Guelph Storm general manager George Burnett says he is going by the golden rule at Saturday’s annual OHL Priority Selection: take the best player available.
That theory could be put to the test early in the morning, as the Storm has the seventh overall pick in the 15-round online draft.
Several players at the top of this year’s “best player” list have committed to NCAA schools.
“We want to take the best player at seven,” Burnett said.
“The draft is the draft for a reason. If you’re picking early in the draft, then you should be getting the best player,” Burnett said.
“We’ve done our homework on players who have potential (NCAA) commitments, but many of them are willing to discuss.
“The key thing is that if there’s a willingness to keep an open mind and gather information and make an informed decision, I’m quite comfortable that in the long run, in the big picture, these players will be playing in our league.”
He indicated the two picks in the second round picks could be somewhere that the team might continue to take the best player available that might not be fully committed to the OHL.
“As the draft progresses, if you’ve made selections that are all in (coming to the OHL), then maybe you can be a little more risky in some rounds.”
The Storm is also not sold on one position
“We’d certainly like to add depth in defence and goal, so the early rounds are important that way. We do have a health number of forwards returning.”
The Storm has the seventh overall pick in the 15-round online draft. They also have two picks in the second round - 36th and 38th overall - picks that previously belonged to Barrie and Hamilton.
Burnett said he won’t be scared off by some of the players who have expressed interest in pursuing NCAA route.
Several members of the Guelph Jr. Gryphons minor midget team are also expected to be drafted early Saturday, led by forward Logan Morrison and defenceman Jack Harper.
The Storm had at total of 19 picks, including two in the second round. They are allowed to trade picks for picks before it starts.
“We would like to reduce the number of total picks if we can, but if it doesn’t happen it’s not a huge concern,” Burnett aid.
“We have a healthy lot of picks for the next few years now and we’re really not missing any.”
The Sudbury Wolves are expected to announce strapping six-foot-three centre Quinton Byfield of the York-Simcoe Express as the first overall pick at noon today.
After that it becomes a little less clear in what order the top players will fall.
Some of the key names to watch, Saturday, in no particular order:
Jamie Drysdale, D, Toronto Marlboros, 5’11, 157: Arguably the top defenceman in the draft, eight goals and 42 assists.
Antonio Stranges, LW, Detroit Little Caesars, 5’10, 165: Top-rated American player is committed to Michigan.
Daniil Chayka, D, Toronto Jr. Canadiens, 6’3”, 173: Russian-born player only just granted eligibility for the draft, had 15 goals and 18 assists.
Cole Perfetti, C, Vaughan Kings, 5’10”, 170: Considered one of the smartest players in the draft and perhaps the best hands. Michigan commit had 125 points in 64 games.
Owen Power, D, Mississauga Reps, 6’5”, 207: Monster blueliner is another Michigan commit who would likely have been a top-three pick otherwise. Had 33 poitns in 32 games.
Evan Vierling, C, York Simcoe, 6’, 148: Gifted scorer also known for his two-way play. Had 27 goals and 63 points in 33 games.
Lleyton Moore, D, Toronto Marlboros, 5’7”, 159: Another of the group that makes it a good year for defencemen in the first round. Had 50 points in 54 games.
Will Cuylie, LW, Toronto Marlboros, 6’2”, 187: Yes, this was a stacked Marlies team. Hd 33 goals in 45 games.
Cam Tolnai, C, Oakville Rangers, 6’, 166: Had 84 points in 38 games.
Dylan Peterson, RW, CIHA, 6’3”, 181: Had 27 points in 25 games. Committed to Boston University.
