Barrie Colts 2019 NHL Prospect: Nathan Allensen #OHL #NHLDraft

Nathan Allensen is currently ranked 214^th overall by NHL Central Scouting for the 2019 NHL Draft.

Allensen was drafted 32^nd overall in the 2017 OHL Draft out of the Waterloo Wolves minor midget program. He went onto making the Colts in his first training camp. In a solid rookie campaign, Allensen put up 2 goals, 13 assists for 15 points as well as a plus 10 rating in 55 games. Allensen was invited to the U17 summer development camp but was not named to the tournament roster in the fall.

This past season Allensen might not have taken the steps he would have hoped for in his draft year. With that said he reached new career highs with 4 goals, 16 assists for 20 points in 67 games. Allensen played his best hockey after the Colts went with a more youthful lineup and was paired up with new acquisition Jack York. Unfortunately, this pairing would not stay together for the rest of the season.

(Jeff Bothwright/Cheap Seats Productions)

Allensen plays a style that NHL teams are looking for these days. He possesses relatively quick feet with a strong first pass out of the zone. He is comfortable in the offensive zone and isn’t afraid to jump into the rush in the offensive zone. While only average size, Allensen isn’t afraid to mix things up physically but needs to be more careful and pick his spots on occasion. In his own zone, Allensen is generally strong but consistency is a bit of an issue here.

If Allensen is drafted it seems likely he will be taken in the 5^th to 7^th round range similar to fellow Colt and St Louis Blues prospect Tyler Tucker. In 2019-2020 it would not be a surprise to see Allensen get more opportunity in the top 4 consistently as well as some powerplay time.

In Conclusion, like many on this Colts team, Allensen has a lot to prove. As long as he continues to develop his strengths and gain confidence in his game, he would be a very solid NHL pick and a great defenseman for the Colts going forward.