Ryan Del Monte Signs with the Barrie Colts. #OHL

Today it was announced that Barrie Colts second-round pick from the 2019 OHL Draft Ryan Del Monte has signed with the team.

Del Monte played with the team last season and posted 24 goals and 45 assists in 42 games.

Ryan Noble spoke with Barrie Colts General Manager Jason Ford on the podcast following the  OHL Draft and here are a couple of quotes from him on Dem Monte.

"We know his draft stock slipped because of not too many viewings (because of injury). We saw him as a first-round pick in terms of skill. I think he is one of the best playmakers in the draft and I think he is going to put up a lot of assists and a lot of points here".  

"We are getting a real skilled player here in the second round. He's a player that at that age level, for the last few years he has been regarded as one of the top skilled players". 

You can view the full interview below. We discuss Del Monte just after the 7-minute mark.

Here is an analysis of Del Monte from Ryan McArthur following the OHL Draft: To say I was happy after seeing Barrie’s first two selections would be a massive understatement. After taking the 2nd best player in the draft at 4th overall, the Colts stepped up and selected the 10th best player at 24th overall. Del Monte could have the best hands in the entire draft class. His moves are flat out stunning, and he can deke the jockstrap off many OHL defenseman right now. In terms of pure skill, Barrie could have nabbed the most skilled forward in Del Monte and the most skilled defenceman in Clarke. Ryan has a commitment to Harvard University and there could be some recruiting work to be done, but I’m hearing Barrie is on the inside track to recruit Del Monte.

Ryan Del Monte scored two stunning goals at the GTHL Top Prospects Game. Del Monte is a Harvard commit who is a top prospect for the OHL Priority Selection. @RyanDelMonte2 @HarvardMHockey #OHLDraft pic.twitter.com/4RVA3qv2HS

— Ryan McArthur (@ryanpmcarthur) December 22, 2018

Del Monte was the MVP of the GTHL All-Star Game in December. The offensive capabilities of this player are mind-blowing and he could battle for an OHL scoring title one day. It's worth noting that Del Monte has been hurt since the Toronto Marlies Holiday Classic at the end of 2018. It's a good thing that Colts management identified him early and stepped up and made this selection based on viewings from early in the season.

Welcome to Barrie, Ryan!