ollie josephson
2023-24 Team: Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
Date of birth: July 22, 2006
Place of birth: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Height: 6'0 Weight: 181 lbs.
Shoot: left
Position: Center
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2024 first year eligible
Ranking
Ollie Josephson is a quick skater with great athleticism and ticks many of the boxes that the NHL is looking for. After being eliminated from the 2024 WHL Playoffs, Josephson headed to Finland to represent Canada at the U18 World Championship. He had five points in nine playoff games and 47 points in 68 WHL regular season games. He recorded three goals and three assists for the Canadian team in this tournament.
Josephson isn't a prolific scorer, but he does have a solid two-way game enhanced by his hockey IQ. He's the type of player who can make a huge impact on the score even if his name doesn't appear in the box score. In 2023, he represented his country for the first time and helped Canada win a gold medal at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He played in all five games and recorded three assists.
Related: THW 2024 NHL Draft Guide
Josephson skates very well. He is a fast player with a big stride and is always on the move and creating space for himself. He has incredible vision and uses multiple sticks to make tape-to-tape passes across the offensive zone to find vacant teammates.
He may not be as good as other players ranked higher, but Josephson's puck handling and offensive zone passing are more than adequate. He’s a player who isn’t afraid to keep making plays to the boards. As a center, he has consistently proven to be very good in the faceoff circle.
Other THW Draft Profiles
Olly Joshepson – NHL Draft Prediction
Even though Josephson doesn't have the skill set of some of the players ahead of him, he does a lot on the ice for his team and would be a desirable addition to any NHL team. He will likely be acquired in the mid-rounds, likely Round 4.
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“I always noticed Josephson's style of play because his fingerprints are noticeable on the ice and throughout the game. His competitive, no-shortcuts game was immediately appealing. He's the type of player who can have a huge impact on the score, even if his name doesn't appear in the box score.'' Donesh Mazlum – FC Hockey.
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“Really great skater and probably the smartest defensive forward in the draft. He doesn't really jump out except skating in transition, but ultimately wins battles, blocks lanes, and blocks opponents as he moves up the ice. He is good with the puck and is a good zone passer, but not as good as many players ranked above him.'' Bill Placzek – Lines.com
“He never cheats on effort. He is a dedicated, hard-working center who has a knack for making big stops on defense and immediately generating offense in the opposite direction. A combination of speed and physical skill. increases his offensive power. He skates routes with purpose, winning body positioning near the net and finding teammates roaming around the slot.” Mitch Brown – EP Linkside
Strengths
- hockey iq
- competition level
- good stride length
Under construction – areas for improvement
- Handling the pack
- playmaking ability
NHL predictions
Josephson has the potential to be a competitive two-way forward who competes in all three zones and plays at a consistent pace. Described as a “Swiss Army Knife” player, he could end up filling a role similar to Brandon Hagel's with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He has the potential to be a mid-six player, but he can also contribute to a top-six group.
Risk reward analysis
Risk – 2/5, Reward – 4/5
fantasy hockey possibilities
Offense – 5/10, Defense – 7/10
Awards/Achievements
2022 – BCEHL U18 All-Star Team
2022 – BCEHL U18 Most Goals (28)
2022 – BCEHL U18 Most Points (53)
2023 – Hlinka Gretzky Cup Gold Medal
2024 – U18 WHC Gold Medal
