
Lucas Karmiris (C, R, 5’11”, 190, Brampton Steelheads, 09/27/2006)
Lucas Karmiris is a competitive two-way center who blends strong hockey sense with above-average puck skills and legitimate faceoff ability. He plays a straight-line game, built on pace, puck support, and offensive drive. While his size is average by NHL standards, his compact build and low center of gravity allow him to be difficult to knock off the puck. His skating is powerful in a North/South manner, and he supports play through all three zones. When healthy and confident, Karmiris looks like a middle-six NHL center with power play utility. However, an early-season injury and a notably ineffective playoff showing raise questions about his durability and ability to elevate when stakes rise.
Why Lucas Karmiris Should Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Excellent Faceoff Foundation
Karmiris boasts a 56% faceoff win rate, taking an average of 16 draws per game, which places him among the OHL’s most frequently utilized centers in the dot. He consistently manipulates opposing centers with clean technique, anticipation, strong hand placement and an understanding of who his opponent is.
2) Heavy, Direct North/South Game
He plays with pace through the neutral zone, driving possession and forcing defenders back with speed and intent. His net drive is a focal point — he attacks the slot with control and can force defenders into poor gap management. At his best, he’s a line-driving center who pushes tempo and plays fast with purpose.
3) High-End Chance Generation
Averages 1.71 Grade “A” scoring chances per game, well above average for OHL forwards. Despite missing 28 games, he produced 13 goals and 35 points in 40 games — a 0.875 points-per-game pace. His ability to generate high-danger looks both for himself and others stems from soft puck touches while in stride and a quick-release shot.
4) Smart PK Contributor
Karmiris was effective in short-handed minutes (1:33 SH TOI/game), showing responsible reads, good angles, and the ability to make 200′ clears. His puck anticipation (1.65 puck retrievals per game, 4.5 puck losses — manageable for a puck-dominant forward) highlights growing maturity in his two-way game.
5) Strong Post-Injury Return
He showed no fear after injury, jumping back into battles and taking contact willingly. His skating, pace, and touches were back to pre-injury form by the end of the regular season. His faceoff form remained elite after returning.
Why Lucas Karmiris Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Poor Playoff Performance
Karmiris went scoreless in six playoff games, finishing -5. His offensive confidence and puck execution plummeted, and he struggled to separate or adjust pace in a slower, more physical playoff environment. This raises flags on his ability to elevate his game against tighter, structured playoff defenses.
2) Lack of Lateral Deception and Change of Direction
Most of his rushes are direct and linear. While that works in junior, NHL defenders will easily angle him off or bait him into predictable routes. His below-average pre-shot pass rate (1.0/game) and lack of East-West deception make him easier to contain.
4) Underwhelming Physical Engagement for Frame
Despite being 190 lbs, he averages just 0.38 hits per game and wins only 43% of his puck battles — a troubling ratio for a center his size. He is far too often the target of hits rather than initiating contact. If he’s going to be a middle-six NHLer, he must elevate his battle intensity and willingness to initiate contact.
5) Sloppy Puck Execution and Play Support
His pass completion rate (84%) is below NHL projection standards for a center. When pressure increases — particularly in this playoffs — Karmiris has a tendency to throw pucks into traffic or delay too long. His 1.0 pre-shot pass rate is only average for a center and reinforces the lack of play-driving deception.
Projection and Outlook
Player Projection: Middle-six, two-way NHL center with bottom-six utility and power play depth potential.
Development Needs: Add deception and manipulation to offensive entries; increase physical engagement and play through contact more frequently; develop confidence handling pace under playoff-style pressure.
Draft Recommendation: 4th–5th Round Target
Karmiris has the traits of an NHL center — he’s competitive, responsible, and confident with the puck when healthy. He wins draws, gets to the middle of the ice, and can run a secondary power play unit. But he must find another gear in physicality and decision-making, particularly against better opponents in pressure situations. There’s enough foundation here to justify a mid-round pick, and if he develops pace manipulation and puck distribution, Karmiris could push his ceiling higher than initially expected.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images