[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (Hidden Gems, Vol. 15):

RHC Owen Griffin (5'10",172lbs)
Oshawa (OHL): 62gp/ 22g/ 29a/ 51pts, +3, 33 PIM

C Owen Griffin has a bit of a pedigree in junior hockey, having been selected 6th-overall by the Oshawa Generals in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, but doesn't get much time on the top-line- though he did manage to pile up 13 points in the last 10 games of the season. In 2023-24, he struggled mightily as a rookie while playing fourth-line minutes for the Gens, posting only 6 points in 61 games. Size will always be a factor, but Griffin remains a solid, well-rounded, two-way pivot with a surprising physical game, and the ability to play in any situation- including both sides of special teams. Playmaking is his best weapon, with good vision and excellent hockey-sense, and the ability to think fast and make decisions to drive play. Adding to this is his top-notch passing-skill, giving him an arsenal of crisp, accurate feeds to funnel pucks to the slot consistently, and he can connect through the crease, and across the ice. Griffin expertly locates open space to operate out of, and patiently delays to wait for passing seams to develop using cut-backs, and he will drive defenses back off the rush to make room for a drop-pass to the trailer.

Despite his small stature, he's a net-front presence, fighting for positioning and digging for loose pucks- working hard for second-chance opportunities. He plays well around the crease, and will crash the net for rebounds. There's some power in his shot, but his release is lacking the quickness and deception needed to enable him to score from distance- the majority of his tallies come from the low-slot. Griffin exemplifies high-motor and compete- he hounds puck-carriers all over the ice, and will throw the body to separate his man from the puck. He's fearless, showing grit in hard areas, and will fight through contact, or take a hit to complete a play. On the forecheck, he pressures opponents aggressively with speed, physicality, and an active stick, making retrievals difficult for opposing defenders, and disrupting the breakout. Along the boards, he battles hard to win possession, giving second-and-third efforts, but his lack of size can be a hindrance- he needs to get a lot stronger and bulk up. He has a long, powerful stride that gives him above-average speed in a straight-line, but he must keep improving his top-gear; there's an explosive burst he has at his disposal that enables him to win races, and helps him remove time and space in off-puck scenarios. With his strong edgework, he is slippery and elusive, with a sharp turning radius and a rapid change of pace to deceive attackers. His off-puck awareness is a strength, and his intelligent positioning in all three zones is a huge asset; he employs a detailed game, knowing where to be at all times to positively affect, and support the play, as well as to disrupt and frustrate his adversaries.

Griffin works hard on the backcheck and excels defensively, aiming to stop the rush early in the neutral zone with a well-timed stick to poke-check pucks away from attackers, and intercept passes. He possesses keen awareness in the defensive-third, with spotless positioning and plus-level hockey sense, and shows proficiency on the PK. With his aggressive mindset, he attacks puck-carriers to force errors, turnovers, and uncontrolled plays- but he's also proactive in applying stick-lifts before the puck arrives, and will shadow potential threats. He's a bit chippy too, and will dole out cross-checks, as well as hacks and whacks to distract opponents and agitate. Griffin has some scalable traits in his game, but getting bigger and stronger is a must, with attention needed on his shot-release, and skating. Look for him in the middle-rounds.