The Oshawa Generals are back in the spotlight with the top pick in the OHL Priority Selection, a position they haven't held since 2005. Back then, they snagged John Tavares, who went on to become the OHL's all-time leading scorer and led the Generals to an Eastern Conference Finals berth in the 2007-08 season.
Fast forward to today, and Oshawa is once again poised to make a splash. They secured the top pick after entering the draft lottery with a 40% chance, the highest among the four non-playoff teams. These odds were based on their standings at the end of the 2025-26 regular season.
The Generals wrapped up a challenging season with a 19-45-3-1 record, tallying just 42 points. This marks their third-lowest point total since the OHL extended the regular season to 68 games, and the lowest since their 41-point season in 2005-06.
Joining Oshawa in the lottery were the Erie Otters, Brampton Steelheads, and Sarnia Sting. The Otters, with a 30% chance, came close but will pick second overall. The Steelheads and Sting had 20% and 10% chances, respectively.
While it's still unclear who the Generals will select, Kade O'Rourke is a name generating buzz. The defenseman is a potential favorite for the top spot, though he awaits exceptional status from the OHL to be eligible a year early.
The 2026 OHL Priority Selection is set for June 12-13 at Slush Puppie Place, home of the Kingston Frontenacs. Here's how the first round shapes up:
- Oshawa Generals
- Erie Otters
- Brampton Steelheads
- Sarnia Sting
- Sudbury Wolves
- Saginaw Spirit
- Guelph Storm
- Owen Sound Attack
- Niagara IceDogs
- Kingston Frontenacs
- North Bay Battalion
- Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds
- Peterborough Petes
- London Knights
- Flint Firebirds
- Windsor Spitfires
- Barrie Colts
- Ottawa 67's
- Kitchener Rangers
- Brantford Bulldogs
The Generals have a chance to turn their fortunes around, and fans are eager to see who they'll add to their roster.