Riley Patterson – 2024 NHL Draft Prospect Profile – Hockey Writers – NHL Entry Draft

Riley Patterson

2023-24 Team: Barrie Colts (OHL)
Date of Birth: March 22, 2006
Place of birth: Burlington, ON, Canada
Ht: 6-foot Wt: 194 pounds
Shots: Right
Position: Center
Draft Eligibility: 2024 first year eligible

Levels

One of the top risers in NHL Central Scouting's mid-to-late season rankings, Riley Patterson took his game to the next level as the season progressed. The former Michigan State commit made a big impact on the ice for the Barrie Colts in his rookie season. It started off slow for him, but he was able to get his feet under him and get his game going as time went on.

One of the reasons why Patterson seemed to be struggling to start the season is that he could not give himself and his teammates the space to play. However, as he became more accustomed to the level of play in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), his high-level hockey IQ came in even further. As his offensive game developed, he was able to show a relentless work ethic on both ends of the ice while also showing off his offensive prowess with solid shooting and good passing skills. With more confidence and experience throughout the season, Patterson became more involved on special teams for the Colts, adding 14 points on the powerplay.

Related: THW 2024 NHL Draft Guide

Another area where his game has been lacking this early in the season is his defensive play. Although he doesn't stand very tall at 6 feet, Patterson uses his height to position himself and take away passing lanes and opportunities for his opponents. Although he plays a solid defensive game, he is slowly working on the physical aspect of the game and adding “grit” can help add an extra layer to his game.

Some Profiles Are Under Construction

Riley Patterson – NHL Draft Projection

With improved play as the season progressed, it's clear that Patterson has found himself climbing teams' boards heading into June's draft. With his ability, work ethic, and willingness to hone his game, he could find himself selected in the middle rounds of the draft, possibly in the fourth round.

Measurements

“His strength and urgency to participate in this game stood out in this view. I love the work he has done while looking forward to make changes and help bring his team back. He appears to be a puck-hound that frustrates opponents. Patterson knows how to find and create space with his hands and vision.” – Mike Kennedy, Imagining the Future

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“Patterson is one of the players that his coach follows, he is very reliable on both sides of the puck. He has good puck control skills as he moves in the neutral zone. He is strong on the puck, which makes it very difficult to take the puck away from him. ” – Spencer Lazary, THW

Power

• He has a strong work ethic that will make anyone coaching him at the next level a big fan.
• He has a strong hockey IQ on both ends of the ice and good vision with the puck.
• He has shown a willingness to go to dirty areas of the ice to help make plays on the puck.
• Defensively, he shows good understanding and logic where he needs to position himself and limit opportunities for his opponents.

Under Construction – Improvements To Be Made

• When he goes to dirty places, adding grit and physicality to his game will help him in those situations and games.
• He doesn't have one part of his game that jumps out on screen, so adding more to any part of it will help define his true role and ceiling at the next level.

NHL Power

If Patterson can build on a strong second half of his rookie season in the OHL and develop his game even more, there's a chance he could eventually become a middle-to-bottom-six player on an NHL roster. With his ability, he could be a player on any special teams team in the organization he ends up with.

Risk Reward Analysis

Risk: 2/5, Reward: 4/5

The Power of Fantasy Hockey

Offense: 5.5/10, Defense: 4.5/10

Awards/Achievements

As Patterson picked up his game in the second half of the season, he earned OHL Rookie of the Month honors in consecutive months, winning the award for the months of January and February.

Discussions/Links

Statistics by Riley Patterson

Videos