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 rankings.

“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,” Reid said. “Still more room to grow and stuff like that, but it’s definitely an honour.”

Belchetz, the first overall pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, is tied for second in the league with 25 goals. Malhotra leads all rookies in scoring with 53 points. Reid has 38 points in 34 games and represented the United States at the World Junior Championship.

“I want to show that there’s still room for me to keep rising, and I’m going to get better as the year goes on,” Malhotra said. “This is kind of like another stepping stone for me to show another level to my game.”

“That’s the goal. You always dream about getting drafted as high as possible. It’s such a cool event. I’ve been watching the draft for years, watching Welcome to the NHL on YouTube and stuff like that,” Belchetz said. “So I’ve always kind of been looking forward to it, and I’m super excited to spend that time with my family.”

Natalie Shaver / OHL Images

Among other notable prospects, Owen Sound Attack alternate captain Pierce Mbuyi leads the OHL with 13 power-play tallies, while Saginaw Spirit right winger Nikita Klepov has 23 goals. Both have already reached the 50-point mark this season.

“I just want to go out there and play my game,” Mbuyi said. “Show the scouts what I can do, and not worry about the lists or anything like that.”

Ryder Fetterolf comes into the event with an 18-4-1-1 record for the Ottawa 67’s, along with a 1.98 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage, ranking second in the OHL in both categories. Guelph Storm goaltender Zachary Jovanovski is the highest-rated OHL netminder on NHL Central Scouting’s midseason rankings.

Peterborough Petes star Adam Novotny will lead Team East, while Sarnia Sting forward Alessandro Di Iorio captains Team West.

Next year’s Top Prospect Game will take place in Owen Sound at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.