With the 2020 OHL Draft set to begin at 9:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 4th, we’ve put together a Mock Draft to get your blood flowing! Below, we’ve projected which prospects will be drafted by which OHL franchises across the opening two rounds of the event. In addition, we’ve included in-depth profiles of all 40 players we anticipate to be selected — an approach which we hope will allow you to learn a great deal about these talented young prospects while justifying our selections in the process!
In short, assembling this Mock Draft was an incredibly difficult task, as we took team needs and prospect playing style into consideration when making our 40 selections — amongst other factors. With this being said, some selections will surprise you while others could very well be bang on — in any case, dive into our Mock Draft below and be sure to share your thoughts on social media!
Also, be sure to check out our final rankings of the 2019-20 season!
With all things considered, the 2020 OHL Draft could prove to be an incredibly unpredictable one!
The First Round
1st Overall: North Bay Battalion
Selection: Ty Nelson (D)
2019-20 Team: Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL)
With Adam Fantilli’s future in the OHL anything but certain, the North Bay Battalion take the next best player available — and an elite defenceman — in Ty Nelson of the GTHL’s Toronto Jr. Canadiens. Boasting solid size and tremendous skating abilities, Nelson plays an electrifying two-game and can be counted upon to play a lethal three-zone game regardless of the score or on-ice circumstance. After nabbing three high-end forwards in the 2019 OHL Draft, the selection of Nelson is a terrific one which will stabilize North Bay’s blue line for years to come.
2nd Overall: Niagara IceDogs
Selection: Pano Fimis (C)
2019-20 Team: Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL)
After landing two minute-munching defencemen of the future in the 2019 OHL Draft in Isaac Enright and Landon Cato, the Niagara IceDogs address their need for an elite offensive centre-man by nabbing Pano Fimis of the GTHL’s Toronto Jr. Canadiens. A tough and rugged player who refuses to take a shift off, Fimis is a handful for opposing defenders to contend with who scores and creates plays at an alarming rate. In short, Niagara picks up a first line centre and, potentially, a future team captain.
3rd Overall: Sarnia Sting
Selection: Paul Ludwinski (C)
2019-20 Team: Toronto Marlboros (GTHL)
Paul Ludwinski of the GTHL’s Toronto Marlboros does everything well — the reason why the Sarnia Sting jump at the opportunity to draft the youngster with the third-overall pick in the 2020 OHL Draft. Well-known for his terrific work-ethic, Ludwinski is a sensational blend of speed, skill, and on-ice intelligence. Whether he find himself on the penalty kill or powerplay, Ludwinski is a remarkably effective player who consistently ensures positive results for his team. With no holes in his game, Ludwinski has all the makings of an elite player at the OHL-level and beyond.
4th Overall: Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Selection: David Goyette (C)
2019-20 Team: South Kent Selects Hockey Academy
Flying under the radar for the South Kent Selects this season, David Goyette totalled 153 points in his 63 games played — for those of you keeping track at home, that was only six points less than Rutger McGroarty recorded in 2019-20. In addition to being one of the smoothest skating players eligible for the 2020 OHL Draft, Goyette is a versatile offensive player who features the ability to bulge the twine as well as create deadly offensive plays.
5th Overall: Kingston Frontenacs
Selection: Donovan McCoy (D)
2019-20 Team: Quinte Red Devils (ETA)
With a slew of highly touted forwards in tow, the Kingston Frontenacs seize the need to add a dynamic, two-way defender to the fold. Without hesitation they nab Donovan McCoy of the Quinte Red Devils — arguably the second-best defenceman eligible for the 2020 OHL Draft who oozes poise and confidence. A stable and purposeful skater, McCoy can walk his opposing team’s blue line with ease and run a powerplay without issue. Moreover, he’s poised within his own zone and isn’t pressured into committing errors or turnovers — in all, an incredibly well-rounded blue-liner ready for the OHL-level.
