NHL Draft talent on display in OHL Championship Series

By Breanna McNeill May 10, 2025

The OHL Championship Series between the London Knights and the Oshawa Generals is not only a battle for a spot in the Memorial Cup in Rimouski, Quebec—it’s also a stage for top NHL Draft-eligible talent to shine with several players from both teams making strong cases for themselves ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft in June.

Owen Griffin – Forward, Oshawa Generals

NHL Central Scouting Rank: No. 70 (North American Skaters)

Owen Griffin has been one of the Generals’ most dynamic playoff performers, posting 26 points (15G, 11A) in just 17 games. The 18-year-old forward has taken a significant step forward in his second OHL season, building off a strong regular season in which he registered 51 points in 62 games. His relentless work ethic amplifies his well-rounded offensive game.

Despite the pressure of knowing NHL scouts are watching, Griffin has remained grounded:

“I’m not too worried about that and trying not to think about it too much. I’m just going to go out there and play my game and do what I usually do.”

Simon Wang – Defence, Oshawa Generals

NHL Central Scouting Rank: No. 34 (North American Skaters)

Simon Wang’s emergence midway through the season—after being signed from the OJHL’s King Rebellion—has bolstered the Generals’ defensive core. Logging key minutes in tough matchups, the mobile blueliner has earned praise for his steady progression and fearless play, particularly his willingness to block shots and sacrifice his body in high-pressure situations.

“He’s been a big piece of the back end, and obviously coming on late, the progression that he’s made certainly says a lot about his jump going into two tough matchups on the road,” said the Generals’ interim head coach, Brad Malone ahead of the series.

Noah Read – Forward, London Knights

NHL Central Scouting Rank: No. 157 (North American Skaters)

Noah Read has become one of London’s breakout stories after being a 10th-round pick in the 2023 OHL Draft and playing Junior B last season with the St. Catharines Falcons. With 26 points in 45 regular-season games and four goals so far in the playoffs, he’s shown he can rise to the occasion.

Knights head coach Dale Hunter highlighted Read’s reliability and adaptability:
“He’s been good. We had some injuries and suspensions, and he stepped in all year for us. He moved up lines and can play both ends.”

Henry Brzustewicz – Defence, London Knights

NHL Central Scouting Rank: No. 19 (North American Skaters)

A cornerstone of the Knights’ blueline, Henry Brzustewicz has proven why he’s considered one of the top defensive prospects in the class. Transitioning full-time back to the blue line this season, the 6-foot-1 defender put up 42 points in 67 regular-season games and has anchored London’s back end through the postseason.

“I trusted the process of what they put in place for me,” said Brzustewicz. “I kind of just worked at it all year and throughout the summer. I came into the season with a good mindset, and I kind of just took off with it.”

Focused on team success over draft projections, he added:
“If I just play to win and we get the wins, it’ll help out everyone. My main focus right now is doing that for the team and moving on.”

Aleksei Medvedev – Goaltender, London Knights

NHL Central Scouting Rank: No. 6 (North American Goaltenders)

A steady presence between the pipes during the regular season, Aleksei Medvedev was one-half of the goaltending tandem that earned the Dave Pinkney Trophy, awarded to the goaltenders of the team with the lowest goals-against average. He was also the sole recipient of the F.W. ‘Dinty’ Moore Trophy, given to the rookie with the lowest goals-against average.

Medvedev provided strong support as the Knights’ backup in the regular season, posting a 2.79 GAA and a .912 save percentage with a 22-8 record over 34 games. His ability to read the play, quick lateral movement, and calm presence in the crease make him one of the top-ranked netminders heading into the draft.

With five players ranked inside NHL Central Scouting’s top 160 North American prospects, the OHL Final is packed with future NHL talent. As the series unfolds, these young stars have one more stage to leave a lasting impression, with an OHL championship on the line.