[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (Hidden Gems Edition, Vol. 29):

RW Jordan Charron (6'2",190lbs)
Sault Ste. Marie (OHL): 48gp/ 10g/ 11a/ 21pts, -19, 47 PIM

Big winger Jordan Charron (#138 NA Skaters) didn't sign on to play for the Soo until Nov.17th, after the rules disallowing CHL players from playing in the NCAA was changed, as he has committed to attending St. Lawrence University in 2026-27. Before that time, he played for the Ayr Centennials of the GOJHL (22 points in 18 games, good for 25th in ppg), and the Wellington Dukes of the OJHL (1 goal in 3 games). Charron was the sixth-round choice (108th-overall) in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection Draft by a Greyhounds team that this season finished 14th out of 20 teams in the OHL, and were likewise 14th in goals-scored- they then punctuated the campaign by being ousted from the playoffs in 5 games by the Windsor Spitfires. He is rather young by draft standards, with a June 21st birthday, and is playing more of a complimentary role for the Soo as a left-handed RW with a north-south power-forward game.

Scouts look for traits in prospective draft-picks that are already NHL-caliber, or translatable to one day be at that level, and Charron has two- other than his man-sized frame. First of all, he's an excellent skater with a long, powerful stride that looks scalable, and will only get faster as he gets stronger; he can play with overwhelming pace, and wields an explosive short-burst to win races or beat defenders wide. Secondly, the mainstay of his game in the offensive-third is his already NHL-caliber shot that explodes off his blade with a well-developed release. I believe this talent will make him a much bigger scorer in the OHL next season. Hard-nosed and physical, as well as highly engaged and energetic, he works to get inside position on opponents, uses his size to win board battles, leans into attackers to push them off the puck, and battles hard in front of the net. As an OHL rookie, he is still learning how to play a complete 200-ft game, but keeps it simple with the puck while skating his routes hard; he chips and chases, dumps the puck in and out, and relies on quick touches with short passes. He is very inside-driven, and goes to the net hard- that's where he gets most of his chances, from in-tight. He shows soft mitts to beat goalies, and has no problem crashing the crease to clean up garbage.

While he seems to be able to read the ice well, Charron only flashes true playmaking ability, failing to connect on some of his more complex passes; he teases solid vision, and shows some high-end play-creation ideas at times, but perhaps lacks the skill and timing to follow through. Improving his puck-skill and passing ability will go a long way in this area, and hopefully he will get more ice-time with better linemates next season. There are instances where he loses control of the puck at high speed, and can cough up a turnover when pressured, making upgrades in this area even more urgent. Charron is a load to handle on the forecheck, making his presence felt physically and vexing opponents with his speed and tenacity. He exhibits good defensive awareness and engagement, identifying threats early and working aggressively to stop plays proactively with stick-lifts, and by setting little picks. Using his speed, size, and tenacity, he blocks lanes, forces turnovers, intercepts passes, and keeps off-puck threats in-check. He is physical, and will rub attackers out along the boards, and gets inside of his opponents' hands. He will step up in the neutral zone to snuff out rushes, and will deliver open-ice hits to separate man from puck. With Charron's defensive prowess, size to skating ratio, and his shot, it's easy to picture him in an NHL-team's bottom-six in the future. Look for him in the later rounds.