| Mitchell Martin | Kitchener Rangers | OHL | L | LW | 6’4″ | 205 | Kitchener Rangers | 2019 | Sudbury, ON | 2003 | 2022-2023: C |
Why an NHL draft pick: He’s a 6’4″ 205 pound winger who can be effective in the offensive zone below the goal line and around the net. Martin has scored 13 goals this season with five coming from within five feet of the net. He has the release and power to score beyond the face-off dots having scored six from the edge of the house.
Why not an NHL draft pick: Of 69 attempted shots from the high slot he’s had 38 blocked and missed the net with an additional 16. As a 6’4″ 205lbs power forward who is in his third season of NHL draft eligibility he has won 43% of his 50/50 puck battles so far this season.
Neutral Zone NHL’s Marlin Muylaert: He’s a big strong winger with enough speed and skill to get to good shooting lanes. He’s shown an excellent shot when he freed up in the quiet areas in the offensive zone. Martin has been productive when healthy showing strong board play and a purposeful forecheck. We like his puck hound skills and ability to use his reach to turnover pucks in the offensive zone.”
OHL: Kitchener Rangers vs Soo Greyhounds, January 8, 2022: This lanky left shot forward played with energy tonight and had a number of quality chances in good scoring areas. Martin had 6 shots on net and a number of in close chances and used his reach and body positioning effectively to get to the net. He is a 6’3 winger who competed to get into the good scoring areas and was rewarded tonight. He scored the game winning goal late in the third. This second year draft eligible player was not drafted after his shortened 2020/2021 season. If he continues to play with this energy level and compete in the offensive zone he will put up good numbers in the second half of the season. Grade: C+
2018: Minor Midget Silver Stick, December 22, 2018: Martin reads the play well, he knows when to be in full flight and hit the seam in the neutral zone. His hands and size make him a valuable commodity and once his skating stride gets a little more strength he will be even more dangerous offensively.
Wendy Dufton Memorial Tournament, November 6, 2018: a tall lanky physical forward with smooth skating and puck handling. He played a big, strong power forward game and showed good hands at times when pressured by D. He is heavy on the puck in battles and showed some push back a few times after whistles/scrums. Martin also showed a heavy shot when he found open ice. He has a great work ethic and showed as a tireless worker on the forecheck. He is above average defensively and take chances and leaves a big target for his D.
Toronto Titans Minor Midget Tournament, September 28, 2018: Martin used strength to take pucks to the net. His opponent’s defensemen had difficulties all weekend trying to handle him in the offensive zone. He was dangerous with the puck almost each time he was on the ice “dangling” inside out a few times creating offensive opportunities for himself. Martin showed a very heavy shot a number of times on the weekend. If he can continue to get open looks he has the ability to fill the net.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images