OHL Prospect Profile: Dylan Hudon

– Dylan Hudon –

Guelph Jr. Gryphons (SCTA) | Centre/LW | 2019 OHL Draft Eligible

Ontario, Canada | 5-foot-7, 150-pounds | 2003-born

Although his personal point totals from the 2018-19 SCTA season weren’t necessarily overwhelming, Dylan Hudon of the Guelph Jr. Gryphons stands as a potent offensive player ahead of the 2019 OHL Draft.

Despite his diminutive size, Hudon is a tireless skater who brings energy and an unwavering work ethic to the ice on a nightly basis. A strong passer as well as player who can score goals, Hudon drives the pace of play while in possession of the puck and can keep opposing defenders on their toes owing to his speed and overall crafty nature.

Strengths:

Skating Speed and Agility
Pace Dictation
Offensive Creativity
Work Ethic

As mentioned above, Hudon is a tireless skater – his engine rarely ceases to relent. It is this speed upon which Hudon’s game is founded, as the youngster can blaze his way through the neutral zone and dart into the offensive end before establishing a well-conceived attack. Once set in the attacking zone, Hudon will utilize his quick feet and agility in order to keep opposing defenders guessing.

Related: 2019 OHL Draft Rankings

It is this ability to dictate the pace of play which makes Hudon such a valuable component of his team’s attack. Owing to his creativity and endless work-ethic, Hudon can directly influence the play each and every time he takes to the ice and is consistent in his ability to do so. Now, while his offensive output wasn’t sparkling with the Jr. Gryphons, Hudon’s skill set should translate well at the next-level where speed and skill are at the forefront of today’s game.

Weaknesses:

Shot Power
Skating Balance
Personal Strength

While he is no stranger to scoring goals, Hudon would do well to improve to velocity of his shot in the coming years. Although accurate, adding greater power to his shot would make Hudon a far more versatile offensive threat, as opposing defenders would be forced to respect Hudon’s ability to pass the puck as well as shoot it.

Alongside improvements related to Hudon’s shot, there is the youngster’s balance on his skates. Due to his stature, Hudon can be knocked off of the puck and his feet at times and would be well served to focus on strengthening his lower body in the days ahead in the weight room. However, it goes without saying that Hudon’s personal strength will improve with time – at such a young age, Hudon like most continues to fill out his frame.

Future Potential:

Ultimately, Hudon has the skill set necessary to develop into a lightning-quick and lethal offensive player. While he may not play in the OHL next season, Hudon could certainly arrive at the major-junior level in the years ahead once he has added greater size and strength to his frame.

In short, there is a great deal to like with respect to Hudon’s game. As a natural playmaker who can dictate the pace of play, the OHL franchise which selects him could be in store for a pleasant surprise.