochon made pick #1, Joely Stockl made pick #2…and so on.

Note: This list excludes American born players.

#7 Quinn Beauchesne (Nepean Raiders U18 AAA / HEO)

Height – 5’11”

Weight – 159 lbs

31GP – 10G – 29A – 39PTS (Regular season + Playoffs)

Won Gold for Team Ontario

Quinn Beauchesne played during the Canada Winter Games for Team Ontario, and I was thoroughly impressed. As a defenseman from the HEO, Beauchesne is a force to be reckoned with when driving play from the blue line. His offensive prowess is undeniable, and his squad has heavily relied on him to push the game’s pace. One thing that sets Beauchesne apart from his peers is his incredible skating ability. He is undoubtedly one of the most mobile skating defenders in this year’s draft, thanks to his great usage of his edges and momentum to pivot, twist, and turn. This makes him an excellent defender against rushes and speedy puck carriers alike.

On the offensive end of the ice, he can lead the rush, jump in as a trailing man if needed, and even finish off plays here and there. His mentality from the backend sets him apart from most defenders, as he wants to drive play, have the puck, and create things through transition using his stick and decision-making. Of course, no player is without their flaws. Occasionally, Beauchesne can make a mistake or two with the puck as he transitions up ice. However, the good far outweighs the bad. Quinn Beauchesne is a valuable asset to any team looking for a skilled, offensive-minded defenseman. With his impressive skating ability, strong defensive play, and willingness to take risks, he could be a real game-changer for any team lucky enough to draft him.

#12 Parker Snelgrove – Centre (London Jr. Knights U16 AAA / ALLIANCE)

Height – 6’0”

Weight 170 lbs

47GP – 19G – 43A – 62PTS (Regular Season + Playoffs + OHL Cup)

The London Jr. Knights best player in the OHL Cup was probably hard working centreman, Parker Snelgrove. Snelgrove finished the tournament with 6 points in 5 games after losing to the Jr. Canadiens in the quarter finals. What stands out most about Snelgrove’s game is his compete level. He is absolutely relentless on the attack, whether he has the puck or not. He pressures pucks that appear too far out of reach, but his speed makes opposing player’s panic. He plays at a very high pace with loads of tenacity and energy in his game. Snelgrove’s speed is a difference maker. Just when you think the defender has him beat, he is able to swoop in and gain body position in the blink of an eye. His explosiveness is what makes his game effective. He finishes off every single check and makes sure the opponents know that he is not giving them a second of space.

Snelgrove is the go-getter on his line between Aidan Young & Ryan Roobroeck. He fills this role well, especially playing with two players that are as offensively inclined as they are. He is able to pressure the defense, cause a turnover and let his wingers do the rest. At the same time, Snelgrove’s skill should not be undermined. His shot is average, but his hands allow him to get into tight quarters on the ice. He possesses great puck control on the fly and hands in transition which allow him to generate plenty of chances on the rush. He is a shoo-in to beat a goaltender one on one and he seems to be able to take it to the front of the net very often. Snelgrove translates as a high energy player that can play just about anywhere in the lineup and complement highly-talented players around him.

#20 Rylan Singh – Defense (York-Simcoe Express U16 AAA / ETA)

Height – 5’9”

Weight – 145 lbs

48GP – 16G – 49A – 65PTS (Regular season + Playoffs + OHLCup)

Being the leader from the back end on a successful York-Simcoe team, Rylan Singh has emerged as one of the top puck moving defenders in the draft class. Singh is always prioritizing moving the puck up ice and is able to produce entry after entry for his team. His vision is what makes Singh special. He is able to find passing lanes, long and short, through loads of traffic and still send his teammate into the attacking zone. Not only is he able to find his teammates in tough spots, but he is able to deliver it into high danger spaces of the ice. He is continuously trying to get pucks to the net, and he does so with great awareness and patience. Singh doesn’t force any plays, he is confident enough to remain patient and seek out the right lane. If he does get pressured, Singh is very evasive, and he can use his hands and feet to get himself out of tough situations. It will be fascinating to see how Singh can develop his game as he gets bigger and stronger, as he is sitting at just 5’9” currently. He is a perfect fit to quarterback a power play because of how much he loves to push the play and how he is able to find passing lanes.

Source: McKeen’s Hockey (https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2023-ohl-priority-selection-draft-ranking/)