Ondrej Molnar – Left Wing – Ranked #129 by NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters)
“Ondrej is an interesting case study,” Bednard said. “You can obviously see the skill, ability, and focus that he has when he’s in the offensive zone. He was highly ranked when he was playing in Slovakia, and then he had to make that midseason change by coming to North America. He came out the gates running, he had seven points in his first seven games, and then he went on a bit of a cold streak…He is one of those diamonds in the rough that can be developed into a very lethal scorer. We have seen streaks of the offensive prowess when he’s clicking…He needs to work on his confidence in order to play the North American game comfortably.”
Molnar played in 34 games for Erie and was able to net 19 points (four goals, 15 assists). While representing Slovakia U20 during the 2022-23 International-Jr Tournament, he appeared in three games and had three points (two goals, one assist).
Spencer Sova – LHD – Ranked #182 by NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters)
“I think Spencer Sova is the most disrespected prospect, at least in the defensive class,” Bednard said. “He is a readily available, pro-style defensive player. He’s a 200-foot player, he’s got a wicked slapshot, and he can put the puck in great places, but he knows how to back skate, plays the defensive game well, and he’s a guy who likes to frustrate offensive players. He does that by taking the puck away from them, shut down passing and shooting lanes…He’s a top 26 scoring defenseman in the OHL, top scoring defenseman on the Erie Otters, and found great numbers overall in his first two seasons in the OHL.”
Bednard also said that age might be a factor as to why Sova isn’t ranked as high as he should be. Because this is his second attempt in the draft and scouts might view him as an older player compared to a young player who is hitting his stride. Sova turned 19 in January, but can still be a decent two-way player in the NHL. Like Terrance, he was an alternate captain for Erie and played in 68 games while racking up 39 points (16 goals, 23 assists).