6th Overall: Hamilton Bulldogs
Selection: Isaiah George (D)
2019-20 Team: Toronto Marlboros (GTHL)
Although Isaiah George is similar to McCoy in some ways, he is also different — the common denominator being that both boast the potential to become top-pairing defenders at the OHL-level and beyond. In selecting George, the Bulldogs nab a smooth-skating defender who is calm and capable in all three zones. Capable of killing penalties, fuelling his team’s transition game and quarter-backing a powerplay, George has the skill set necessary for a defender to enjoy a smooth transition to the major-junior level.
7th Overall: Mississauga Steelheads
Selection: Zakary Lavoie (C)
2019-20 Team: Toronto Nationals (GTHL)
After selecting a potential shutdown defender in Ethan Del Mastro in the 2019 OHL Draft, the Steelheads come to the table looking for speed and skill — getting their man in Zakary Lavoie of the GTHL’s Toronto Nationals. In need of an elite scoring threat, the Steelheads’ addition of Lavoie adds immediate skill and explosiveness to a roster which has, at times, struggled to bulge the twine. Although somewhat undersized, Lavoie’s lower body strength and powerful stride will allow him to find instant success in the OHL.
8th Overall: Erie Otters
Selection: Dalyn Wakely(C)
2019-20 Team: Quinte Red Devils (ETA)
With no glaring needs within their roster, the Erie Otters step up and take the next best player available — Quinte Red Devils star forward Dalyn Wakely. In Wakely, the Otters add a prospect who is a complete package — uncontainable speed, skill, size. In his 36 regular season contests for the Red Devils this past season, Wakely wired home 30 goals and 72 points, a total which led the ETA and solidified Wakely’s status as a can’t miss offensive player. Moreover, Wakely regularly put his unwavering work ethic on display — consistently out-working opposing players for loose pucks while recording 62 penalty minutes in the process owing to his feisty nature.
9th Overall: Barrie Colts
Selection: Kocha Delic (C)
2019-20 Team: Toronto Titans (GTHL)
Having nabbed Brandt Clarke in the 2019 OHL Draft, the Barrie Colts shift their focus to their forward group. With Kocha Delic still available, they refuse to pass up on an elite offensive talent — and one who also happens to be one of the hardest-working players eligible for selection. Well-known for his speed and innate offensive abilities, the addition of Delic gives the Colts an extra punch up front and helps to supplement Barrie’s impending loss of Aidan Brown and Josh Nelson — two of the team’s more potent offensive players.
10th Overall: Owen Sound Attack
Selection: Bryce McConnell-Barker (C)
2019-20 Team: London Jr. Knights (Alliance)
If the Owen Sound Attack hope to continue their impressive playoff streak, they’ll need to add skill and compete whenever and wherever they can. Fortunately for the Attack, the reigning Alliance Player of the Year remains un-drafted as they’re put onto the clock, making the team’s first round draft choice a simple decision to make. With solid size and terrific natural instincts, McConnell-Barker’s tireless work ethic and unwavering level of compete combine to make him a coaches dream. Moreover, he’ll compliment the Attack’s existing young core of forwards extremely well.
11th Overall: Sudbury Wolves
Selection: Sam Alfano (RW)
2019-20 Team: Southern Tier Admirals (SCTA)
The Sudbury Wolves could see their entire blue line return for the 2020-21 season – a luxury which allows the squad to nab Sam Alfano with their first round pick. Recently named as the SCTA’s player of the Year, Alfano boasts great size and strength. However, unlike many power forwards, Alfano matches his size with terrific speed and skating abilities – a unique combination which allows him to score and produce offence in bunches. Downright unstoppable once he gets moving, Alfano is a prospect who will be able to jump into the OHL next season without issue.
12th Overall: Guelph Storm
Selection: Hunter Haight (C)
2019-20 Team: Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs (Alliance)
The Guelph Storm aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, as the perennial powerhouse appears destined for yet another deep postseason run in the very near future. Boasting a young yet experienced blue line, the Storm’s depth on the back-end allows them to add a bright young piece to their offensive attack in the form of Hunter Haight. A lightning-quick and explosive skater, Haight is a raw offensive machine who can score goals with ease as well as set them up. A tireless worker to boot, Haight features the high-end skill necessary to develop into an elite player at the OHL-level.
