[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (Sudbury Wolves Edition):

One can't judge Sudbury Wolves' LHC Nathan Villeneuve on stats alone, but it appears as though Central Scouting has been watching him closely, as they have given him a "B" rating- pegging him as a 2nd or 3rd round pick. To date, he has collected 14 goals and 35 points (with 46 PIM) in 44 games on one of the best, and highest-scoring teams in the OHL. Villeneuve plays behind some very high-end, older players in Sudbury, such as David Goyette, Quentin Musty, Landon McCallum, Kocha Delic, and Dalibor Dvorsky- so he doesn't get top-line minutes, or much powerplay time (only 5 of his points have come via the PP). In fact, he's often relegated to third-line deployment, because of the logjam at the center-ice position, along with some tours of duty on the second line mixed in here and there. There's no doubt that if he were given more ice-time and responsibility, his numbers would look even impressive, and I think Central Scouting recognizes that. Villy was drafted 3rd overall by the Wolves in the 2021 OHL Draft.
Vileneuve is a gritty, details-oriented, two-way centerman who brings snarl and physicality every shift. He plays hard and heavy, with a strong and sturdy 6'0",185lb frame, and battles tooth-and-nail for every puck. Much like a poor-man's Brad Marchand, he's a superpest who agitates, makes life difficult for opponents, and has sky-high compete. Also like Marchand, he's tough enough to back it up, and will drop the gloves- and he's not a bad fighter. Villy plays many games with a target on his back, and doesn't seem to mind. He's a bit of a throwback, power-forward type, who's constantly in motion, works hard, and has high motor to play a 60-minute game. As one could guess, he's a relentless forechecker who throws hits aplenty, but is smart enough to not take himself out of the play.
Villeneuve isn't just a goon, though- he's highly intelligent, and has top-notch vision as a playmaker. He's got spatial awareness, and can open seams to get the puck to high-danger. He's got a hard, heavy shot, with a lightning-fast release, and the hands in-tight to fool goalies. He's an effortless skater, perhaps even explosive- he was an injury replacement for the CHL Top Prospects Game, and in the on-ice testing leading up to the event, he placed 5th overall in the 30m Forward Skate, and 2nd in the 30m Forward Skate With Puck. He's a responsible player in all 3 zones, and backchecks as hard as he forechecks, hounding puck carriers, and getting in their faces. This is a player who will get more and more dominant at the junior level in the next 2 years, as those older players depart for the pros, and will start putting up big numbers as early as next season. This is another player that's far better than his stats suggest. In his last 20 games, he has 22 points. He compares himself to Mason McTavish, and I can see that to some degree, although I think he plays a much more energetic, rambunctious style. If he's available in the third round, it's a good idea to take him.

Much like frequent linemate Nathan Villeneuve, 6'6", 210lb C/LW Kieron Walton is stuck in the supporting cast on a very deep and talented Sudbury Wolves team, behind the likes of Dalibor Dvorsky, Quentin Musty, David Goyette, Landon McCallum, and Kocha Delic. Sudbury is one of the best teams in the OHL, and one of the highest scoring, and Walton has more or less been relegated to the third line, and yet has amassed 15 goals, and 33 points in 44 games to date, which prorates to 49 points in 65 games. Like Villeneuve, Central Scouting seems to recognize his situation, giving him a "B" rating- pegging him as a possible 2nd or 3rd round pick. Walton was Sudbury's second-round pick, 28th overall, in the 2022 OHL Draft.
Walton has impressive wheels for a behemoth, and gets around the ice very well, but could use some work on his separation speed and agility. He's a well-rounded player, and a two-way power-forward, with silky soft hands around the net, and a quick release on a hard, heavy shot. Walton has solid skills, and above-average IQ and anticipation. He reads the ice well, positioning himself advantageously in both ends to be in the right position to either kill a play, or finish one. There's some playmaking ability, and he can beat defenders with 1-on-1 skill, making controlled entries off the rush. Despite his size, and percieved lack of agility, he is known to have a good small-area game, and can stickhandle in those small spaces with his almost impregnable puck-protection. Walton plays a physical brand of hockey, and uses his size and enormous wingspan to push his way around, leverage his way to the net, win pucks, and maintain posession. He orchestrates chances off the cycle, creates off the rush, and finds the holes in coverage to facilitate high-danger opportunities. He exhibits two-way proficiency, supports his D on the backcheck, and has good awareness and high work ethic in both ends. He also has high motor, and doesn't quit on plays.
Walton has huge potential, and would most likely have much better numbers if he was given more ice-time and responsibility. He's far from a finished product, and some say he has middle-6 potential in the NHL. Walton needs work on his consistency, and his offense, and has to keep building on his already impressive mobility. I would say third round, but he has the size and speed to make GM's drool enough to take him late 2nd.