Barrie Colts 2019 Draft Prospect: Jacob Tortora #OHL #NHLDraft

Jacob Tortora is currently unranked by NHL Central Scouting and this draft is his final year of eligibility.

Tortora was drafted by the Barrie Colts 19^th overall in the 2015 OHL Draft, but with a Boston College commitment he went on to play in the US National Development program. In 102 USDP games, Tortora registered 34 goals, 37 assists for 71 points. In 44 USHL games with the program, he put up 15 goals, 15 assists for 30 points.

After going undrafted in his first year of eligibility, Tortora was invited to the Toronto Maple Leafs summer development camp and put on a strong showing. Tortora then went on to his freshman year at Boston College where he scored 6 goals, 7 assists for 13 points in 34 games.

Here are highlights from Leafs development camp from July of 2017 of the team's 2nd scrimmage. Tortora scored 3 goals and added an assist to help lead Team White to a 6-3 win over Team Blue. In the previous game, Tortora scored 3 goals as well.

In 2018-19 after just 4 games with Boston College Tortora decided to come to the OHL and play for the team that drafted him. The Colts reacquired his rights from the Kitchener Rangers and Tortora made his Colts debut on November 22^nd. In an injury-shortened season, Tortora managed to put up 16 goals, 8 assists for 24 points in 33 games on an offensively struggling Colts squad.

Tortora comes as advertised. He is a pesky undersized forward with a strong skill set. Tortora possesses a lightning-quick release that fools opposing goaltenders with strong puck handling ability. He has blazing speed and exceptionally quick feet. Jake is tenacious on the forecheck and plays much bigger than his 5’8" frame would suggest.

While Tortora is likely a longshot to get drafted it would not be a surprise to see him get an invite to an NHL camp again before coming back to Barrie to have what should be a very productive overage season alongside fellow Colts star and top prospect Ryan Suzuki.