Minor Hockey Talks - Hockey Forum

The Windsor Spitfires signing Caden Harvey, a 2008-born player picked in the fifth round of the 2025 OHL Draft, raises some interesting questions about the changing landscape of junior hockey development. With his NCAA commitment to Penn State already in place, Harvey's decision to join the OHL speaks volumes about the new flexibility offered to players. Is this a game-changer for the OHL, allowing them to attract talent they might have missed out on before? How will this impact NCAA programs, and will we see a significant shift in player movement between the two leagues?

Harvey joining a strong group of 2008-born players already within the Spitfires organization adds another layer to this discussion. Does this create a logjam in certain positions, or does it breed healthy competition and push these young players to develop faster? Could this depth be key to the Spitfires' future success, or could it lead to some talented players not getting the ice time they need?

Considering Harvey's late birthdate and the NCAA rule change, his signing could be considered a calculated gamble for both him and the Spitfires. Is he a diamond in the rough that Bill Bowler has unearthed, or is this a case of a player simply taking advantage of the new rules? Will he be able to make an immediate impact and justify his draft selection, or is this a long-term developmental project? This situation could become a precedent for other teams and players, making the next few years in the OHL very interesting to watch. What are your thoughts on this signing, and what kind of impact do you predict it will have on the OHL and NCAA?