| HT | WT | DOB | POS | SHOOTS | OHL DRAFT | NHLCS | COUNTRY |
| 6’1” | 187 | Feb 14/05 | LW | L | 8th 2021 | A Prospect | CANADA |
| SEASON | LEAGUE | TEAM | GP | G | A | PTS |
| 2019-20 | GTHL U-15 | Toronto Marlboros | 34 | 23 | 24 | 47 |
| 2020-21 | DID NOT PLAY | |||||
| 2021-22 | OHL | Owen Sound Attack | 59 | 30 | 17 | 47 |
| 2022-23 | OHL | Owen Sound Attack | 29 | 21 | 19 | 40 |
| Projected | 65 | 47 | 43 | 90 |
There was never any doubt Colby Barlow could produce offence. He showed just that in the Under-15 and one of the reasons why the Owen Sound Attack selected him with the 8th overall pick at the 2021 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. Last season he proved he could do it at the OHL level as a rookie and he’s about to smash those numbers this season and why NHL Central Scouting has him as a first rounder on their Players to Watch List.
Barlow has an interesting skill set and some intriguing tools. He has good size, very good speed and plays physical. All great attributes to have if you want to play in the NHL. But his defensive game? It is NHL ready right now. When you add in his shot and compete level, he just looks like a professional hockey player.
Barlow does have some things that need work on, as do most players in any draft class. He’s not a play driver but more of a complimentary piece. It is rare that he creates his own opportunities, but he always seems to be in the right place at the right time for his teammates. While he breaks up plays in his own end, his transition game can use some work.
While Barlow has an excellent shot that can beat goaltenders, most of his tallies come from the dirty area in close. He’s not dynamic, won’t bring fans out of their seats with rushes but, he gets the job done. He’s not overly adept in the playmaking department and his goals will always out produce his assists.
Sound like a lot of negativities? Maybe. Some of those things can be worked on and improved. But he’s an NHL caliber prospect and a first rounder at that.
OHL Writers 