Tanner Lam – Kitchener Rangers – Player Profile

HT	WT	DOB	POS	SH	OHL DRAFT	NHLCS	NAT
5’10”	160	July 14, 2007	RW	R	41st 2023	159 NA	Can

SEASON	LEAGUE	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS
2023-2024	OHL	Kitchener Rangers	61	13	18	31
2024-2025	OHL	Kitchener Rangers	67	13	40	53

In the rapidly changing world of junior hockey, Tanner Lam has emerged as a compelling figure ahead of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. A 2007-born right winger skating for the Kitchener Rangers, Lam was taken in the second round of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection and has since made significant strides in establishing himself as a standout in the league. With a sharp offensive mind, excellent awareness, and relentless hustle, Lam is steadily building a case as a sleeper pick with serious upside.

Offensive Skill Set

Lam’s offensive game is defined by his vision, anticipation, and knack for delivering crisp passes. He’s not a straight-line burner or a physical powerhouse. Instead, he thrives on unpredictability—creating passing options in broken plays, slipping into open ice unnoticed, and threading pucks through narrow lanes. His processing speed is elite, allowing him to quickly execute subtle feeds, behind-the-back passes, or deceptive dishes under pressure.

Skating and Mobility

While Lam’s top-end speed is average, his agility and directional changes allow him to be effective in tight quarters. His footwork enables slick maneuvers along the boards or in the slot, but his stride lacks the explosive burst that would give him separation on the rush. His skating mechanics could benefit from greater drive and improved glide efficiency.

To advance to the next level, Lam will need to bolster his leg strength and build more power into his stride. Even so, his elusive movement and ability to control pace in offensive cycles keep defenders on edge.

Hockey IQ and Playmaking

One of Lam’s biggest assets is his ability to read the ice and stay a step ahead of the play. He regularly picks apart defenses with creative passing, especially in layered or delayed setups. His passes often lead to high-danger chances, and he’s adept at finding his teammates through layers in the offensive zone.

He completes a high percentage of his passes, which is a strong indicator of his ability to manage possession and make clean decisions under duress. On the man advantage, he frequently plays the role of connector—linking plays from the half wall or below the goal line.

Defensive Play and Physicality

Lam is still refining his game on the defensive side. While he’s not careless without the puck, he can drift at times and lose track of his defensive responsibilities. His positioning and engagement away from the puck have shown improvement, but consistency remains a work in progress.

Standing at 5’10” and 160 pounds, Lam isn’t physically imposing, and he struggles in board battles and one-on-one situations against larger opponents. However, he plays with grit and doesn’t shy away from the dirty areas. His compete level is evident, even if the physical outcomes don’t always go his way.

Projection and Draft Outlook

Lam fits the mold of a middle-six playmaker at the pro level, with tools to contribute on the power play. His intelligence, offensive poise, and passing instincts align well with systems that prioritize puck movement and creativity. The next step in his development will involve building physical strength, improving his burst, and showing greater discipline in his own zone.

Currently considered a potential late-round NHL Draft selection, Lam’s development arc suggests he could outperform that status. If his skating and physical game take a step forward, he may become one of the better value picks of his class.