9. Sam O’Reilly - Center/Wing - London Knights
Highest Ranking: 6th (1x)
Lowest Ranking: Outside of the Top 10 (2x)
Total Votes: 10
Comments:
“Another product of London that just keeps getting better. You are drafting the player he is today but knowing that he will be playing for Dale Hunter for the next 2 years boosts him way up in my mind.” - Mark Seidel
“He plays a 200-foot game and was very versatile for a loaded London team this season. He can play all three forward positions as a right-handed shot and seems to be one of those guys who you could put anywhere in the lineup. One reason why coach Dale Hunter trusted O'Reilly in big spots was the fast the 18-year-old only made the adjustment to forward three years ago, moving from defense to right wing playing in the Greater Toronto Hockey League. Former London players like Robert Thomas (St. Louis Blues), Bo Horvat (New York Islanders) and Luke Evangelista (Nashville Predators) figured out quickly what Dale wanted defensively and were each rewarded for it. O'Reilly's on that similar path.” - Mike Morreale
“Finishing third overall in rookie scoring in the OHL with 56 points, Sam O’Reilly was a great surprise and producer for the London Knights. O’Reilly is very opportunistic as he’s always finding himself in the right spots at the right time for a scoring chance. He displays great intensity and physicality in the tough areas on the ice and is always winning battles along the boards or in front of the net. When he has the puck, he isn’t afraid of driving it to the middle of the ice or crash the net and make a move in tight to freeze goaltenders. His weakness was his skating and speed, but I feel like there have been strides made to get quicker throughout the season. He’s smart and displays a strong work ethic.” - Peter Baracchini
“Though O’Reilly’s skating mechanics lack refinement, he can still gain sufficient speed to take on opponents one-on-one. Developing more agility and lateral mobility on his skates would further enhance his game. O’Reilly has an exceptional work ethic and tireless drive. He strives relentlessly on offense to reach the net, forecheck tenaciously, and engage physically when needed. Moreover, he applies the same diligent effort in the neutral and defensive zones. With his keen hockey sense, excellent anticipation, and ability to visualize plays in advance, he leverages his vision and playmaking talents to create prime scoring chances for his teammates.” - Dominic Tiano
“Honestly, the only thing missing from his game (outside of an increased role) is a more dynamic stride. He’s really grown on me late in the year as I tried to pay closer attention to him in the playoffs and at the Memorial Cup. He’s got the skill. He’s got the hands. He’s got the vision and sense. It’s just that he’s not able to be a consistent play driver without better quickness and confidence moving East/West. Putting it all together is tough for him right now. When his stride improves and he builds confidence (like all London players), he could be a really, really good two-way pivot. As is, he’s already one of the best defensive forwards available this year. There’s a lot of Scott Laughton here. However, that may just be the low end of his ceiling.” - Brock Otten