Henry’s freshman year at Michigan came to an abrupt end in November when he suffered a season-ending ACL injury just ten games in. He had nine assists in that stretch, though largely against weaker competition, and was beginning to show signs of rounding out his game before going down. The jump to the NCAA was always about adding defensive structure to an offensive toolkit that produced 82 points in 68 OHL games last year, and that development will have to wait until next season. Still very much a long-term project for Calgary, who have the luxury of patience given the depth of their defensive prospect pool. Worth holding in dynasty leagues but don’t expect movement on his timeline anytime soon.

Henry Mews, selected 74th overall by the Calgary Flames in 2024, has continued to refine his game as a mobile, puck-moving defenseman. His 2024-25 OHL season was split between the Ottawa 67’s and the Sudbury Wolves, where he put up a combined 82 points in 68 games, along with two points in four playoff games. He is committed to the Michigan Wolverines for the upcoming season, a league where the Flames hope he will receive more reps and develop well over the next year or two, eventually leading to the NHL. The jump to the NCAA should offer older, more physically mature opponents for Mews, aiding his development on both ends of the ice. Mews participated in Hockey Canada’s World Junior Summer Showcase Camp over the summer and played top four minutes alongside Kashawn Aitcheson, a 2025 first-rounder by the Islanders. Mews played well in the Canadian intersquad games but had some miscues in the regular tournament games, posting 3 assists over the five games.

Mews, the Sudbury Wolves defenseman, has committed to the Michigan Wolverines starting in the 2025-26 season. He is the first Canadian Hockey League player to commit to Michigan since the NCAA made Canadian Hockey League players eligible for Division I hockey in November 2024.

Mews was selected 74th overall by the Flames.

DRAFTPRO – 2024 7-ROUND CONTRIBUTOR MOCK DRAFT

23. Toronto Maple Leafs – Henry Mews, D, Ottawa 67’s (OHL) SUMMARY: The Leafs are looking to improve their defensive prospect pool, lacking a true offensive defensemen in the pipeline. After the playoffs this year it was evident that the team needs more puck-moving defensemen. Mews can check that box and can bring a lot more for the club. He finished the season just under a point-per-game player as a defensemen. His playmaking and passing ability are one of the highlights of his game. He has excellent vision and is a great powerplay quarterback. He is a player who can come in a few years and give a big offensive boost to the blue line while also providing defensive stability. – Zach Morris

DRAFTPRO – 2024 IIHF U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW – CANADA

Paired with Ottawa 67’s teammate Henry Mews. Marrelli was a key piece on Canada’s backend who all played an excellent tournament. The defensive pairings on this Canadian roster, you could pick and choose who stood out to you and make a case for every player but Marrelli was a player who really stood out defensively in the tournament. Marrelli accepted his role of shut down duties as one of Canada’s defensive defenceman. Marrelli was excellent in his own zone occupying skating lanes pushing opponents to take further lanes to the puck. Marrelli was dependent upon on the penalty kill and shutting down the opposition’s best players. Marrelli maintained excellent gap control, eliminating his man from the play at the blue line by using perfectly timed stick checks and physical play. There were instances when Marrelli and his partner needed to play closer together to close down the middle of the ice, the pairing got burned a few times by opponents using speed to split through the pair for a breakaway. Marrelli was smart with his decisions when pinch in the offensive zone, he was rewarded with his lone assist of the tournament for his efforts on a pinched play against Sweden in the semi-final. Marrelli managed puck retrievals well and made smart passing decisions on zone exits. Marrelli inherited physicality well, he committed to blocking shots consistently, he boxed out opponents in front of the net and provided support for his partner along the wall. When it came to defending one-on-one situations against highly skilled, elite goal scoring forwards like USA forward Cole Eiserman, Marrelli played physical, using his body and strength to separate his man from and puck, completely eliminating them from the play. Marrelli was great with puck protection along the boards, shielding the puck with his body allowing no chance for his opponent to win back the puck. Marrelli was correctly pinning his opponent to the boards through proper body positioning, not allowing his opponent to escape with the puck. Marrelli was a key piece in Canada’s defensive core in the tournament.

