4 Early Standouts (23/24 Season)

You know what’s fun? Watching players develop. This is what I love about junior hockey, getting to watch watch young talent grow their skill set on the ice but also off the ice. After watching the same player for a couple of years I can’t help but route for them like a proud uncle, despite the fact that I am not related to nor invited to any family gatherings. Maybe a weird comparison, but the point is I want to see these guys grow and be successful because then I can brag about how I watched them play junior to those NHL only fans who act like they know everything about a prospect once they turn pro.

Anyways, with some regular seasons finally being played I thought it was time to highlight a few players that have caught my attention very early on. Staying true to the theme of prospects first, I am only including NHL draft eligible players that played games in the OHL last season. So in no particular order, here are 4 early standouts.

Charlie Paquette (Guelph Storm)

I’m going to start off with a player that way more people need to be talking about. C-Paq, is a late birthday guy, meaning this is actually his third season in the OHL. On a fairly decent Storm team that’s been missing their top scorer in Matthew Poitras, not sure if you’ve heard of this guy who is currently a Boston Bruin, Charlie has taken advantage by becoming one of the hottest secondary scorers thus far. Mostly playing on the second and third lines as well as the second Power Play unit, Paquette has put up 3 goals and 1 assist at even strength, while potting another goal and assist on the man advantage. More importantly, is some of the games he’s produced in, such as against Flint (Guelph’s only two goals including a buzzer beating game winner). Something scouts watch out for is the timing and quality of the points a prospect puts up, particularly in games where the top line isn’t able to produce, you want to see guys like Paquette step up in those important moments which he has been. Expect to see his name more this year, especially by me!

Christopher Thibodeau (Kingston Frontenacs)

A smaller player, Thibodeau has taken advantage of his extra year of experience in the OHL having a late birthday. Already lighting the buzzer 5 times in his 8 games, he has also done so with only 12 shots on net (s% of 41.67%). Three of said goals also came against formidable teams in Oshawa, Ottawa, and London. No doubt some of this success is due to playing on the top line with Ludwinski but he has already shown that he belongs playing alongside such a talented center and against other teams top lines. As much as I expected him to have a standout year, he has started off hotter than I anticipated to my delight.

Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)

There are a few names to talk about when it comes to the Steelheads, but there is no doubt that Leenders has met and surpassed expectations in his first 6 games. Securing 6 wins in your first 6 starts is a pretty solid stat on its own but when you factor in two shutouts, a GAA of 1.67, and a save% of 0.952 its just unfair to other teams. Expected to be one of the best netminders this season, Leenders is playing like the best. Beyond the stat sheet he is equally as impressive. His puck tracking is impressive, rebound control solid, and who doesn’t love a goalie who consistently makes the big saves to keep you in the game. In a league that has struggled to produce top level goalies of late, Leenders is taking over the OHL and making this Mississauga team terrifying to play against. If he keeps playing with the consistency he has to start the year, he will likely be battling for the top ranked goalie going into the 2024 NHL draft.

Luke Misa (Mississauga Steelheads)

Another Steelhead I have to talk about, Luke has made a name for himself already in this league despite the spotlight his brother has being an exceptional status player. At this point in the season, Luke is a top scorer in this league with 14 points and 6 goals, 2 of which were on the power play. With incredible mobility, very skilled hands, and top level IQ he will continue to be a top player in this league for the next couple of years. There is no question that it is a player like Luke that makes the Steelheads such an exciting team right now, adding a healthy dose of offense mixed in with the spectacular goaltending. I expect him to be sniffing the 50 goal mark next season after being drafted into the NHL.