13th Overall: Oshawa Generals
Selection: Carson Christy (C)
2019-20 Team: Oshawa Minor Generals (ETA)
When the time comes for the Oshawa Generals to announce their first-round selection in the 2020 OHL Draft, they opt for home-grown talent. Carson Christy, a long-time star for the Oshawa Minor Generals, is available, and is quickly nabbed by the historic major-junior franchise. In Christy, the Generals add one of the Draft’s top goal-scorers – the youngster bulged the twine a whopping 50 times in his 45 combined games played in the ETA this past season. And, although well-known for his strong and deceptive shot, Christy also happens to be a terrific playmaker whose compete level and on-ice intelligence are second to none.
14th Overall: Windsor Spitfires
Selection: Spencer Sova (D)
2019-20 Team: Honeybaked U15 (HPHL)
Spencer Sova was one of the top defencemen on an excellent Honeybaked U15 team this past season and, following a recent move north of the border, it appears as though the youngster is likely to skate in the OHL this coming season. Coincidentally a native of Windsor, the Spitfires are quick to scoop up this homegrown talent who oozes offensive ability and defensive responsibility. Boasting a powerful shot and innate instincts, Sova is a complete package who should round into a superb OHL defender – something the Spitfires will soon need given their aging blue line.
15th Overall: Peterborough Petes
Selection: Matthew Jovanovic (D)
2019-20 Team: Toronto Marlboros (GTHL)
Given Peterborough’s wealth of 2000-born players – and their ability to ice a mere three this coming season — the Petes jump at the opportunity to select Matthew Jovanovic in the 2020 OHL Draft, a young defender who processes the game at an elite-level. Moreover, Jovanovic is a tremendous skater who isn’t forced into turnovers when pressure is applied – an intangible quality which allows him to stand as a stabilizing presence on both the power play and penalty kill. In short, a highly intelligent player ready for the major-junior level who should enjoy a relatively seamless transition.
16th Overall: Flint Firebirds
Selection: Cedric Guindon (C)
2019-20 Team: Rockland Nationals (HEO)
The ability to play for his hometown team isn’t in the cards for Cedric Guindon, as the native of Rockland, Ontario, proves to be simply too stellar to pass up for the surging Flint Firebirds. After a tumultuous entry into the OHL, the Firebirds are a team on the rise and – despite their impending departures – will once again stand as a top team in the league in 2020-21. Adding Guindon to their roster will prove to be an excellent decision for Flint, as his blazing speed and creativity will pair well with the team’s top 2003-born players in Brennan Othmann and Braeden Kressler.
17th Overall: Kitchener Rangers
Selection: Matthew Poitras (C)
2019-20 Team: Whitby Wildcats (ETA)
The Kitchener Rangers landed a stud in the first round of the 2019 OHL Draft, selecting workhorse Francesco Pinelli from the GTHL’s Toronto Red Wings. In keeping with this mindset, the Rangers pluck from the ETA in 2020 – drafting Matthew Poitras with their opening selection. Much like Pinelli, Poitras is a tireless skater and worker who will battle endless for pucks and win the majority of said battles in the process. As an excellent playmaker and intelligent youngster, Poitras should prove to be a perfect fit within an already versatile Rangers lineup.
18th Overall: Saginaw Spirit
Selection: Chase Pietila (D)
2019-20 Team: Honeybaked U15 (HPHL)
The Saginaw Spirit certainly have an edge when it comes to US-eligible prospects, and they take advantage of that with their first round pick, nabbing Chase Pietila from Detroit Honeybaked. What many thought was a snub from the US NTDP’s U17 team, Pietila is a high-end, physical defender with a substantial offensive ceiling as well. With a strong frame, Pietila is able to easily knock opponents off the puck or disrupt their cycle with a strong rub out. On the other side of the puck, he has a fluid stride and a powerful point-shot, making himself a hot commodity on the powerplay.
