Luca Marrelli – 2024 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

Luca Marrelli

Rankings

Known as a strong two-way defenseman, Luca Marrelli has not stood out on the scoresheet as many would think he would with his offensive game, but he is still a force to be reckoned with in the offensive zone. On the opponent’s end of the ice, he has shown strong poise from his defenseman position. Whether in the form of strong plays to hold the puck in the zone or being able to make a smart play with the puck, Marrelli has become one of the Ontario Hockey League’s stronger defensemen in the offensive zone. His strong play led to him being named to the 2024 CHL/NHL Top Prospects game earlier this year.

His offensive game has been on display this season on the power play quite a bit as well, and he has shown the capability to help run Oshawa’s unit while showing off his strong playmaking abilities. Marrelli’s vision on the ice has been a major benefit to his game both on the man advantage and in five-on-five play. While being on a veteran-led team with players like Calum Ritchie and Connor Punnett, Marrelli has been able to play an important role for the Generals. The one downfall of his offensive game comes from being a little too passive when he has the puck instead of taking the shot opportunity.

Related: 2024 NHL Draft Guide

While being a strong offensive defenseman, Marrelli’s game defensively is just as strong, if not stronger. He looked like the Oshawa Generals‘ most consistent and best defenseman last season, which has also carried into this season. He is a defenseman who gives no room, space, or time to his opposition in the defensive zone of the ice while also taking advantage of the long reach he has to shut down any chance his opponent could have with the puck. While not being the biggest player, he is willing to throw his body around when needed to make a play. But he has struggled this season from time to time when trying to defend his opponent while on the rush through either the neutral zone or a zone entry play, and it is something that he will likely look to improve upon.

Luca Marrelli – NHL Draft Projection

While his game may not stick out on the scoresheet as much as some of the other high-profile defensemen in this year’s draft…