F Ethan Belchetz - Oakville Rangers, SCTA U15 (2026 Draft)

[bigdog16]

So am I. Continue doubting this super talented kid. He’s going to prove you wrong.

Im not doubting him and I agree he is a contender for #1. But Lindros is arguably the greatest prospect the sport has ever seen. Unfair to put that expectation on him. Other than being big they don’t play similar at all, either.

 

[scoutman1]

So am I. Continue doubting this super talented kid. He’s going to prove you wrong.

there is no proving him wrong....he never said he would not turn out....he is just saying after 3 games you really can not tell a lot....a lot of talented players are still in NHL camps, a lot of players are getting the rust off them and big thing is, while Belchetz keeps doing well then teams will target him harder....no one is saying he is not going to challenge...a lot of people including myself (with over 20 years scouting experience) know that 3 games do not tell much.

 

[wetcoast]

Looks like an assertion was made based on size and the skating part just isn't so.

 

[wetcoast]

I do.

I can’t wait to bump these posts in 2 years.

You certainly can't wait there is 100% agreement on that point.

I think it’s SILLY to doubt Belchetz.

No one is doubting him as a prospect the pushback is on the skating and Lindros hype train and your need to anoint a certain number of players that you "found first" by looking at elite prospects then patting yourself on the back.

I respectfully suggest some self confidence courses or videos not a hockey forum to boost your ego.

 

[Isaac Nootin]

So am I. Continue doubting this super talented kid. He’s going to prove you wrong.

Once again, please point out exactly where I've doubted this kid?

 

[newmanager]

Where does this strapping young fellow get selected if eligible for the 2025 draft?

 

[mlse2kk]

Where does this strapping young fellow get selected if eligible for the 2025 draft?

He's born in '08, earliest is the 2026 draft. Right now you could make an argument for 1st overall, but it's too early yet.

 

[frontsfan67]

Where does this strapping young fellow get selected if eligible for the 2025 draft?

Top 5 and potentially challenging Mckenna for first overall

 

[newmanager]

Top 5 and potentially challenging Mckenna for first overall

Nobody's going to challenge McKenna in 2026 but where does Belchetz go if eligible for the 2025 draft?

 

[Corso]

Nobody's going to challenge McKenna in 2026 but where does Belchetz go if eligible for the 2025 draft?

He had a good start to the season and was pretty decent at the U-17 but I would not put him in as a lock for top 5 just yet.

 

[matt trick]

How does Belchetz compare with Martone? Kind of hoping the Sharks get Schaefer this draft, but we could use an elite power winger to compliment Smith or Celebrini.

 

[FLAMESFAN]

How does Belchetz compare with Martone? Kind of hoping the Sharks get Schaefer this draft, but we could use an elite power winger to compliment Smith or Celebrini.

Giving up on Musty?
I would hope you guys aren't drafting bottom 5 by the 2026 draft

 

[frontsfan67]

Nobody's going to challenge McKenna in 2026 but where does Belchetz go if eligible for the 2025 draft?

Maybe not but if he puts up 90+ points which is possible and is a 6’5 230 beast you gotta think some scouts would like that over Mckenna who is underweight at 165 lbs. he has to gain atleast 20 lbs to play in the NHL. Belchetz already has the size. I still think it’s a super low chance of him going first but there is a lot of hockey to be played.

If belchetz is eligible for the 2025 draft I’d say probably a late first round as a first year player in the OHL. Gotta remember this is technically mckennas 3rd season that he’s been apart of with the late birthday and how the WHL guys can play at 15 for a certain amount of games

 

[FLAMESFAN]

Maybe not but if he puts up 90+ points which is possible and is a 6’5 230 beast you gotta think some scouts would like that over Mckenna who is underweight at 165 lbs. he has to gain atleast 20 lbs to play in the NHL. Belchetz already has the size. I still think it’s a super low chance of him going first but there is a lot of hockey to be played.

If belchetz is eligible for the 2025 draft I’d say probably a late first round as a first year player in the OHL. Gotta remember this is technically mckennas 3rd season that he’s been apart of with the late birthday and how the WHL guys can play at 15 for a certain amount of games

I'd put him right there with Spence & Desnoyers, in that 6-10 slot for 2025.
But ya, he'd have to have a heckuva year to supplant McKenna. Not impossible though.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

I think Belchetz is good, but still raw tools and potential as opposed to a "now" product. Compared to a similarly sized winger with similar traits like Katolicky, I don't see the same ability to take over shifts on the regular.

There are some shifts that get your attention and showcase the potential, but just as many when you're asking him to do a lot more. I'm not really on board yet with the idea that he's some future Lemieux or at this point a real challenger to McKenna. I think it's not impossible, given his very evidently high potential, but he needs to activate beast mode for that to happen.

I felt very similar about Byfield at the same point, and he went 2OA, so he might do it, although I still think Byfield was a little better overall at that point.