Barrie Colts 2019 Draft Prospect: Dalton DuHart #OHL #NHLDraft

Dalton Duhart is currently unranked by NHL Central Scouting heading into the 2019 NHL Draft.

DuHart was drafted 47^th overall (third round) in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection by the London Knights out of the Belle Tire 16U program in Michigan and signed for the 2017-18 season. He was a highly touted prospect who registered five goals in four games at the 2017 OHL Cup for Elite Hockey Group (one of the USA invited squads).

The Barrie Colts acquired DuHart from the London Knights halfway through the 2018-19 season in the Joey Keane deal that saw DuHart and picks exchanged for Keane’s services. Overall, Dalton Duhart has registered 14 goals and 14 assists for 28 points in 100 career OHL games.

Welcome to the Barrie Colts Dalton Duhart!! @OHLBarrieColts #GoColtsGo #OHL pic.twitter.com/RQFO9QIb9C
— Ryan McArthur (@ryanpmcarthur) December 28, 2018

The positive aspects of his game are that he is a highly skilled forward with excellent puck skills and stick handling ability. DuHart is very difficult to knock off the puck and does well maintaining possession for his team and working the cycle down low in the offensive end. He is also reliable defensively and strong on the puck. He does great work in tight spaces by utilizing his hands and strength to control the play through his low center of gravity and steady stature.

(Jeff Bothwright/ Cheap Seats Productions)

His hockey sense is high end and he rarely makes a bad play with the puck. DuHart doesn’t panic and stays composed in all three zones. He has a strong shot that tracks at high velocity with a quick release. The ability to score goals is there and we’ve seen flashes of his high-end offensive talent, but this needs to be displayed more consistently.

The main drawback to Dalton’s game is that he doesn’t have breakaway speed. He has difficulty creating separation in the neutral zone and getting to his spots on breakouts. If he can gain a step over the summer, that would go a long way towards his production numbers. His faceoff numbers aren’t bad, but 45% over the last season isn’t great either. It would be nice if he could get that in the 50% range going forward.

Overall, Dalton is a strong player with offensive firepower and upside. It’s doubtful his name will be called out in June, but I wouldn’t be surprised if a team sees potential and takes a chance on him. Either way, this young player has plenty to prove and will be a force for the Barrie Colts going forward. Expect to see him at training camp in great shape and ready to have a big year in 2019-20.