Tanner Lam (RW, R, 5’9″, 156, Kitchener Rangers, 07/17/2007)
Tanner Lam is a 5’9″, 155-pound right-shot right wing playing for the Kitchener Rangers in the OHL. In 67 games this season, the 2007-born forward recorded 13 goals, 40 assists, and 53 points with a +18 rating. He averaged 16:13 TOI, including 2:08 on the power play and 0:02 short-handed. Despite his smaller frame relative to league and NHL-level standards, Lam consistently impacted games with his offensive awareness, quick processing, and ability to generate clean looks for teammates.
Statistical Profile
Lam’s single-game averages include 2.8 shots, 1.65 scoring chances, and 0.98 takeaways per game. He averaged 11 puck battles per game with a 39% win rate and completed passes at an 81% rate. He drew more penalties (0.52) than he took and blocked 0.35 shots per game. While not physically imposing (0.31 hits per game), He is not a liability on the defensive side (+18). His 6 puck losses per game are within range for a high-touch forward, and his offensive zone time (7:39 per game) confirms his usage pattern as a creative play-driving winger.
Reasons to Draft
Lam’s high hockey IQ, fast hands, and spatial awareness stand out. He regularly finds soft spots in defensive coverage and demonstrates the ability to make touch passes and controlled area plays in traffic. His poise under pressure and his efficiency as a secondary power play facilitator are assets. He completes 81% (below average for an undersized offensively minded player) of his passes and has shown the ability to attack with pace and deception, maintaining puck possession while scanning for options. His quick processing and vision—particularly on delayed plays or low-slot seam passes—are translatable skills. His motor is consistent, and he can create offense without needing space tailored to his size.
Reasons Not to Draft
At 5’9″, 155 pounds, Lam is undersized even by junior standards. He lacks physical presence (0.08 hits per game) and wins only 39% of his 50/50 puck battles. He has trouble creating separation or regaining possession in contested areas. His defensive game needs improvement; he tends to drift toward offense and can lose structure during coverage. His straight-line skating lacks power due to glide inefficiency, and while his edgework is effective in small areas, his ability to separate at the next level will depend on offseason gains in lower body strength and explosiveness.
Projection
Lam projects as a potential middle-six playmaking winger at the professional level if he can improve his physical strength and continue developing as a two-way player. His offensive IQ, passing touch, and ability to read off teammates give him a clear path to value in skill-based systems, particularly on a secondary power play unit.
Draft Recommendation
7th round / Priority Free Agent Watch
Draft Lam in the 7th round if your organization prioritizes high-skill, high-IQ prospects with developmental upside. He needs time and targeted strength development, but the offensive tools and hockey sense are strong enough to warrant investment. A two-year CHL progression, followed by two-year window in an NCAA environment should be expected before pro projection clarity emerges.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images