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Colts defenceman Brandt Clarke listed among OHL's 'Players to Watch'

Barrie's Ethan Cardwell and Connor Punnett also make the list ahead of next year's NHL Draft
2020-05-27 Brandt Clarke
Barrie Colts defenceman Brant Clarke is shown in a file photo from the 2019-20 OHL season. Raymond Bowe/BarrieToday

Barrie Colts defenceman Brandt Clarke is receiving high praise after being ranked as an 'A'-level prospect on the National Hockey League Central Scouting preliminary 'Players to Watch' list for the 2021 NHL Draft.

There were 46 Ontario Hockey League players featured on the list, including 25 forwards, 16 defencemen and five goaltenders.

"At this point in the evaluation process and considering the lack of a summer scouting season, it's much too early to identify a strength for the 2021 draft class other than to state that there are a number of good prospects at every position," director of NHL Central Scouting Dan Marr said.

Only five OHL players received an 'A rating, identifying them as a potential first-round NHL draft pick.

In addition to Clarke, the other four are Peterborough Petes centre Mason McTavish, Guelph Storm defenceman Daniil Chayka, Hamilton Bulldogs defenceman Artyom Grushnikov (who recently signed an agreement to play for the team), and Kitchener Rangers forward Francesco Pinelli.

Six skaters and three goaltenders from the OHL were assigned 'B' rankings as potential second- or third-round draft picks.

Thirty skaters and two goaltenders were assigned a 'C' ranking as potential fourth-, fifth- or sixth-round candidates, including Barrie Colts forward Ethan Cardwell and defenceman Connor Punnett.