Top OHL Draft Steals From 2019 - 2023

(2023 OHL DRAFT)

Although it is too early to tell for sure who will be the steal of the 2023 draft class, the early favourite has to be Tanner Lam (Kitchener / 2nd round / pick 41). Lam finished 5th in U17 scoring in the OHL. He worked his way up the lineup. Was able to showcase his skill and offensive upside. Put up great numbers in his rookie campaign (GP 61 / G 13 / A 18 / P31). The 2023 OHL draft class is looking like a good one for Kitchener. Fellow 2007 born players Cameron Reid (D), Luca Romano (F) and Matheas Stark (F) all had solid seasons. Next season look for prospects Cameron Arquette (F), Andrew Macniel (D) and possibly Owen Edwards (G) to join the roster and make an impact.

(2022 OHL DRAFT)

Liam Greentree (Windsor / 2nd round / pick 34) is an easy answer for the steal of the 2022 class. He is looking like a lock to be an NHL 1st round selection this June. He was named captain of the Spitfire in just his second season in the OHL. He finished 3rd in U17 scoring last season. Greentree continued his success by putting up 90 points in 64 games this season. It may have been a down year for Windsor as they failed to make the playoffs but Greentree was able to take home gold medals for Canada at the Hlinka-Gretzky U18 and the WJC-U18 tournament. 

(2021 OHL DRAFT)

Unsurprisingly the 2021 class had many great players fall in the draft due to the minor hockey season being canceled in Ontario. Looking back now the winner of this draft has to be the London Knights. They were able to draft Easton Cowan and Oliver Bonk with back to back picks in the 2nd round. Both players were massive pieces to Londons 2024 OHL Champion and Memorial Cup finalist team. Other OHL players that should have been drafted a lot higher in 2021 include Anthony Romani Round 3 Pick 41, Easton Wainwright Round 9 Pick 175, Luca Marrelli Round 5 Pick 81, Finn Harding Round 8 Pick 151.

(2020 OHL DRAFT)

Owen Beck (Mississauga / 2nd round / pick 29) is my choice for the top steal of the 2020 draft. Beck has had a fantastic OHL career with many accolades and accomplishments. He is a proven winner as well, capturing both an OHL championship with the Peterborough Petes and World Junior championship for Canada in 2023. His career was capped off this season with his 2nd Memorial Cup appearance and first Memorial Cup win. He scored 2 massive goals in the game and was named MVP of the championship game. I have to also give an honorable mention to Beck’s teammate on the 2023 OHL champion Pete's team, Konnor Smith ( Peterborough / 9th round / pick 175). Smith is the perfect example of a prospect that was a bit of a late bloomer. He worked hard and improved his mobility while growing into his massive frame. He may have been a 9th round pick in the OHL draft but just 3 year later was a 4th round NHL pick to Anaheim.

(2019 OHL DRAFT)

Michael Simpson (Peterborough / 10th round / pick 193) has to be the steal of the 2019 draft when you consider his winning pedigree and accomplishments. Simpson will finish his OHL career with 78 regular season wins and 31 playoff wins. He won an OHL championship with Peterborough in 2023 and was named playoff MVP. He continued his success into the 2024 season by winning the OHL championship with London and finishing the season with a league best 2.61 goals against average. The 2 time OHL champion ended his fantastic career by falling just short against host Saginaw in the Memorial Cup Championship this season.