By:Kathryn Jean

The NHL regular season kicks off in just over a week. NHL teams have already made their evaluations and started to adjust their squads for opening night. Over 160 OHL players were invited to 2016 NHL training camps. Only 30 of those players remain at camp and some have a good chance to stick with their respective teams. At the end, I provided a list of all the OHL players still at training camp. A couple that could make it are…

 

Max Jones (Anaheim Ducks)

Jones suffered an upper body injury in Anaheim’s first preseason game. He missed a couple games due to a bruised shoulder but is now back on the ice.

Prediction: returns to OHL

 

Lawson Crouse (Arizona Coyotes)

In the offseason, Crouse was involved in a trade that sent him from Florida to Arizona. Crouse has settled in well and shown some foreshadowing of a potential top six power forward. His size combined with his physical play, skating and NHL level shot is a good indication that he will be a player in this league. Because Arizona is so prospect heavy it’s hard to determine when his time will be. If he returns to the OHL, he will be traded to a contender as his OHL team is currently in rebuild mode.

Prediction: 9 game tryout + undecided

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“He’s got pro written all over him. You talk to his team and everyone says how great of a person he is.” <a href="https://t.co/qeSlslkXOU">https://t.co/qeSlslkXOU</a></p>&mdash; azcentral sports (@azcsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/azcsports/status/778255173693169664">September 20, 2016</a></blockquote>

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Dylan Strome (Arizona Coyotes)

There is no denying Strome’s offensive skill, it’s his defensive game that he continues to work on to become an elite player in the NHL. Coyotes GM and Head Coach have mentioned that they want to see Strome strengthen his skating and continue to bulk up on his large frame. They don’t feel a need to rush. Like Crouse, if he is sent back to the OHL, there is a decent chance he could be traded to an OHL contending team which will only help add to his development.

Prediction: 9 game tryout + undecided

 

Christian Dvorak (Arizona Coyotes)

All reports indicate that Dvorak had a good rookie camp and a decent NHL camp. His all-around play combined with his NHL level vision and nose for the net makes him a very attractive player that can be effective in every situation. Dvorak will likely get a nine game tryout before being assigned to the AHL.

Prediction: 9 game tryout then AHL

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chychrun with another good game for Arizona yesterday. Christian Dvorak also showed very well for the Coyotes.</p>&mdash; Corey Pronman (@coreypronman) <a href="https://twitter.com/coreypronman/status/782590890858647553">October 2, 2016</a></blockquote>

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Jakob Chychrun (Arizona Coyotes)

Consistently a calm and mature player, Chychrun has adjusted very well to his first NHL training camp. He is physically and mentally ready to play, but the Coyotes may decide it is better for his long-term development to return for another year in junior. Do you want a good player now? Or potentially a great player down the road?

Prediction: 9 game tryout

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chychrun has done all he's could to start the year on Coyotes roster. Depth chart issues and that he's 18 counter points but looked great.</p>&mdash; Corey Pronman (@coreypronman) <a href="https://twitter.com/coreypronman/status/782214719683821568">October 1, 2016</a></blockquote>

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Alex Nylander (Buffalo Sabres)

Nylander is expected to make the Sabres and not return to juniors. In fact, the Mississauga Steelheads have already filled their two Import pick spots and do not have room for Nylander (though I am sure ‘no’ is never a final answer). Taking traits from his brother – hands, skating, and vision, Nylander has the right tools to be an NHLer. Nylander got better as his draft season progressed. You may not see production from Nylander right away, but paired with the right line mate, he can dominate.

