An NHL draft year like no other

Brandt Clarke can't take his eyes off Erik Karlsson.

“If you're open and Karlsson turns for a second, he will hit you perfectly right on the tape,” Clarke said. “It's pretty remarkable. I'm kind of blown away and I'm just trying to not get embarrassed by them. It's a lesson for me, but I feel like I'm doing pretty good for myself.”

What Clarke, a defenceman with the Barrie Colts and a top prospect for the 2021 National Hockey League draft, is describing is a twice-a-week scrimmage at a suburban Ottawa rink with Nhlers such as Karlsson, Claude Giroux and Thomas Chabot.

Clarke is having a blast each time he steps on to the ice. Given a choice, however, it's not what the 17-year-old native of Nepean, Ont., would be doing.

Had this been a normal year, one which wasn't impacted in every avenue of life by the COVID-19 pandemic, Clarke would have been well into his second season with the Colts, trying to further cement among NHL scouts a positive impression that started last season when Clarke amassed 38 points in 57 games.

Clarke still might get that opportunity with the OHL'S plan to start a 40-game season on Feb. 4. But, with the pandemic firming its grip in North America, there's no guarantee of the abbreviated OHL season beginning as scheduled. A spot for Clarke on a team in Sweden fell through a few weeks ago. He hasn't played in a game since March 11.

The situation is especially urgent for those players, such as Clarke, in their draft year. While a lack of games likely won't cause Clarke to fall in the rankings, he wants to keep on top of his development. He's six foot two, having grown an inch since last season, and closer to 190 pounds after finishing last year around 175.

“I would rather be in my league right now and playing with my team and being with my friends,” Clarke said.

Another draft-eligible player, defenceman Logan Mailloux, figured he would have been well into his first full year with the London Knights following a fine 2019-20 season with the Jr. B London Nationals. Instead, Mailloux was idle until he managed to get a spot with SK Lejon in Hockeyettan, Sweden's third professional division, until the OHL resumes.