As the NHL draft makes headlines this weekend Kincardine's Garrett McFadden won't be holding his breath.
Conner McDavid and the other likely first few picks of the draft have all the attention but the Guelph Storm defenseman has seen his name listed among possible selections for later round picks.
A former first round OHL draft choice, McFadden found himself on a championship winning Storm team in 2013-14. The veteran packed lineup left him with limited opportunities but still managing 8 points in a 42 game rookie campaign.
"It came down to the team only wanting six d-men and I was number seven my first season." McFadden said from his home in Kincardine. He did see time during the year but a Memorial Cup run left him a healthy scratch through playoffs.
That soon changed and McFadden established himself as an OHL defenseman in his sophomore season. Despite a pair of injuries he put up 18 points in 56 games.
"With a few holes in the lineup I tried to do my best to replace them and as we move forward I hope to have more of an impact."
A pair of injuries, including a broken jaw unfortunately hampered the former Grey-Bruce Highlander's draft eligible season. This led to him sliding up and down in NHL draft rankings.
"I fell off a few lists with the injuries but I am not looking into it too much." He said, "I'll be pretty laid back (during the draft), it would be great to get drafted but if I don't there are lots of players who have been able to move on and have a career."
Heading into the draft some scouting reports do have McFadden listed as a possible choice. The International Scouting Services lists him as 181st among all prospects, that would be a 7th round pick. Other reports have McFadden listed in the same region, either being taken in the final round or just falling short.
What has caught attention around the league is the skating ability of the 17-year-old, who turns 18 in August. It is that part of the game he hopes to perfect.
"Offensive productivity is something I look forward to improving on." He said. "Getting faster and stronger is a big part of this summer."
Whether or not the phone rings this weekend McFadden is looking ahead to making a big splash with Guelph this year and establishing himself as a top OHL defenseman. He can then prove the NHL team's right or show what they are missing out on.