19th Overall: London Knights
Selection: Andrew LeBlanc (C)
2019-20 Team: Southern Tier Admirals (SCTA)
The Knights have found success drafting the SCTA’s leading scorer before, with Luke Evangelista, and go down the same route here with Andrew LeBlanc. Although slightly undersized for a centre, LeBlanc makes up for it with superb speed and skill, reading the ice one step ahead of his opponents and being able to draw defenders’ attention before dishing off to a teammate. With excellent vision and creativity, LeBlanc is a natural playmaker, but can definitely light the lamp himself too.
20th Overall: Ottawa 67’s
Selection: Nicholas Moldenhauer (RW)
2019-20 Team: Toronto Titans (GTHL)
The Ottawa 67’s have drafted extremely well despite also being one of the OHL’s premier teams over recent years, leaving them without any large holes in their prospect pool. As such, they opt for a pure goal-scorer in Nicolas Moldenhauer, a winger who sees the ice very well and always finds himself in the right place at the right time. With quick and creative hands, Moldenhauer frequently draws in defenders and opens up space for teammates. He isn’t shy to chip in as a playmaker with solid vision as well.
The Second Round
21st Overall: Hamilton Bulldogs
Selection: Gavin Hayes (RW)
2019-20 Team: Compuware U15 (HPHL)
A match made in heaven, the Bulldogs jump at the opportunity to pair up Avery Hayes with his highly touted brother, Gavin. Suiting up for Compuware this year, Gavin was consistently one of the greatest offensive threats in the HPHL, with a rare blend of speed, skill, and size. At 6’1″, 161-pounds, Hayes is an OHL-ready option for the Bulldogs who was arguably a snub from the US NTDP U17 team.
22nd Overall: London Knights
Selection: Adam Fantilli (C)
2019-20 Team: Kimball Union Academy
The largest question mark within this year’s draft is where the #1 ranked prospect, Adam Fantilli, will fall. After leaving the Toronto Jr. Canadiens after just three GTHL games, Fantilli reunited with his brother, Luca, at Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire. After months of speculation, both Adam and Luca recently announced their commitments to the USHL’s Chicago Steel for the 2020-21 season. Which leads the question; Who will take the chance of Fantilli joining their club for the 2021-22 season? The Knights have a history of prying top talent away from other teams, and with two 2nd-round picks in the draft, they have the assets to take a leap of faith.
23rd Overall: Peterborough Petes
Selection: Alec Leonard (D)
2019-20 Team: Mississauga Reps (GTHL)
After loading up on high-end forwards in the 2019 OHL Draft, the Petes opt to go with another defenceman who can dictate the game at both ends of the ice in Alec Leonard. Leonard is an old-fashioned defender who isn’t afraid to lay booming checks along the wall or to jump up in the rush as a puck carrier or a fourth forward. The Petes only have one defenceman returning from their 2019-20 season who was born in 2001 or later, and Leonard will fill a massive hole on their back-end.
24th Overall: Guelph Storm
Selection: Jackson Edward (D)
2019-20 Team: York Simcoe Express (ETA)
After selecting a forward in each of the first three rounds in the 2019 OHL Draft, and again with Hunter Haight this year, the Storm opt to take a defenceman with big-time upside in Jackson Edward. Standing at 6’2″, 194-pounds, Edward will jump straight into the OHL and be able to hold his own in the defensive zone. However, he also shows tremendous offensive promise as well, displaying excellent mobility and decision-making with the puck, as well as a strong point shot.
25th Overall: London Knights
Selection: Max Namestnikov (LW)
2019-20 Team: Honeybaked U15 (HPHL)
With three picks in the top-25, the Knights have the luxury of making high-risk high-reward picks. After taking a flyer on Adam Fantilli, the Knights make another gamble, this time on Max Namestnikov. The brother of former Knight and current NHLer, Vladislav, Max was a driving force for the dominant Honeybaked squad this year. Although he’s on the smaller side of the scale, Max makes up for it in speed and skill, accumulating a total of 53 goals and 75 assists in just 59 games this season. Despite a commitment to Michigan State, the Knights have the leverage to make this happen.
