by J.T. Toth
Photo courtesy of The Hockey Writers.
The 2023 NHL Draft will be here before you know it, and Draft 412 will preview some of the prospects who will be probable first round picks. Draft 412 will go over the strengths and weaknesses of each prospect and where they should land in the NHL Draft.
Name- Colby Barlow
Pos- RW
Team- Owen Sound (OHL)
HT/WT- 6’1” 190 lbs.
Born- 2/14/2005
Home – Orillia, Ont.
Colby Barlow is a tough winger who you would rather play with than against. He may lack the ceiling of other top round picks, but Barlow has a good, quick shot that he can unload from anywhere. He has the tendency to find the soft spots on the ice and can also cause havoc in front of his opponents net. He shoots off either leg which at times surprises the goaltenders.
Barlow is not the flashiest player in the draft, but he is a guy who is always involved in the corners and against the boards. He’s a decent north-south skater who won’t beat you stickhandling one-on-one.
He has some work to do improving his shot accuracy and has a tendency to yank shots wide when he has an open shot. Barlow’s style of play makes some scouts nervous, struggling to find a place to slot him in today’s NHL. Yet his talent is undeniable, and some lucky team will land him regardless of his perhaps anachronistic play. He’s physical and at times loses himself in trying to make a hit. He will need to refine his game in the minors but when he’s ready for the NHL, the team that drafts him will be grinning ear to ear.
Final Analysis
Barlow plays the game at a slow, physical pace who will sell out to make a hit. Tom Wilson is the NHL player Draft 412 feels Barlow resembles most consistently. He may not have the highest ceiling, but he has one of the safest floors. In truth, he could be in the NHL as quickly as anyone in this draft not named Connor Bedard.
Round 1- Top 10 / #9 on Draft 412 big board.
Headshot of Colby Barlow.
Colby Barlow
Right Wing
Born Feb 14 2005 -- Orillia, ONT
Height 6.01 -- Weight 190 -- Shoots L
--- Regular Season --- ---- Playoffs ----
Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
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2021-22 Owen Sound Attack OHL 59 30 17 47 18 7 5 1 6 8
2022-23 Owen Sound Attack OHL 59 46 33 79 29 4 3 0 3 12
2022-23p Owen Sound Attack OHL 4 3 0 3 12
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