Colby Barlow, a LW from the Owen Sound Attack of the OHL, is the 12th-ranked North American skater, per NHL Central Scouting.
The captain of the Attack in 2022-2023, Barlow totaled 79 points (46G, 33A) in 59 games. During the OHL playoffs, he tallied three goals in four games. At the U18 World Junior Championship tournament, Barlow added four more points (3G, 1A) with a -1 rating on Team Canada.
Barlow is an impressive all-around forward in this draft class. The Philadelphia Flyers own two first-round picks. Could Barlow be a possibility for Daniel Briere at 22?
Strengths
Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 190lbs, Barlow plays a mature and complete game. He is a crafty, two-way skater with a strong, powerful shot.
Barlow isn’t the smoothest skater, but he can generate power with a good first-step to create straight-line speed. He isn’t easy to knock off the puck when in motion, due to his large, NHL-ready frame.
Shooting is the bread and butter. There isn’t a shot Barlow cannot execute, supported with noticeable power. In space, he usually finishes scoring chances. While in Owen Sound over the last two seasons, he scored 76 goals.
He has average playmaking skills. Instead of making the flashy play, Barlow looks for simple passes. Overall, he is calm and careful with the puck, not risking a high-danger turnover. It’s more likely that Barlow extends a possession before he creates a highlight reel play.
John Tortorella would appreciate a skater like Barlow. He would fit on the penalty kill because of his active stick, shot blocking ability, and tenacity along the board in puck battles. He checks aggressively, a critical element in common with playoff forwards at the NHL level.
Barlow draws some comparisons to Mark Stone, Clayton Keller, Steven Stamkos, and Brayden Point.
Weaknesses
Barlow needs improvement in his overall skating. He can explode into stride, but he isn’t smooth on his edges, slowing him down. He will have plenty of time to work on his mechanics before he debuts in the NHL.
Does he fit Philadelphia?
His mature game makes him an easy fit in Philadelphia. Careful with the puck and competent away from it, Tortorella could rely on Barlow in all situations.
Barlow could be on the draft board when the Flyers are on the clock with the 22nd overall pick. He would be a stellar option to improve the LW depth in Philadelphia.
(Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press via AP)
