The Ottawa 67's ignored a position of need on Friday, selecting right-winger Andrew Laurin with their first pick in the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. The team held the 18th overall pick in the opening round of the draft for 15- and 16-year-old players, held at Kingston's Slush Puppie Place.
Best Player Available Strategy
General Manager Jan Egert said he would take 'the best player available' when it came time to choose. Laurin, a 6-foot-1, 175-pound product of Belleville, Ontario, could ultimately line up at centre for the Barber Poles, though he is listed as a right-winger.
Loss of Thomas Vandenberg
Earlier in the week, centre Thomas Vandenberg confirmed he will honour a commitment to attend Providence College and play for the NCAA Division 1 Friars next season. The Nepean product had 25 goals and 25 assists in 2025-26, his rookie season with the 67's. He was also ranked 35th by the NHL's Central Scouting department on the list of North American skaters eligible for this month's Entry Draft. His decision marks a significant loss for the 67's.
Laurin's Performance
Laurin scored 26 goals and added 25 assists, along with 44 penalty minutes, in 34 games for the Quinte Red Devils U16 AAA's last season. He also had three goals and two assists in four games at the OHL Cup Showcase.
The draft continues on Saturday with rounds 2 through 15.
