Tyler Hopkins (C, L, 6’1″, 179, Kingston Frontenacs, 01/23/2007)
Tyler Hopkins is a left-shot center with a well-rounded foundation and a high floor as a two-way, support-style forward. His size is pro-average, his hockey sense stands out in both the offensive and defensive zones, and he has been leaned on heavily in Kingston in all situations. While his point production doesn’t leap off the page, the underlying traits—defensive awareness, transition efficiency, inside-lane routes, and consistent compete level—make him a legitimate candidate to be an National League center. However, skating inefficiencies, inconsistent physical engagement, and play-driving limitations at the U18 international level currently temper his upside projection.
Why Hopkins Should Be Drafted
- Strong Positional Habits, Especially Away from the Puck
Hopkins is a coach-trusting center who supports well in all three zones. He shows intelligent spatial awareness and reads developing pressure well. His OHL averages of 2:10 SH TOI/game, 2:01 PP TOI/game, and consistent faceoff usage (14 draws/game at 49%) highlight a player his coach leans on in key moments. He grades positively in lane awareness, defensive anticipation, and transition positioning. These project to bottom-six utility value in pro hockey. - Size, Strength, and Foundation of a Power Forward
At 6’1”, 180 lbs, Hopkins has room to add mass and plays a straight-line game that uses body positioning and leverage well. He absorbs contact cleanly, maintains balance under pressure, and has shown flashes of explosiveness off the wall and through the middle. He averaged 1.67 grade “A” chances/game and finished 51 points in 67 games while averaging nearly 19 minutes a night. - Consistency, Intelligence, and Maturity Beyond His Age
Hopkins carries himself like a leader and competes with a detail-oriented mindset. He plays a mature 200-foot game, doesn’t take penalties (only 18 PIMs in 67 games), and contributes both as a puck carrier and as a second-wave offensive support player. His ability to adapt to roles (PP, PK, faceoffs, shutdown) is a major asset in projecting long-term NHL usability.
Why Hopkins Should Not Be Drafted (Yet)
- Skating Mechanics Need Significant Work
Hopkins’ stride needs to be more efficient and lacks power extension, which impacts both his separation speed and ability to recover in transition. He shows below-average cross-under integration, requiring frequent stride recovery and limiting his lateral acceleration. While he plays at “pace,” his skating will need to be a development focus if he’s going to maintain NHL tempo. - Inconsistent Physical Engagement for His Frame
Though he has size and strength tools, Hopkins wins only 47% of puck battles in the OHL and just 43% while representing Canada internationally. Despite playing center and taking 14 faceoffs/game, his retrieval numbers (1.59 loose puck recoveries/game) are adequate, but we feel his net-front assertiveness leaves room for improvement. He’s not shy, but he needs to win battles in heavy areas more consistently. - Modest Offensive Ceiling
While Hopkins plays with intelligence, his 64 total points in 126 total OHL games show us that at the OHL level he has not driven the offense with the same consistency he did at lower levels that led him to be drafted 4th overall in the2023 priority draft . He averaged just 2.3 SOG/game, and his 12% scoring chance conversion rate indicates that he’s not a primary threat offensively. His 5 points in 8 games at U17s and 1 point each at the U18 Worlds and Hlinka hint at role-player status while playing with and against elite peers.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection:
Bottom-six, support-style center with penalty kill upside and leadership intangibles. Developmental curve will depend on skating gains and improved wall play. Floor projects as an AHL contributor and leader, with upside as a reliable bottom-six NHLer/PK specialist with secondary offense.
Draft Grade:
Mid to Late Round (5th–7th) | High-character, coach-trusting center who will make a pro impact through effort, detail, and system trust.
Development Plan:
Focused skating development—particularly stride extension, edge work, and lateral quickness.
Strength and power development to improve puck battle win rate and wall presence.
Encouragement to maintain offensive assertiveness and develop a quicker release in high-danger areas.
Verdict:
Hopkins is not a flashy or high-octane prospect, but his steadiness, maturity, and well-rounded game make him a viable NHL draft pick for organizations prioritizing structure, reliability, and two-way commitment. If he can elevate his feet and physicality, he has real utility value in pro hockey.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images