#4 D Harrison Brunicke, Kamloops (WHL), 6’3” 187 R. 08-05-2006

Brunicke was another standout on Canada’s blueline for his defensive efforts throughout the tournament. A tall right-handed shot defensive-defenceman Brunicke performed well to everything that is expected from a defensive-defenceman. Brunicke played an important role on Canada’s penalty kill, often paired with Frankie Marrelli on the penalty kill. Brunicke was quick to close the gap on his opponents, eliminating their time and space forcing turnovers or dump-in. Brunicke managed puck retrievals well, made smart passes to teammates and utilized his stick to knock pucks loose and obstruct passing lanes. The physical aspects noticeable in his game was how he used his strength to spin out his opponents, altering their momentum and direction effectively removing them out of the play. Brunicke was a committed shot blocker and boxed out opponents, clearing the front of the net. For a defenceman that played a more defensive role, Brunicke achieved four points in the tournament with one goal and three assists and led the Canadian defence with a +11 rating.

#5 D Henry Mews, Ottawa (OHL), 6’0” 185 R. 09-03-2006

Mews was the catalyst offensively on Canada’s blueline activating in on the rush and contributing offensively. Paired up with his Ottawa 67’s teammate, Frankie Marrelli, Mews served as another passing option for his partner during breakouts. The 67’s defence pair worked well together, building on their chemistry and understanding each other’s playing habits. Marrelli plays more defensively and prefers to move the puck, Mews plays more offensively, preferring to carry the puck more often and quarterback the offence from the blueline. Watching Mews play, he would leave you amazed with his decision making, for example, he baited forwards in to come pressure him in the corner below his own goal-line, once they committed to pressuring, he opened up his skating gait and used his edges to twist and turn his opponents around and break free, carrying the puck out of the zone. His skating agility is certainly impressive but the risks he would take in the defensive zone could easily cause negative consequences if the risk does not pay off. He played well defensively overall. He did not give up too much space after activating into the play. He was able to recover back defensively through his skating. He made smooth passes consistently. Mews finished with the most points on the Canadian blueline with 7 points, 2 goals and 5 assists, in the tournament.

MY CHL TPG JOURNEY

After Team Red’s interview scrums were complete, I went into the stands from below and was admiring the special structure of Avenir Center. While walking towards the location I wanted to go view Team White’s testing, one player near the glass on the left-hand side of the players bench tried to get his attention. At the corner of my eye is when I started noticing it. I looked, and he realized that my good friend Henry Mews from the Ottawa 67’s was showing his excitement of my arrival. My only response was that I pointed my hand to the ice signifying to him to focus at maximum energy. After an amazing performance in the weaving category for the 67’s quarterback defenseman, interviews came along now for Team White. The interviews that I completed were Liam Greentree, Henry Mews, Tij Iginla, and Berkly Catton. Everything went smoothly as great discussions were spoken between all but most importantly, Henry finally expressed to me on him being surprised that I actually made the commute. Hank and I spoke outside of the media for a good 5-10 minutes just about their excitement of participating at the event in their own particular ways. However, in a joking way, I asked why he was nodding at me while Henry should have focused on the ice and Henry seemed kind of clueless due to his jokester like character at times. Mews’ answer, “I don’t know, what the heck was I supposed to do?” in his laughing state. After the catch up, we planned to meet after the closely competitive game ended.

Day 2 finally comes, still major excitement shown from the young scout as he heads to the arena for 9am. Prospect’s game day is a day that I will never forget due to the connections made and remembrance of those who previously connected with me. The 1st person who comes along that remembered me is Calgary Flames General Manager Craig Conroy. We truly connected for a quite a bit of time to the point it was nearly 2 hours from the whole trip from the Wednesday and the Thursday in the airport. The first connecting was during Team White’s practice for around 15-20 minutes. Another positive was that Mr. Conroy was kind enough to share me his email and reach out to Craig after the trade deadline. As Team White’s practice was completed, it came time for the 2nd round of interviews. The first two I interviewed on Team White were Lukas Fischer as well as the flashy puck handling Beckett Sennecke. Lukas, son of former Detroit Red Wings Jiri, took tremendous pride in his father’s advice he was given. Beckett’s case, he shows tremendous pride and passion in learning from Avalanche 2023 1st round pick Calum Ritchie while playing on his wing through the season.

