Prospect Info: Joey Willis - C | 111th Overall | 2023 Draft

[AtlantaWhaler]

On the Forecheck

With the 111th pick, the Predators added forward Joey Willis from the OHL's Saginaw Spirit.

Willis had 44 points in 68 games last season, adding six points (including four goals) in the Spirit's 11-game playoff run. The Illinois-born forward played locally before joining the OHL last season, and seems to have found a new gear in the different environment, where he made the OHL's all-rookie team.

The Elite Prospects scouting reports describe Willis as a very intelligent player, with good vision and effort, who brings great reads of plays to his team.

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[Predsanddead24]

 

[Porter Stoutheart]

Joseph Willis at eliteprospects.com

Eliteprospects.com hockey player profile of Joseph Willis, 2005-03-14 Elmhurst, IL, USA USA. Most recently in the OHL with Saginaw Spirit. Complete player biography and stats.

www.eliteprospects.com

Joey Willis – 2023 NHL Draft Prospect Profile - The Hockey Writers NHL Entry Draft Latest News, Analysis & More

Joey Willis had an inconsistent rookie season in the OHL, but he has the skill to be a fantastic late-round pick for those willing to wait.

thehockeywriters.com

It's worth pointing out that the leading scorer on Saginaw only got 56 pts. They weren't a high-powered offense, but rather a very balanced group, so Willis' 44 pts has that caveat. Even while he is more lauded for being a "high motor" defensive specialist type of player.

Also some interesting tidbits in that Saginaw is going to host the 2024 Memorial Cup. So they're going to build a championship-caliber team there next season if they can. And also, they've got Michael Misa, who is an exceptional-status player who was drafted #1 overall the OHL last year and figures to be a major superstar.

So it will be interesting to see what talent they load up with in Saginaw, and how that might benefit Willis next season.

 

[Brock]

More info on Willis for you:

My Final Top 50 OHL Players for the 2023 NHL Entry Draft - Part 2: 30-11

Here's part two of my rankings release: the players ranked from 30 to 11. 11. Andrew Gibson - Defense - Soo Greyhounds I would be absolutel...

ohlprospects.blogspot.com