Prediction: stays in NHL

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{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here's a look at Alex Nylander in the first period vs Toronto. Was easily the best player on the ice in the first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sabres?src=hash">#Sabres</a> <a href="https://t.co/31PjEMYfTm">pic.twitter.com/31PjEMYfTm</a></p>&mdash; SabresFanatics (@Sabres_Fanatics) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sabres_Fanatics/status/781645798975168516">September 30, 2016</a></blockquote>

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Matthew Tkachuk (Calgary Flames)

Despite his play, Tkachuk will likely be returned to the OHL later this week. He plays an adaptive game and is always finding open areas in front of the net. He’s hard to control but bigger players in the NHL may have more luck clearing him from the crease. If he returns to London, he has a good chance to repeat a Championship.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;If I want to be successful, that's where I need to be.&quot; – Matthew Tkachuk on crowding the front of the net &amp; picking up rebounds <a href="https://t.co/sDB9NSTH8g">pic.twitter.com/sDB9NSTH8g</a></p>&mdash; Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHLFlames/status/782088895781490688">October 1, 2016</a></blockquote>

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One of his big issues is if he can stay disciplined and out of the box.

Prediction: returns to OHL

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Watching Calgary game … looks like Matthew Tkachuk took over his dad's office, standing in front of the net and scoring.</p>&mdash; Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) <a href="https://twitter.com/jprutherford/status/782362115344441344">October 1, 2016</a></blockquote>

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Alex Nedeljkovic (Carolina Hurricanes)

So far Nedeljkovic only got last half a game in. It was a win against the Minnesota Wild. Allowing only one goal on 10 shots, he earned a SV% of 0.900 and GAA or 2.40. It is unlikely that Nedeljkovic will stick with the Hurricanes but most likely serve as an alternate in the AHL.

Prediction: sent to AHL

https://www.nhl.com/video/nedeljkovic-denies-ness/t-277350912/c-44880003

 

Mikhail Sergachev (Montreal Canadiens)

Sergachev is another player that we could see stick with the big club once the season officially starts. He has been noticeable at camp and is incredibly smart, calm, poised, and skilled. He’s turning heads of his own coaching staff as well as the opposition. He is probably ready to play in the NHL today, but the fact that his Windsor Spitfires are hosting this year’s Memorial Cup, that valuable experience may factor in Montreal’s decision.

Prediction: starts season with Montreal and ends in the OHL

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Habs?src=hash">#Habs</a> coach Michel Therrien on Mikhail Sergachev: &quot;First of all, he’s strong. He showed a lot of poise with the puck. He’s a good skater.&quot;</p>&mdash; Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) <a href="https://twitter.com/StuCowan1/status/781691437717000193">September 30, 2016</a></blockquote>

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Josh Ho-Sang (New York Islanders)

After being sent home last season for being late for training camp, Ho-Sang was ready and his hard work in the OHL last season paid off. Ho-Sang is a very skilled and high energy player. If you blink once, you might miss him skating past you and driving right to the net. He was Niagara’s best player in the playoffs and one of their better players down the stretch.

Prediction: 9 game tryout

Scout: {source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">While Barzal is the big name prospect at Isles camp, Anthony Beauvillier and Josh Ho-Sang have stood out too if not more at times.</p>&mdash; Corey Pronman (@coreypronman) <a href="https://twitter.com/coreypronman/status/782413875585179648">October 2, 2016</a></blockquote>

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Travis Konecny (Philadelphia Flyers)

Konecny leads all OHLers in camp with one goal and three points in just three games. Like he had been playing all last season, the Flyers placed Konecny on the wing and it is proving to be a great choice. Konecny has impressed the fans and staff since rookie camp. They have a big decision to make. One risk is his ability to stay healthy against stronger players. Do they risk potential injury? Or go for the lengthier development. One thing’s for sure, his maturity and leadership skills continue to shine.

Prediction: returns to OHL

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Raffl on Konecny: &quot;He was very easy to find out there; he plays a mature game….I couldn't do that when I was 19, that's for sure.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Flyers?src=hash">#Flyers</a></p>&mdash; Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) <a href="https://twitter.com/BroadStBull/status/781316597998882816">September 29, 2016</a></blockquote>

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Mitch Marner (Toronto Maple Leafs)

The years of heartache are nearing an end for Leafs fans and Mitch Marner will be a big part of that. Marner is coming off an incredible OHL season where he won the OHL MVP, the OHL title, the CHL MVP and the CHL title. Marner did not lose a step since he arrived for rookie camp.