The following session comes which involves Team Red’s practice, I was truly impressed by the playing style of Brandon Wheat Kings Charlie Elick, as well as the steady two-way game of Oshawa General’s defenseman Ben Danford. When it came to the forwards, my eyes got locked onto one player due to the incredible versatility he thought he seen. That was Everett’s Flying Fin in Julius Miettinen. Luckily enough, those were the three players I got to interview which by every interview, he was amazed of their character in many ways. Julius’ resilience in not quitting during a hard transition from Finland to North America, Ben’s excitement in playing against his two teammates from Oshawa, and Charlie Elick’s poise while facing his Hlinka Gretzky teammates. Once the practice scrums were complete, it was finally time to look forward to the CHL Top Prospects Game.

Moments in between were completing scouting work, schoolwork, as well as myself visualizing in the stands just on my love for the game of hockey. Unique moments were also reconnecting with TSN’s Director of Scouting Craig Button after originally meeting him at the 2023 NHL Draft in Nashville. The minor curveball that was thrown to me was that a relative of mine, Martin Madden Jr of the Anaheim Ducks, was not in Moncton for the event, however, this was no set back at all means. When 4:45 hit, many familiar faces suddenly remembered me quite well. Martin Lapointe and I reconnected for a great period of time. Boston Bruins’ General Manager Don Sweeney was pleasantly surprised after he saw me, and he took a quick 5 minutes to check up on how I was doing. The one that hit me the most at that moment was the hockey player that got me into the game I love most. That was Boston Bruins’ Assistant General Manager Jamie Langenbrunner. In short sum up, Jamie Langenbrunner is a former NHL star for the Dallas Stars, and the New Jersey Devils in which he won a cup with both teams. The Minnesota native actually noticed me way earlier and decided to go greet me without calling his name. What even surprised me most as well was that he was not as serious as I thought he would be. We both spoke about what we were doing in Moncton, who we were looking when it came to players, as well as life in general. Our conversation lasted for around 30 minutes and a bonus as well was that Jamie was kind enough to share me his contact information when it comes to learning from the best of the best. The fun part is that I am having a call with him before the trade deadline.

Moments later, I ran into Toronto Maple Leafs Director of Player Personnel and Scouting Wes Clark in the corridor of Avenir Center. What an unbelievable man he is with his analytical mind. After going high up in the crowd, I noticed a man with short hair wearing similar glasses. As soon as he turned to come up the stairs, I recognized that it was my childhood hockey hero of becoming an NHL general manager. It was Detroit Red Wings Hockey Hall of Famer and General Manager, Steve Yzerman. Without an instance, I couldn’t dare to not meet the wise and patient manager. As soon as I ran down the stairs to where he was sitting, I decided to greet the man who I was waiting to meet for my whole life, yet I seemed unsure of myself. At this moment, it was at this moment where my soul started to really open up as I felt I was the most whole in my life after the painful years I went through. My conversation with Steve lasted for 5-10 minutes but it wasn’t the quantity of time in which it lasted, but it was certainly the quality, as not only Yzerman received my business card, but most importantly, a historic picture was taken which will never be forgotten in my life.

Following to the special meet, Assistant GM and Director of Scouting Kris Draper even recognized me and had a 2–3-minute discussion. Wade Klippenstein came along as well and had a great discussion me by asking me who caught my attention throughout the testing, character and practice as we reconnected from the previous drafts. And then round 2 of Craig Conroy hit which that lasted for nearly 30-35 minutes. Conroy and I showed tremendous interest in the skill/power game of Liam Greentree in the way he releases the puck. At the end of the game, it couldn’t have been scripted any better as I reconnected at the end with Mr. Yzerman for a short minute. When it came to the ending interviews, my best interviews were saved for last as not only he got to connect with OHL star goaltender Carter George as well as reconnecting with his Ottawa connection in Henry Mews.

