Caleb Spence has the makings of a solid NHL player, even if he’s not destined for superstardom. That’s the word from Daily Faceoff’s prospect expert Steven Ellis, who ranks the Mississauga native as the 22nd-best player available in this year’s draft class.
“He’ll get the job done,” Ellis says of Spence. “He’s not flashy, but he works his tail off.”
The young forward has made his mark in the OHL, averaging about a point per game over the last two seasons. But it’s his physical play that really stands out – he loves throwing his weight around and getting under opponents’ skin.
While he might not end up as a top-line scorer, Spence projects as a valuable middle-six forward who can handle whatever role he’s given. The only real hiccup in his resume was a disappointing showing in the playoff series against London, though Ellis notes that might say more about his Erie Otters team than Spence himself.
Meanwhile, Sweden’s Milton Gastrin is another interesting prospect who caught many scouts’ eyes as a potential first-rounder.
“He’s been excellent wearing the Swedish jersey,” Ellis notes. “Don’t expect him to light up the scoreboard in the NHL, but he does all the little things right.”
Gastrin has developed into a reliable two-way player who excels at faceoffs and can play both center and wing. He’s held his own playing alongside Sweden’s top young talents in international tournaments, showing he belongs with elite company.
The versatile Swede might not put up huge numbers, but his responsible play and adaptability make him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to build depth.
