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East Division

1. Brantford Bulldogs: Under a new ownership group that includes Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman’s family, the Bulldogs loaded up this summer and still have draft capital to make more deals.

2. Oshawa Generals: Consecutive trips to the OHL final could mean a rebuild, depending on whether they move Maple Leafs prospect defenceman Ben Danford and star winger Beckett Sennecke.

3. Peterborough Petes: There is some concern over their offensive game, but the Petes will grind out their wins. First overall pick Kaden McGregor should make an immediate impact.

4. Ottawa 67s: Another team projected to struggle to score, the 67s missed the playoffs last season and could again. Swedish import Filip Ekberg is expected to make a big jump.

5. Kingston Frontenacs: The Frontenacs went all-in and will pay the price for that. Draft-eligible Gavin Betts, who represented Canada in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, will hold the fort in goal.

Central Division

1. Niagara IceDogs: After years of dysfunction, the IceDogs are primed for a jump. They’ll be dangerous offensively with Kevin He, Ryan Roobroeck, Braidy Wassilyn and Riley Patterson.

2. Barrie Colts: The Colts were hit hard, but have premier players at key positions — Ben Hrebik in goal, Kashawn Aitcheson on defence and Cole Beaudoin at forward.

3. North Bay Battalion: The Battalion aren’t ready to dominate, but have a terrific core of young players, supplemented by Mike McIvor in goal and Anaheim prospect Ethan Procyszyn up front.

4. Sudbury Wolves: The Wolves went all-in last season, acquiring defenceman Henry Mews before Mews departed for Michigan. Scoring will not be a problem, but keeping pucks out will.

5. Brampton Steelheads: A flurry of departures has left the Steelheads in a world of hurt. Over-age goalie Zach Bowen, acquired from Peterborough, will help stem the tide.

Midwest Division

1. Kitchener Rangers: If the Rangers win the bid for the 2027 Memorial Cup, how will it affect what they do with their roster this season? Regardless, they’re loaded.

2. London Knights: Back-to-back OHL titles and a Memorial Cup could mean a rebuild, but the Knights always find a way to be competitive under the Hunters.

3. Owen Sound Attack: As long as Carter George is in the net, the Attack have arguably the best goaltending in the league. It’s scoring that will be an issue.

4. Guelph Storm: If Philadelphia prospect Jett Luchanko returns for his final season, he could be the best player in the league. Dallas prospect Charlie Paquette will be key.

5. Erie Otters: Defenceman Matthew Schaefer will likely be lost to the New York Islanders and left winger Malcolm Spence is off to Michigan, leaving two huge holes to fill.

West Division

1. Windsor Spitfires: Led by top 2026 prospect Ethan Belchetz, the Spitfires could have five players taken among the top 60 picks in the NHL draft. They might upgrade in goal.

2. Soo Greyhounds: The Greyhounds are building for the future, but will be competitive in the present with Nashville prospect Brady Martin poised for a monster season.

3. Saginaw Spirit: Almost everything in Saginaw depends on whether 2025 second overall pick Michael Misa returns from the San Jose Sharks and defenceman Zayne Parekh returns from the Calgary Flames.

4. Sarnia Sting: Under new ownership that includes former agent Mark Guy, the Sting are young and will be fairly competitive, but are looking more to the future.

5. Flint Firebirds: At one point during training camp, the Firebirds apparently had 12 players up for trade. Jimmy Lombardi and Kaden Pitre will lead the way offensively.