Available in last year’s draft, James Hardie was inexplicably passed over. He should get a second look this season.
The eighth overall pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection Draft,
James Hardie struggled in his rookie season with the Mississauga Steelheads. He did not get a lot of ice time and put up 15 goals and22 points in 62 games. Hardie also added one goal in four playoff games. He also represented Team Canada Black at the 2018 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge picking up one goal and two points in five games. Hardie broke out in 2019-20. He scored 34 goals and 29 assists for 63 points in 59 games played before the season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Innisfil, Ontario native played his minor hockey in Barrie. Playing for the Barrie Colts Minor Midget AAA team, he put up 41 goals and 29 assists for 70 points in 34 games in 2017-18. He also added six goals and seven assists for 13 points in eight playoff games. Hardie also impressed at the OHL Cup, scoring three goals and five assists for eight points in five tournament games. He represented Team OMHA Black at the OGC-16 scoring two assists in four games and helping the team to a third-place finish.
2021 NHL Draft #78: James Hardie Scouting Report