The NHL Draft could be a bittersweet event for the Windsor Spitfires, as several players hope to realize their dreams. Ethan Belchetz is expected to be announced as a Spitfire when his name is called in the first round on Friday in Buffalo, despite heading to Michigan State University next season.
Potential Third Consecutive First-Round Pick
A first-round selection would mark the third year in a row the Spitfires have produced a first-round prospect, following Jack Nesbitt (2025) and Liam Greentree (2024). The only other time this happened in franchise history was a three-year stretch from 2008-10 with Taylor Hall and Cam Fowler (2010), Ryan Ellis (2009), and Josh Bailey and Greg Nemisz (2008).
“This will hopefully be a great day for Ethan and his family and the Spitfires as well,” Windsor general manager Bill Bowler said. “We expect a great night on Friday.”
Teammates Show Support
While prospects for other Spitfires at this year’s draft are uncertain, Belchetz will have the support of his former teammates. Defenseman Andrew Robinson plans to attend the draft in person.
“I’m heading down on Friday because Ethan will go in the first round and I want to support him and I know a couple other guys that could be in the first round,” Robinson said.
Robinson Not Worried About Rankings
NHL Central Scouting rated Robinson No. 205 among North American skaters in its final rankings, but he remains confident. “I’ve talked to the majority of the league teams,” Robinson said. “Rankings are something I never looked at. Even the OHL rankings growing up, I was told not to look because they don’t know the player. With the NHL, it just takes one team.”
The NHL Draft is a moment every player dreams of, and Robinson plans to savor the event, which continues Saturday with the final six rounds. “I’m looking forward to it,” said Robinson, who was fifth in the OHL in rookie scoring by defensemen with 24 points in 63 games and a plus-19 rating. “This happens once in your life. So, I’m looking forward to taking it all in and soaking in all the nerves and what comes with it. I’m really, really looking forward to taking it all in.”
Other Spitfires Prospects
Four Spitfires made the final central scouting rankings. Rookie forward Caden Harvey finished at No. 188. “I’ve had a good amount of talks with teams and I’m excited for the draft and ready to get it over with, but I’m going to stay home,” said Harvey, who tied for 13th in OHL rookie scoring with 34 points in 68 games. “Whoever might draft me, I’d be honoured.”
Defenseman Grady Spicer, who spent most of last season with the LaSalle Vipers, finished at No. 212 on the final list. A fourth-round pick by the Spitfires in the 2024 OHL Draft, the six-foot-three, 179-pound Spicer appeared in three games for Windsor this past season and is expected to take on a regular role with the club in 2026-27.
