Owen Crawford – Owen Sound Attack – Player Profile

HT	WT	DOB	POS	SH	OHL DRAFT	NHLCS	NAT
6’3”	180	May 5, 2007	C	L	33rd 2023	180 NA	CAN

SEASON	LEAGUE	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS
2023-2024	OHL	Owen Sound Attack	57	6	7	13
2024-2025	OHL	Owen Sound Attack	65	8	17	25

In the world of junior hockey, where raw talent meets the grind of development, few players embody the balance of promise and projectability quite like Jake Crawford. A 2007-born forward from Barrie, Ontario, Crawford has spent the 2024–25 season with the Owen Sound Attack, carving out a role as a dependable, if understated, presence in all three zones

Offensive Skill Set

Crawford’s offensive game is still developing, but there are flashes of creativity and physical assertiveness that suggest more could be unlocked. He posted 25 points in 65 games this season, a total that doesn’t leap off the page but reflects his role as a secondary contributor on a team that struggled to generate consistent offense.

Where Crawford shows promise is in his ability to retrieve pucks and create chaos below the dots. He’s effective along the boards and in net-front battles, using his reach and frame to shield defenders and extend possessions. His 0.62 primary shot passes per game suggest he can make plays from low-danger areas, particularly when working the cycle or feeding the slot from behind the net.

Skating and Mobility

At 6-foot-3, Crawford’s skating is a work in progress. His stride is long but lacks explosiveness, and he can be slow to accelerate in transition. That said, he moves well enough to stay involved in the play and doesn’t shy away from tracking back on defense.

Improving his lower-body strength and stride mechanics will be key to unlocking more of his offensive potential. Right now, he’s more of a straight-line skater who relies on positioning and anticipation rather than speed to make an impact.

Hockey IQ and Playmaking

Crawford’s hockey sense is one of his more intriguing traits. He reads the game well, particularly in defensive situations, and often positions himself to support the puck or disrupt passing lanes. His pass completion rate of 83 percent is solid, especially considering the volume of touches he receives in transition and on the penalty kill.

Offensively, he’s more of a connector than a creator. He doesn’t often drive play through the middle or orchestrate high-skill sequences, but he makes smart, simple passes that keep the puck moving. His ability to make clean plays under pressure is a valuable asset, especially when paired with more dynamic linemates.

Defensive Play and Physicality

Crawford’s defensive game is where he shines most consistently. He was a regular on Owen Sound’s penalty kill and took shifts against top competition, often tasked with shutting down opposing forwards. His 1.34 minutes per game on the PK with a willingness to block shots.

He also brings a physical edge. While not a punishing hitter, he uses his size to separate opponents from the puck and win battles along the boards.

Intangibles and Leadership

Crawford wore an “A” for the Attack this season, a testament to his leadership and character. On a team that faced its share of adversity, he remained a steadying presence and earned the trust of his coaches in all situations. His willingness to play tough minutes, block shots, and take faceoffs (49 percent on eight draws per game) speaks to a team-first mentality that NHL organizations value in depth players.

He’s also known for his work ethic and maturity off the ice. Teammates and coaches describe him as a quiet leader who leads by example, showing up early, staying late, and putting in the work to improve. That kind of attitude bodes well for his long-term development, especially if he lands in a system that emphasizes structure and accountability.

Crawford enters the 2025 NHL Draft as a potential late-round selection, currently rated as a fourth- or fifth-round candidate by NHL Central Scouting. His size, versatility, and defensive reliability make him an appealing option for teams looking to add depth and character to their prospect pool.

He projects as a bottom-six forward at the professional level, with the potential to carve out a role as a penalty killer and energy-line contributor. If he can improve his skating and add more offensive consistency, there’s a chance he could push for a third-line role down the line.