26th Overall: Ottawa 67s
Selection: Jonathan Melee (LW)
2019-20 Team: Rockland Nationals (HEO)
The 67’s are in an excellent position for both the present and future, giving them the luxury to draft without positional bias. After starting the year off strong with the GTHL’s Toronto Titans, Jonathan Melee moved back to Ottawa to suit up for the HEO’s Rockland Nationals, where he posted impressive offensive totals. Melee has excellent size and showcases impressive strength to protect the puck, but his best quality is actually his shot, which is quick off the stick and extremely accurate. Playing in his hometown could give Melee the comfort to find his true potential.
27th Overall: Niagara IceDogs
Selection: Ryan McGuire (C)
2019-20 Team: Burlington Eagles (SCTA)
The IceDogs didn’t select a forward in last year’s draft until the seventh round, which motivates them to add Ryan McGuire on top of their previous selection of Fimis. McGuire quietly scored nearly a goal-per-game this year for the SCTA’s Burlington Eagles – 35 goals in 37 games – and proved to be a consistent force at both ends of the ice. However, he also shows an intriguing physical side to his game and led the SCTA in penalty minutes this year.
28th Overall: Sudbury Wolves
Selection: Tnias Mathurin (D)
2019-20 Team: Ajax Pickering Raiders (ETA)
Looking for a reliable defender to add to their lineup, the Wolves select Tnias Mathurin, a 6’2″, 185-pound prospect who has shown flashes of offensive upside. A hard-nosed and strong player, Mathurin excels as a shutdown defenceman, showing good aggression to break up plays, knock opponents off the puck, and put his body in shooting lanes. He is a promising transition player as well, showing excellent competency in breaking out the puck and joining the offence from the blue line.
29th Overall: Mississauga Steelheads
Selection: Thomas Sirman (D)
2019-20 Team: Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL)
The Steelheads boast a fairly balanced lineup heading into next season, and after adding another gaol-scorer in the first round, the Trout opt to add to the blueline now in Thomas Sirman. A highly-skilled two-way defender, Sirman is an above-average skater who reads the ice very well and isn’t afraid to join the rush. On the back end, he uses his lower-body strength and a smart stick to easily break up the opposition’s cycle.
30th Overall: North Bay Battalion
Selection: Connor Toms (D)
2019-20 Team: Soo Greyhounds (GNML)
A team on the rebuild, the Battalion opt to go local by selecting another Northern prospect in Connor Toms, the NOHA’s Player of the Year. Toms is an intelligent puck-moving defender who is very mobile around the ice and displays a strong shot from the point which he can effectively get through traffic. A fluid skater, Toms uses his sense to regularly break up passes and deflect pucks away from danger areas.
31st Overall: Saginaw Spirit
Selection: Aaron Brown (D)
2019-20 Team: Quinte Red Devils (ETA)
The Spirit are loaded on talent up front, and after replacing Connor Punnett’s hole with Chase Pietila in the first round, they add another top-flight defender in Aaron Brown. A prospect who has no holes to his game, Brown can truly be relied upon in any situation. A fluid skater who’s game is honed around the breakout, Brown will have an immense influence on the Spirit’s transition game. Brown battles hard every shift and is rarely beat to pucks, and he can get pucks through screens as well as anyone.
32nd Overall: Guelph Storm
Selection: George Fegaras (D)
2019-20 Team: Richmond Hill Coyotes (ETA)
With their third pick of the 2020 OHL Draft, the Storm add George Fegaras to an already impressive haul that includes Haight and Edward. Another defender with good size standing at 6’1″, 190-pounds, Fegaras is a very strong skater who can knock opponents off the puck or use his stick to interrupt passes. Offensively, Fegaras shows a high ceiling as well, as he’s able to skate the puck through all three zones and control the play from the point with smart passes or a shot through traffic.
