nhl draft | Armchair GMs Network

Vaughan part of bright future in North Bay

Natalie Shaver /OHL Images Since relocating to North Bay in 2013, the Battalion have built a consistent winning culture. They've missed the playoffs just once, reached the Eastern Conference finals five times, and are expected to make the postseason again this year. North Bay is currently sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 26-22-2-1 record. That success shows no signs of slowing down and looks set to continue, with five players listed on NHL Central Scouting’s midseason r

Joel Vanderlaan

Feb 122 min read

Layne Gallacher excited for the future

Guelph Storm As the Guelph Storm prepare to host next year’s Memorial Cup, rookie forward Layne Gallacher has become an important part of those plans. The 17-year-old was acquired in a trade that sent Philadelphia Flyers first-round pick Jett Luchanko to the Brantford Bulldogs. Since joining the Storm, Gallacher has six points in 12 games. He had five goals and seven assists in 21 contests with Brantford. Last season, Gallacher led the U18 Ajax/Pickering Raiders with 46 point

Joel Vanderlaan

Feb 92 min read

Troy Mann focuses on structure and standards with Kingston Frontenacs

Robert Lefebvre/OHL Images For Kingston Frontenacs head coach Troy Mann, this season has been about continuing to set standards, trusting his team’s structure, and finding ways to stay competitive even when the offence hasn’t come easily. “We’ve really built this team from the back end out,” Mann said. “Offensively, it’s been a struggle at times, and I think that’s why we’ve had some losing streaks. We went through a nine-game stretch where we only scored 16 goals, and it’s t

Joel Vanderlaan

Jan 203 min read

Reid emerging as top defenceman eligible for NHL Draft

Terry Wilson / OHL Images Soo Greyhounds defenceman Chase Reid continues to put himself in the conversation to be the first blueliner selected in this year’s NHL Entry Draft. The 18-year-old was rated fourth overall among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings, a recognition he credits to his teammates and coaches. “I couldn’t have done it without my teammates and coaches over in the Soo, but it’s always a pleasure to get ranked that high. Still mor

Joel Vanderlaan

Jan 182 min read

After historic rookie year, Mbuyi embracing larger role with Attack

Natalie Shaver/OHL Images Pierce Mbuyi arrived in Owen Sound with high expectations, and the 17-year-old winger has continued to deliver for the Attack after a record-setting rookie campaign. Taken seventh overall in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, Mbuyi made an immediate impact in his first season, earning the Emms Family Award as the OHL’s Rookie of the Year. This season, he's continued to establish himself as one of the league’s top young forwards. Mbuyi leads Owen Sound

Joel Vanderlaan

Jan 172 min read

NHL draft eligibles take centre stage in Peterborough

Brandon Taylor / OHL Images Now in its second year, the Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game has already become one of the premier scouting events for NHL executives. Several top draft-eligible players headline this year’s showcase at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, including Soo Greyhounds defenceman Chase Reid, Windsor Spitfires forward Ethan Belchetz, and Brantford Bulldogs centre Caleb Malhotra. All three were ranked in the top 10 on NHL Central Scouting’s midseason ra

Joel Vanderlaan

Jan 142 min read