2024 CHL KUBOTA TOP PROSPECTS GAME REVIEW

In this article, we will be reviewing players from this event from all leagues and positions. From the QMJHL, Maxim Massé and Raoul Boilard have truly risen to the occasion physically and mentally. From the OHL, rising stars Liam Greentree, Beckett Sennecke, Sam Dickinson, Zayne Parekh, as well as Henry Mews have truly displayed their reasons why they deserve top be 1st round draft picks. From the WHL, the formidable faces Tij Iginla, Berkly Catton, Charlie Elick, and many more from the CHL will be highlighted due to their impressive display.

Starting from the QMJHL, we have Chicoutimi star forward Maxim Massé. The goal scoring power-forward is on pace to have a 30-goal season while having a physical net-front presence. When it came to the on-ice testing, even though he may have not had the most outstanding performance, he truly displayed his acceleration in the 30M Forward Skate by earning himself 3rd place with a time of 4.063 seconds. This test truly correlated to him having excellent long strides which created maximum acceleration. When it came to his performance for Team Red, he truly showed why he truly can be havoc in front of the net for Team White’s Carter George and Dawson Cowan. Even though he did not score, he truly showcased his lethal and heavy shot as he made the goaltenders make very difficult saves. What he will need to work on is his stickwork as he did take a tripping penalty in which that has been a major theme of his season. Even though there are some inconsistencies in his defensive game, NHL teams should not look away to what he brings offensively and physically.

When it comes to major risers from the QMJHL draft class, Raoul Boilard of Drakkar truly showcased an unforgettable performance in the Top Prospects Game and testing. Boilard had a point on all 3 goals for Team Red in which he scored a crucial game winning goal by crashing the net, as well as an empty net goal. His play truly showcased why he is seen to have high offensive IQ as he can cause havoc for any player in any situation. Even though he is not a big player, he is for sure one of the fistier players on the ice as he truly shows a desire to win as it was seen on one of his goals against Spokane Chiefs goaltender Dawson Cowan. What he will need to work on is to build more muscle so he can be more stable on his feet, which will help him improve his agility in the future.

Speaking of chaos, this translates to one of the goaltenders who faces it on a daily basis in the OHL. That is Owen Sound Attack goaltender Carter George. When it comes to really keeping his composure in chaotic moments, George shows great poise as he does not scramble all over the place, which for a goaltender is a very positive attribute. During his play, he stopped 10 of the 11 shots he faced in which the goal he gave up, was a very difficult one-timer from Ben Danford of Team Red. He displayed great flexibility and most importantly, he displayed great focus which he was not very distracted, even when there was a lot of traffic in front of him. When it comes to showing improvement, an aspect could be that he could improve his foot speed at getting to post to post in order to become stronger at stopping the very difficult cross crease shots.

One of the true bright spots of Team White from the OHL is Windsor Spitfires captain Liam Greentree. When it comes to having size and special puck skills, Liam truly showcased it throughout the season, as well as showcasing it in the Top Prospects Game. When it came to the reaction tests by selecting lanes in milliseconds, Liam earned himself 4th place which is very impressive. This shows that he has excellent decision making and instant reaction time which truly shows in his timing at making big plays. When it comes to unique playstyles, for a bigger player, Greentree is one of the silkier and more creative players with the puck which makes it very challenging for the opponent due to his reach and active mind. Not to mention, Greentree was the one who scored for Team White due to his excellent release. If it was not for Liam Greentree, “Ordinary Day” would not have played during the prospects event. When it comes to signs of weakness, the main aspect that Liam will have to work on will be his agility and lateral movement in his skating. Yes, he is a bigger guy which is normal for a player like him to be slower at, but it is something that he can work on throughout the season to be even more effective.

