Harry Nansi (C, R, 6’3″, 188, Owen Sound Attack, 09/10/2007)
Harry Nansi is a big, developing right-shot right wing standing 6’3″ and 185 pounds, playing for the Owen Sound Attack in the OHL. Born September 10, 2007, he is one of the younger players eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft and still early in his physical and on-ice development curve. A fourth-round pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Draft, Nansi’s 2024/25 season showed flashes of long-term upside, finishing with 7 goals, 23 points in 67 games, and averaging 14:07 TOI per game, while receiving secondary usage on both special teams (1:10 PP, 0:38 PK).
Statistically, Nansi’s game reflects a projectable framework rather than immediate results. He shows strong puck pursuit instincts (2.9 takeaways/game), solid retrieval numbers (1.26 puck recoveries after shots/game), and generates shot attempts (1.99 shots/game) at a rate that has room for offensive growth with more ice time and added responsibility. However, his puck battle success rate (47%), limited puck management (80% pass accuracy), and low scoring efficiency (9%) show areas that must improve to fulfill his potential.
Why Nansi Should Be Drafted
1) Size, Physical Tools, and Projectable Frame
At 6’3″, 185 pounds and still growing into his body, Nansi offers a highly desirable NHL frame with athleticism to build on. His size, reach, and skating base make him a high-upside project who can physically mature into an impact power-forward.
2) Strong Puck Pursuit and Defensive Awareness
Nansi consistently hunts pucks, recording 2.9 takeaways per game and engaging actively on the forecheck. His willingness to track and retrieve pucks gives him a potential future role as a heavy, north-south winger who can play in transition and disrupt plays.
3) Improving Offensive Touch and Confidence
While his 23 points are modest, Nansi steadily earned more minutes and trust from the Owen Sound coaching staff. His ability to generate 1.13 scoring chances per game and active shot generation (nearly 2 shots per game) show that his offensive instincts are beginning to surface.
4) Young Age Relative to Draft Class
Being one of the youngest players eligible, Nansi’s current production must be viewed through a developmental lens. His physical maturity, puck skills, and hockey sense are still evolving and likely to take a meaningful jump as he gains experience.
Why Nansi May Not Be Drafted
1) Inconsistent Puck Management and Decision-Making
Nansi’s 80% pass completion rate and low pre-shot passing numbers (0.74/game) reveal a player still learning to make clean plays under pressure. His puck decisions are often rushed or basic (not high percentage), limiting his effectiveness in sustained offensive sequences.
2) Low Puck Battle Efficiency for Size
Winning only 47% of his puck battles despite his 6’3″ frame is a red flag at the OHL level. He must learn to better leverage his size and strength to consistently win physical confrontations and maintain possession by lowering his hips and keeping his chest high throughout the battle.
3) Modest Offensive Finishing Ability
His 9% scoring-chance conversion rate and modest goal total (7) — he generates chances, but he currently struggles to finish plays. Shot release mechanics, accuracy, and strength improvements are critical for maximizing his offensive upside.
4) Limited Special Teams Impact
With just 1:10 on the power play and 0:38 on the penalty kill per game, Nansi has yet to earn a full-time role on either special team — next year in the OHL will be key for his long term development or else he currently projects more as a depth even-strength player.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: Bottom-six NHL winger with size and puck pursuit potential
Development Track: Two more seasons in the OHL with a focus on building strength, enhancing puck battle success, refining puck management under pressure, and improving finishing skills. Then 2–3 years in the AHL to develop consistency, physical play, and offensive puck management.
Draft Range: 6th–7th Round
Verdict: Nansi is a legitimate late-round option for teams seeking a long-term project with NHL frame, forechecking ability, and potential disruptive tools. While his game is currently raw, his size, youth, puck pursuit, and upward trajectory make him a player worth investing development time into, particularly for teams with strong AHL systems focused on skill and strength growth.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images