The Sudbury Wolves had a rocky start to the 2019-20 OHL season, dropping their first two games, but have bounced back to rattle off five straight wins and sit atop the Central Division.
A big reason for the team's success is the play of second-year forward Quinton Byfield who has been red hot to start the season. Byfield leads the OHL in points with 16 through seven games - seven goals, nine assists.
Byfield was given an 'A' grade by NHL Central Scouting on their October players to watch list, one of just eight players from the league to be given the top grade.
An 'A' rating indicates a player that is a candidate to be a first round draft pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
A pair of Sudbury Wolves defensemen have also drawn the eye of NHL scouts, with second-year blueliner Jack Thompson earning a 'B' grade, which has NHL Central Scouting projecting him to be a second or third round pick in next year's draft.
Thompson has already put up nine points in seven games this year, potting four goals and adding five assists. In his rookie season, Thompson scored six goals in 52 games.
The third Wolves player who earned himself a spot on the players to watch list was second-year defenseman Isaak Phillips. The 6-3, 195 lb. Barrie native has tallied a goal and an assist while posting a +1 rating and has gone penalty-free through seven games.
Phillips earned a 'C' grade, projecting him as a fourth to sixth round pick in the the 2020 NHL draft.
You can catch Byfield, Thompson, Phillips and the entire Wolves team this Friday at the Sudbury Arena when they take on the undefeated Oshawa Generals. Puck drop is 7:05 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now at greatersudbury.ca/tickets.
