Ollie Josephson
2023-24 Team: Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
Date of Birth: July 22, 2006
Place of Birth: Victoria, BC, CAN
Height: 6-foot-0 Weight: 181 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: Center
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2024 first-year eligible
Rankings
Ollie Josephson, a quick skater with a high motor, checks off many boxes that the NHL likes to see in prospects. After being eliminated from the 2024 WHL Playoffs, Josephson headed to Finland to compete for Canada in the U18 Worlds. He had five points in nine playoff games, which followed a 47-point campaign in 68 games during the WHL regular season. For Team Canada, he had three points on three assists for the tournament.
While not a prolific scorer, Josephson has a solid two-way game enhanced by his hockey IQ. He is the type of player who can greatly impact the score even if his name doesn’t appear in the box score. In 2023, he got to represent his country for the first time, helping Canada win gold at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He appeared in all five games and recorded three assists.
Related: THW 2024 NHL Draft Guide
Josephson’s skating is very good. He possesses a long stride and is a speedy player who does an excellent job of always moving around to create space for himself. He has incredible vision and makes tape-to-tape passes across the offensive zone through multiple sticks to find open teammates.
While he may not be as good as others ranked ahead of him, Josephson’s puck-handling and offensive zone passing are more than adequate. He is a player who is not afraid to go to the boards and keep a play going. As a center, he has consistently demonstrated that he is very good in the face-off circle.
Other THW Draft Profiles
Ollie Joshepson – NHL Draft Projection
Despite not having quite the skills as others that will be taken ahead of him, Josephson does so much on the ice for his team that will make him desirable to an NHL team. Look for him to be taken in the middle rounds, likely in Round 4.
Quotables
“I have always had a soft spot for Josephson’s style of play as his fingerprints are noticeable all over the ice and throughout a game. His competitive, no shortcuts game is immediately endearing, and he is the type of player who can have a huge impact on the score even if his name doesn’t show up in the box score.” Donesh Mazloum – FC Hockey
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