Heading into one of the shining stars from the Western Hockey League is Team White MVP Tij Iginla. Unlike his father Jarome, Tij truly showcased his incredible skating ability. Even though may not have displayed it in the on-ice testing, Tij truly displayed it during practice which his smooth and fast transitioning abilities as well as his excellent speed while turning and doing his crossovers. Even though he may not have gotten a point in a very tightly defensive game, he absolutely generated quite the offense due to his excellent wrist shot from the top of the hashmarks. What makes him so dangerous as well as that with the combination of his amazing shot as well as his relatively fast hands, he truly displays his offensive awareness as he not only understands where the puck is going to be, but he understands how to make himself open quite often in spots where defenders aren’t keeping a close eye on. A weakness that could be worked on could be that he would need to gain some strength in order to enter the physicality level of his player type, as well as becoming a bit more active in the defensive end which he can play a bit too low, leaving the goaltender wide open.

Speaking of tightly defensive game, Sam Dickinson truly was the superstar defenseman of Team Red all around as the most important aspects needed from a defenseman, he displayed it consistently. A player at 6 foot 3, 200 pounds at 17 years old, he is considered to be one of the better skaters in this draft class at his size. When it came to the on-ice testing, Sam came 2nd overall out of the 36 players who have completed the testing which truly displays his incredible skating ability in both directions. When it came to his game performance, he truly displayed his great passing ability as he connected many long stretch passes. When it came to gap control, he was probably the best defenseman in the whole game when it came to stopping the opposing rushes. His underrated shot was truly displayed as well as when he seemed like he was just feathering them for deflections, they had a lot of power to them. At the end of the day, what you gain in Sam Dickinson is a mega package who is truly versatile in all situations. The minor concern in which he will need to work on is getting rid of the puck quicker as he may hold the puck for a tad too long which causes turnovers.

Following up on the loaded defensive prospects on Team Red is Oshawa Generals’ blueline Ben Danford. When it came to sparking secondary offense, he absolutely lighted the lamp with his heavy one-timer that beat Carter George. When it came to the on-ice testing, he displayed great acceleration with and without the puck due to his excellent long strides. Even though many beat him in the agility category, he still displayed great transitioning and momentum. When it comes to demonstrating a complete 200ft game, Ben showed exactly how he can turn defense into offense as he displayed great stickwork and gap control. When Team White created their fast rushes, Ben did an excellent job at turning those rushes into pretzels. On the offensive side, Ben truly displayed his great positional awareness on the ice as he was excellent at providing support to his wingers so he could bump the puck more to either direction. When it comes to finding an aspect of him improving his game, even though his skating is at a high level, his lateral movement while stopping the rushes can get him at a misbalance. Otherwise, it would him getting stronger and wanting to throw more checks.

Transitioning back to Team White’s stars, captain Berkly Catton displayed an incredibly fast paced game at both ends of the ice. Berkly in the on-ice testing showed why he was one of the best at transitioning from forward to reverse and vice versa. This is because of his excellent footwork as well as his full intensity to perfect every stride. When it came to his on-ice performance, he was a major catalyst for Team White when it came to creating offense. He is one of the best at cycling the puck in the offensive zone due to his excellent offensive and positional awareness, but most importantly, this is where his skating was truly displayed. Even though his shot is very good, this wouldn’t be considered his WOW factor as he is truly known for his playmaking and puck handling abilities. Similar to Jack Hughes, the main aspect that he will need to improve in order to be that potential 1st line centerman would absolutely build a lot of muscle in order to be stronger on the puck, but most importantly, for his checks to become effective. When it came to his defensive ability, even though he played the center position well defensively, he can improve his work on faceoffs and be willing to sacrifice a bit more by blocking shots.

Back to the blueliners, one who truly surprised many when it came to his physicality is Ottawa 67’s superstar defenseman Henry Mews. The hometown native truly displayed why he is considered to be one of the smoother skating offensive defensemen of this draft class. In the on-ice testing, Henry earned himself 1st place in both transitioning drills as well as 3rd in the weave agility test. While performing each test, he truly showcased in each crossover he made that there was not one stint that was choppy to the point where it resembled a synchronized orchestra. When it came to on-ice play, even though he did not display any flash to his game, he absolutely showed consistency with the puck due to his excellent offensive mind as well as his poise by keeping calm under pressure. When it came to his physicality, he is displaying that his work ethic by gaining more strength is paying off as he threw many effective checks, one of them open ice on Saginaw Spirit defenseman Zayne Parekh. When it comes to showing possible improvement in his game is that there are stills stints here and there that his gap control is miscalculated even though he has been improving it throughout the season.

