London Knights
Division: Midwest
Coach: Dale Hunter
2016-17 Record: 46-15-7 (3rd Midwest Division, 4th Western Conference)
Key Additions: Lucas Rowe (18th Overall Pick, OHL Priority Selection), Jesper Bratt (49th Overall Pick, CHL Import Draft), Alec Regula (2016 LDN Draft Pick, Signed from USHL)
Key Departures: Owen MacDonald, Chandler Yakimowicz, JJ Piccinich, Dante Salituro, Tyler Parsons, Olli Juolevi
Coming off another Memorial Cup victory in 2016, the London Knights lost several key weapons in Mitch Marner, Matthew Tkachuk, and Christian Dvorak.
They made the playoffs in what was easily the most competitive division in the OHL last season. Come playoffs, the Knights turned in a solid showing, beating Windsor in seven games to advance to the second round. However, that was as far as they would make it. London lost to Erie — The eventual J. Ross Robertson Cup Champions — in seven games.
Top Players
Cliff Pu – 63 GP / 35 G / 51 A / 86 Pts / 36 PIM / +25
Pu had a huge spike in production after only scoring 31 points in 2015-16. He led the Knights in scoring and will look to do the same this season.
Robert Thomas – 66 GP / 16 G / 50 A / 66 Pts / 26 PIM / +41
The 20th overall pick in June’s NHL Entry Draft will have a lot of eyes on him this season. He will play a top-six role with the Knights and will need to have similar numbers to last season to help them succeed.
Max Jones – 33 GP / 17 G / 19 A / 36 Pts / 65 PIM / +23
Although injuries did sideline Jones for half the season, he did have a solid showing when he was on the ice last year. His mix physicality and scoring touch will be welcomed in Hunter’s system
Victor Mete – 50 GP / 15 G / 29 A / 44 Pts / 14 PIM / +36
Mete will play an increased role with London this season. The offensive-minded defender has improved with every passing year and this should be no different.
The Knights will feel the losses of goaltender Tyler Parsons and defenceman Olli Juolevi the most this season. The former will play in the AHL this year, and according to reports, the latter will play overseas if he doesn’t crack the Canucks roster.
Although the roster as of now is filled with young talent, you can never count out the Knights.