These rankings take into account the pending exceptional status of Sean Day, the Ontario-born defenseman currently playing in Detroit with Compuware. Day’s raw physical tools are unmatched in this draft and his exceptional skating and acceleration could see him play in the OHL today without issue. Day is a rover on the ice who can skate the puck through defenders on an inkling and really change the complexion of a game with an end-to-end rush. He’s a solid defender but the mental side of his game does leave some room to desire as his decision making can be questionable at times. Also prone to take shifts off, which is something he will not be able to do at the OHL level.

In the eyes of many, Werenski was not all that far off from Connor McDavid last year in Minor Midget circles. Playing up with the Belle Tire 96′s, Werenski was often the star of the show much like Day is now. This year Werenski is playing in the U18 circuit with his older brother where he has once again had an impressive season. The big defenseman has good feet and a strong compete level. His offensive tools are above average and his presence in all 3-zones makes him a franchise calibre player at the OHL level. Expect Werenski to be selective with the teams he’ll report too, with the border cities close to his home in Detroit being preferred destinations

Konecny is the top forward in the draft and has done nothing short of live up to the lofty expectations many had placed on him heading into the 2012-13 season. Standing only around 5-foot-9, 150 lbs, Konecny’s motor and compete level are astounding given his lack of size. Despite being arguably the most skilled player in the draft, he’s also one of the grittiest and has no fear of finishing checks and engaging in puck battles against bigger players. Konecny should play a Top 6 role in the OHL next year and develop into a top scorer at the OHL level.

Spencer serves as the captain of the vaunted Oakville Rangers squad and has seen strong development over the past season. Already possessing pro size at 6-foot-2, 190 lbs, Spencer will have no issues adjusting to the OHL from a physical standpoint. His game is a little rough around the edges, but the potential ceiling is extremely high for this player. He’s got great feet and exceptional skating ability for a defenseman, allowing him to be a catalyst offensively as well as a difficult player to beat in his home end. Spencer’s game has drawn some parallels to last year’s #2 pick Roland McKeown, and the comparison is likely apt in a number of ways.

Average feet, and quietly effective may not scream “Top 5 Pick” to you, but make no mistake, Dylan Strome is exactly that. Strome’s game is predicated on his ability to slow the game down and use his elite vision to make plays that other players in this draft are incapable of making. His passing ability and vision are at the top of the crop and allow him to find the scoresheet nearly every game even if he comes away with a neutral reaction beyond that. Think of Strome as being like a poor-man’s John Tavares when he once donned the Marlboros’ sweater in Minor Midget, which is still pretty darn good.

Kirwin won’t be eligible for the NHL Entry Draft until 2016 but this forward is already garnering considerable attention. At 6-foot-2 and nearly 210lbs, Kirwin is a man amongst boys and plays like it. Currently playing in the Eastern Junior Hockey League with players as old as 20, Kirwin has established himself as a solid power forward with a north/south playing style. Kirwin isn’t the most creative player, but he’s a powerful skater with a heavy shot and a pro calibre release. The word is the OHL will be heavily in play for Kirwin, who could be the next Zach Kassian type prospect from the O.

McKenzie is a rangy centre who projects as a very solid two-way centre at the OHL level and beyond. It may take several viewings before you realize just how good McKenzie is, but after continued viewings you can really appreciate the nuances of his game that make him so effective. Offensively he’s more of a playmaker than a shooter and does a good job of using his size and skill to buy time and find open teammates. He is good on faceoffs and is a competitive player with good shutdown centre capabilities. McKenzie has a similar skill-set to that of Jordan Staal and should be a very good 3rd line centre as a 16-year-old.

From a strictly offensive standpoint, Yan has to be considered one of the most dynamic players in the age group as a result of his exceptional skating, vision, and sheer sniper’s mentality. Currently playing up with the U18 group, Yan is a Top 5 scorer in the Midget Major loop with Belle Tire after a tremendous season with the Lambton Jr. Sting as an underage player last year. Yan’s finishing ability would allow him to be a goal scorer as early as 16, but it appears that Yan may be destined for Ann Arbor and the US National Team program.

Korostolev is a Russian born forward who has spent the last 2 seasons playing in the GTHL in Toronto. This year with the Jr. Canadiens, Korostolev has emerged as a legitimate Top 10 prospect in the OHL Draft and after factoring in American picks, could very well be a Top 5 pick. Korostolev’s physical talents are gaudy as the winger has one of the best releases in the draft and simply loves to shoot the puck. While his shooting ability is unquestioned, his finish and shot selection are not without concern. Lacking a complete game, scouts will have to question how well his scoring ability will translate to the next level as Korostolev will not be getting 8-10 shots per game at the OHL level.

Speers may be under appreciated playing in Sault Ste. Marie but the 5-foot-9 forward is a Top 10 contender by our judgment. Speers rarely takes a shift off, yet alone a game, and is one of the most dangerous offensive forwards in the draft. A wizard with the puck, Speers makes those around him better and is also a very capable scorer himself. Size and strength will be an issue in his transition, but his ability to fight through checks and use his speed and elusiveness should see him have an offensive impact at 16.