33rd Overall: Niagara IceDogs
Selection: Cooper Matthews (RW)
2019-20 Team: Quinte Red Devils (ETA)
The IceDogs continue to re-stock their cupboards up front, adding yet another natural goal scorer to their lineup in Cooper Matthews. A member of the OMHA champion, Quinte Red Devils, Matthews overcame a slow start to finish fourth in the ETA in both goals (27) and points (56). A winger who thinks the game at extremely high speeds, Matthews has speed to kill and can have serious impacts on the game as both a goal scorer and a playmaker. With a tremendous complete-level, Matthews will be a fan favourite.
34th Overall: Sarnia Sting
Selection: Brice Cooke (RW)
2019-20 Team: Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL)
Although he occasionally flew under the radar on a very strong Jr. Canadiens team, make no mistake, Brice Cooke projects to have a long, successful career at the OHL level. With great physicality and impressive agility with the puck, Cooke is an offensive threat each time he takes the ice, using his sense to find gaps behind defenders and utilizing a very strong and accurate shot to beat goaltenders clean or off one-time passes.
35th Overall: Peterborough Petes
Selection: Justin Dezoete (LW)
2019-20 Team: Hamilton Huskies (Alliance)
With their third pick of the 2020 OHL Draft, the Petes continue to stock an already stacked prospect pool, this time with Justin Dezoete. A true work horse and leader for the Hamilton Huskies, Dezoete was relied upon in all situations and quickly established a reputation as a legitimate goal scorer in the second half of the season. Dezoete couples an unparalleled work ethic with impressive speed and skill to create offensive opportunities each time he takes the ice, and boasts some solid strength to boot.
36th Overall: Windsor Spitfires
Selection: Aidan Castle (RW)
2019-20 Team: Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL)
The Spitfires opt to load up on more speed with the selection of Aidan Castle, a tremendous skater with an admirable work ethic. Castle has shown flashes of incredible potential and is a pick with a high ceiling, displaying a solid skill set and good lower-body strength to create offensive opportunities both on the rush and along the cycle. Castle has a quick and accurate release, but can double as an intelligent playmaker as well.
37th Overall: Owen Sound Attack
Selection: Noah Van Vliet (D)
2019-20 Team: Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL)
Perhaps one of the safer selections in this year’s draft is that of Noah Van Vliet. A strong, defensive defenceman, Van Vliet displays impressive power and strength in all aspects of his game, from his skating to his physicality. Standing at 6’1″, 190-pounds, Van Vliet will be able to jump straight into the OHL and hold his own against older competition. With tremendous instincts and a powerful stride, he is brutal to go up against and will use either his body or his stick to erase developing plays.
38th Overall: Mississauga Steelheads
Selection: Brady Stonehouse (LW)
2019-20 Team: Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs (Alliance)
With their third pick of the draft, the Steelheads add Brady Stonehouse, a tireless skater with lightning-quick speed and high-end skill. Stonehouse consistently improved over the course of this season, becoming a reliable goal-scorer on top of his natural playmaking abilities. He goes hard into corners and battles for loose pucks with success, and even displayed his ability to face older competition during a three-game stint in the GOJHL (Jr. B).
39th Overall: Windsor Spitfires
Selection: Zion Green (RW)
2019-20 Team: Compuware U15 (HPHL)
The Spitfires go for a high-risk, high-reward pick with their third selection of the draft by picking Michigan-born, Zion Green. Green played for an unheard of three teams in his U16 season; starting with the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies, then Little Caesars, and finally Detroit Compuware. He’s shown flashes of incredible potential, but needs to find a more consistent effort-level in his game to tie it all together. Green displays tremendous puck skills, is an effortless skater, and has a very quick and powerful release.
40th Overall: Erie Otters
Selection: Liam Eveleigh (D)
2019-20 Team: Waterloo Wolves (Alliance)
With the final pick of the second round, the Otters add Liam Eveleigh, a defenceman who quite literally does everything well. His greatest asset is his intelligence and understanding of the game, as Eveleigh is able to out-think his opponents at both ends of the ice. A sound defender with great edges, Eveleigh consistently keeps his body positioned between the puck and his net. He can contribute offensively as well, either through sound breakouts or by joining the rush as a fourth forward.
Prospect Pipeline 