Last season we began doing this feature a little differently than previous seasons. We began doing a draft eligible forward, defenceman and goaltender of the month as opposed to just one that stood out. Fans responded to the change with plenty of positive feedback, so we are doing it again this season.
We are also now doing all players eligible for the NHL Entry Draft as opposed to first time draft eligible players. As a reminder, players born between January 1, 2004 and September 15, 2006 are eligible for the draft. Players born between September 16, 2005 and September 15, 2006 are first time draft eligible while all the others are draft re-entries.
Draft Eligible Forward of the Month – Adrian Misaljevic – Kitchener Rangers
Misaljevic was a free agent signing by the Rangers back in 2021 after being passed over in the OHL Priority Selection. He was first eligible for the 2022 NHL Entry Draft and has been passed over. He has already surpassed his career highs of 4 goals and 7 assists a season ago with 10 goals and 10 assists in just 13 games. He sits tied on the leader board among draft eligible players in goals and assists. The 5’11”, 154-pound right wing produce in bunches and will continue to be an offensive threat for the Rangers.
Also considered was Mississauga Steelheads forward Luke Misa. Misa had 6 goals and 14 assists in 13 games. With a November, 2005 birthdate, Misa is eligible for the NHL Entry Draft for the first time in 2024.
Draft Eligible Defenceman of the Month – Jacob LeBlanc – Sarnia Sting
After being acquires from the Niagara Ice Dogs (and previously the Kitchener Rangers) LeBlanc (along with his brother) have found a comfortable home with the Sting. LeBlanc led all draft eligible defenceman in assists (13) and points (15) to go along with 2 goals in October. He is also just 1 point shy of leading the Sting in scoring as a defenceman. The right shooting 6’1” blueliner has a June 2004 birthdate, making this his third NHL Entry Draft.
Also considered was Saginaw Spirit defenceman Zayne Parekh. He took the OHL by storm last season and has picked up where he left off with 2 goals and 10 assists in 11 games during October. With a 2006 birthdate, this will be his first NHL Entry Draft where he could be a top-10 pick.
Draft Eligible Goaltender of the Month – Brayden Gillespie – Guelph Storm
This wasn’t an easy choice but we went with Gillespie here – who was also named OHL Goaltender of the Month today. Gillespie led all goaltenders in goals against average (2.02), save percentage (.932), third in games played (10) and fifth in minutes (594) and sixth in shots against (594). With a July 2005 birthdate, this will be Gillespie’s second NHL Entry Draft.
Also considered was Owen Sound Attack netminder Carter George who today was named the OHL’s Rookie of the Month for October. Among all OHL goaltenders, George trails only Gillespie in goals against average (2.18) and save percentage (.929). George has a June 2006 birthdate and is eligible for the NHL Entry Draft for the first time in 2024.
OHL Writers 