 

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Underrated part of that that overtime: This sequence by Mitch Marner. <a href="https://t.co/xHpWg6gf8b">pic.twitter.com/xHpWg6gf8b</a></p>&mdash; Jeff Veillette (@JeffVeillette) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffVeillette/status/782760265754546178">October 3, 2016</a></blockquote>

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Marner has shown exactly what he did in London and is no doubt turning a lot of heads. He’s dominated the play several times his preseason games and is making it hard for Babcock to send him down.

Prediction: stays in the NHL

 

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Babcock likes how much Marner has had the puck so far in pre-season, but is interested to see how Mitch will stack up v tougher competition</p>&mdash; Mark Masters (@markhmasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/markhmasters/status/782604954125082625">October 2, 2016</a></blockquote>

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Olli Juolevi (Vancouver Canucks)

I’d expect to see Juolevi return to the OHL and go for another Championship with both the London and Team Finland at the WJC. Juolevi has some top NHL talent such as his skating, vision and passing, but he is more of a project player and could get used to playing against bigger and stronger guys. For what it’s worth, the London Knights do have an Import spot left for him and he is currently listed on their roster.

Prediction: returns to OHL

 

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Another look at the slick moves from Juolevi, Horvat and Rodin. <a href="https://t.co/iR1XPBmqP2">pic.twitter.com/iR1XPBmqP2</a></p>&mdash; Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) <a href="https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/782742927449567232">October 3, 2016</a></blockquote>

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{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Desjardins said he was impressed with Carcone as far as his young forwards go. Mentioned Olli Juolevi surprised him in a good way. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash">#Canucks</a></p>&mdash; Grady Sas (@GradySas) <a href="https://twitter.com/GradySas/status/781359739733209088">September 29, 2016</a></blockquote>

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OHLERS STILL AT NHL CAMPS

*points as of end of day 10-01-2016

 

Anaheim Ducks

Julius Nattinen, 0 points in 1 game

Max Jones, 0 points in 1 game

 

Arizona Coyotes

Dylan Strome, 2G in 4 games w/ 17:36 TOI/G

Lawson Crouse, 1A in 4 games w/ 16:23 TOI/G

Christian Dvorak, 2A in 3 games 17:51 TOI/G

Jakob Chychrun, 1A in 4 games w/ 24:19 TOI/G

Christian Fischer, 0 points in 4 games TOI/G

 

Buffalo Sabres

Alex Nylander, 0 points in 1 game

 

Calgary Flames

Matthew Tkachuk, 1G in 2 games w/ 15:34

 

Carolina Hurricanes

Warren Foegele, 1A in 1 game

Roland McKeown, 0 points in 1 game

Alex Nedeljkovic, 1 game, 1-0-0-0 record, 2.40 GAA,  0.900 SV%

 

Detroit Red Wings

Dylan Sadowy, 1A in 2 games

 

Florida Panthers

Thomas Schemitsch, 0 points in 1 game

 

Los Angeles Kings

Erik Cernak 0pts in, 1 game w/ 16:46

Mike Amadio 0pts in,1 game w/ 10:35

Damir Sharipzyanov, N/A

 

Montreal Canadiens

Jeremiah Addison, N/A

Mikhail Sergachev, 1A in 1 game

 

New Jersey Devils

Pavel Zacha, 1G 1A in 3 games w/ 15:55 TOI/G

Blake Speers, 0 points in 2 games

 

New York Islanders

Michael Dal Colle, 1G in 3 games w/ 10:30 TOI/G

Josh Ho-Sang, 1G 1A in 3 games w/ 11:58 TOI/G

 

Philadelphia Flyers

Travis Konecny, 1G 2A in 3 games w/ 12:31 TOI/G

 

San Jose Sharks

Jacob Middleton, N/A

 

Toronto Maple Leafs

Travis Dermott, 0 points in 1 game

Jeremy Bracco, N/A

Mitch Marner, 4A in 2 games

 

Vancouver Canucks

Olli Juolevi, N/A

 

Winnipeg Jets

Logan Stanley, N/A