In a draft class headlined not by a surefire superstar but by a cluster of high-ceiling question marks, the Season 13 ODBHL Entry Draft is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable—and intriguing—in league history. With no consensus #1 overall pick and a sharp drop-off after the top three, all eyes are now on the results of the draft lottery between the Bathurst Angry Ducks and the Riverview Royals.
A Class Without a King
Unlike past seasons where elite forwards like Hughes or franchise defensemen like Dahlin have headlined with little doubt, this year’s pool lacks a clear-cut top dog. The overall (OV) ratings of the projected top prospects hover in the mid-to-high 70s, with several boasting franchise-level upside—but all carrying major question marks.
The top of the class includes:
Chris Chelios (OV 77) – A well-rounded, mean-as-nails defenseman with elite discipline (DI 89) and defensive awareness (DF 74). He’s the closest thing to a safe bet in a sea of maybes.
Phil Housley (OV 77) – A flashy offensive defenseman who skates like the wind (SP 82, SK 82) and passes like a magician (PA 92). But does he have the grit (ST 51, DF 61) to hang with top lines?
Dave Andreychuk (OV 77) – A power forward with booming offensive instincts (SC 85) and a big body (6’3”, 220 lbs), but whispers about his work ethic and defensive focus (DF 60) have raised some red flags.
And then there’s the dark horse…
Craig Anderson (OV 73): The Goalie Gamble at #1?
Ranked fifth by OV, Craig Anderson finds himself at the center of a brewing storm. With no elite goalie prospects expected in the next two seasons, Anderson’s timing is perfect. He checks all the key boxes—Endurance (EN 84), Durability (DU 73), and a well-rounded skill set across the board.
The Angry Ducks, long known for pulling off the unexpected (and for allegedly conspiring with Blackwood to tank the season), may have tipped their hand already by quietly unloading aging tendy Joonas Korpisalo and investing heavily in goalie scouting.
Should they win the lottery, Anderson might be the “safe pick,” not due to his OV, but because positional scarcity and timing make him uniquely valuable.
Beyond the Top 5
Other notable prospects drawing attention:
Radim Vrbata (OV 72): A slick-skating sniper with high puck control (PC 79), but whose lack of toughness (ST 61) could limit his early impact.
Jason Chimera (OV 70): Speed and explosiveness for days. Teams in need of a middle-six energy winger are circling.
Marc Savard (OV 69): Undervalued due to low leadership and experience, but one of the best playmakers in the class.
Expect a major scramble in the late first and early second rounds, where player ratings flatten out and scouting becomes critical. With several gritty D-men (Orpik, Manson, Kasparaitis) and specialty players (Mike Peca’s two-way game, Rob Brown’s shoot-first instincts), general managers will be under pressure to balance the ceiling with system fit.
Final Thoughts: Draft or Draftiness?
With a lottery result that will tilt the fate of a franchise, and front offices full of mystery (especially in Bathurst, where an AI GM has reportedly taken control), the Season 13 Draft promises drama, deception, and more than a few surprises.
Stay tuned to find out who will be saying “With the first overall pick… selects Craig Anderson.”
5/10/2025 - 577 words