2024 NHL ENTRY DRAFT – DRAFTPRO’S FIRST GLANCE AT THE OHL

Next up we have one of the draft’s top defensemen, Henry Mews from the Ottawa 67s. Playing on a stacked team, Mews has a lot of excitement surrounding him this year. Despite playing with a lot of competition on his team, Mews has been able to impress with the ice time he did have. With key defensemen leaving the 67s this year, such as Jack Matier, Anthony Constantini, and Pavel Mintyukov, Henry Mews is going to need to step up in order to keep the Ottawa 67s a threatening playoff team again this year.

“Lots of greatness in Mews game. An all-around defenseman who you just want and need on your team. Great puck movement and an excellent shot in Mews game. He’s a guy coaches can rely on in all situations.” adds Jordan Greenburg, OHL scout with DraftPro Hockey.

As of right now, Mews is looking like a first rounder. And if he can bring the 67s playoff success this season, then don’t be surprised hearing Mews’ name sooner rather than later on draft day.

From the Windsor Spitfires, Liam Greentree is going to need to shoulder quite the workload with Shane Wright and Matthew Maggio leaving the Spitfire’s offensive core. While also playing for a *projected* weaker team than the 67s or Generals, the 6’2” Greentree has a wonderful opportunity to showcase his skills. And also, a lot of expectations from fans, coaches, and scouts alike. Last season, he made a considerable impact by putting up 20 goals, 25 assists, for 45 points. Greentree was also good enough to make it to the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, where he scored 1 assist, and helped bring gold to Canada.

“Greentree is a big skilled winger. He has an NHL-ready shot and some prolific offensive instincts that are hard to handle with his size in the offensive zone.” Says Carson Klein of DraftPro when asked.

He’s going to need a sizeable increase in his point totals, as well as showcase that he’s a player who can drive the ship. If all things line up for Greentree, then a first-round appearance could be very likely.

Next, we have the ever-so hyped, Sam Dickinson playing for the London Knights, who pump out names like John Tavares, Matthew Tkachuk, Mitch Marner and so much more that it’s almost offensive. Joining a alumni rank such as that can’t be easy to ignore for a kid, but Dickinson is proving to be more than capable. He’s largely considered to be a top-ranking prospect this season. An easy first rounder, and early.

“Sam uses his crossovers and quick strides to generate speed. He can create separation in the defensive zone when leading the rush and gain a step when coming back on defense. He also has a good defensive stick; he is constantly on his opponents trying to steal the puck.” Noted Zach Morris of DraftPro.

Last year, the Knights provided to first rounders in Oliver Bonk and Easton Cowan. Oliver Bonk is returning this season, giving Dickinson some solid defensive back up. And with many more drafted players coming back to London, Sam Dickinson has the team to showcase his talents. In other words, it’s his season to lose.

To close out the OHL introduction, we have Zayne Parekh playing defense for the Saginaw Spirit, Parekh has developed a lot of credentials as a rookie defenseman. He was on the OHL first rookie roster, the CHL rookie roster, and the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup roster. Like Henry Mews, Zayne Parekh is looking to fill in the defensive shoes of his team as teammates either moved to the big leagues or aged out of the OHL. And also, like Henry Mews, Pavel Mintyukov is one of those star defensemen leaving a slot open.

“Parekh had a rough first month to his OHL rookie season. The narrative changed when he was invited to play for Canada at the World U17 Hockey Challenge in November 2022, he was able to make the transition to junior hockey much smoother and found confidence in his game. Parekh is an offensive minded defenseman who can quarterback a power play and can put the puck in the net.” said Liam Staples of DraftPro Hockey.

Another DraftPro evaluator Steven Pratas added this. “Zayne is a dynamic offensive defenseman who directs play from his own goal. His breakout puck decision making skills are exceptional, as he often tends to bring the puck through the neutral zone as a winger would. His awareness and puck skills has given him the ability to quarterback Saginaw’s powerplay. Let’s not forget his shooting ability which helped him rack up 21 goals last year which is a new OHL record for most goals scored by a U17 defender. Overall, he is assertive on both ends of the ice, but his defensive capabilities may continue to be a concern in his upcoming draft season.”

What else is there to say about Zayne Parekh? He’s an offensive defenseman who shoots first. 21 goals was highly impressive for a rookie defenseman. And it’s likely he will be a top goal scorer for all defensemen in the OHL. His final draft position will depend on just how much he can balance the offense and defense in his position. While the offensive defensemen has become more and more common recently, it is never a good idea to become an absent defensive presence.

As the OHL season is underway, we can already see these players playing up to their projected hype. 2023’s draft class was considered a slow year for defensemen, but if these five players can showcase anything to predict in 2024’s draft class, it’s that this is the year for defensemen to shine and for NHL clubs to clamor for the rights to sign these future stars. Henry Mews, Sam Dickinson, and Zayne Parekh all have something special to offer, and just who will be picked first is going to be a heated debate all season.

2024 NHL DRAFT FALL RANKINGS

In 2023 there was a dearth in high-end defenders available but that is the opposite case in 2024 as there are a ton of highly regarded two-way, puck-moving, big defensive prospects such as Sam Dickinson, Henry Mews, Artyom Levshunov, and Adam Jiricek.

2024 NHL DRAFT – DRAFTPRO 2023 SUMMER INTERNATIONAL EVENT REVIEW

Henry Mews, D, Canada, 6”, 180, R, 2024 NHL Draft eligible. Mews was one of the most attack minded defensemen of the Canadian team. Every time he lugs the puck, he looks like he’s gliding on water. An agile, smooth skating offensive defenseman with very good passing abilities. Blessed with a lot of offensive confidence, Henry displays tremendous poise handling the puck under pressure followed by precise execution of his plays as it shows in his smooth hands. He is very good at bringing his opponents near him and dishing the sauce back the other way calmly or even escapes with the puck the other way. In-game reads, anticipation is very good offensively. His ability to visualize the oncoming pressure and then fake the opposition into going one way as he exits the other way is truly fascinating. – Tyler Ballesteros-Willard

It was a significant loss for the Wolves, as Mews was acquired from the Ottawa 67s at the OHL trade deadline in January. He was expected to be heavily relied upon in Sudbury during the 2025-26 campaign. A highly skilled offensive defenseman with excellent skating ability, great vision, and puck-moving skills. His long-term outlook and development will only benefit from a new challenge at the NCAA level, where he will face bigger, stronger, and more physically mature opponents.

April 2024Mews is an interesting case study. He’s an offensively tilted defenseman playing in a conservative defensive structure in Ottawa. Despite the system, Mews produced at nearly a point-per-game pace this season, mainly due to effective puck movement and passing. The big question with Mews will be how much offense there actually is in his game, and can he extract that offensive potential in the higher leagues ahead? If he can, he’s likely worthy of a 1st round pick. If he can’t, his path to the NHL is a bit cloudier as he has just okay size and competitive level, but struggles defensively. If he hits, expect a power play contributor and a puck-moving player. Jordan Harris

February 2024 Earlier in the season, our thoughts on Mews were mixed, and they remain the same for our mid-season rankings. Mews is a very effective passer who can move pucks up the ice and set up teammates on the offensive end. His skating and shooting are above average, and he also has excellent hands. Given his tools, you’d think he would generate offense more in line with players like Parekh and Buium, but he isn’t. He seems hesitant to activate at teams, opting instead for a safer mission. Some scouts at Dobber believe this could result from playing within an Ottawa system that doesn’t lend itself to much risk-taking. Given this perspective, it’s hard to gauge what the offensive upside is with Mews as it currently doesn’t match the skillset. On the back end, it’s been a mixed bag. Mews can struggle in his zone and look overmatched, especially under pressure. This leads to turnovers or an inability to exit the defensive zone. If the offense is better than what he’s shown, then our spot for Mews will hold. If it’s not a schematic issue, we could see Mews dropping in our following rankings. – Jordan Harris