The Erie Otters are interested in center Justin Kea for the 11th overall pick in the OHL Priority Selection on Saturday, a source speaking on condition of anonymity said. Kea, 16, had 22 goals, 44 points and 44 penalty minutes in 51 games for the Central Ontario Wolves‘ midget minor team this season.

Sherry Bassin, Otters managing partner and general manager, didn’t disclose his top choice for a first-round pick.  Instead, he said, “Everybody talks about him.” Bassin also said he has evaluated Ottawa Jr. 67′s defenseman Alex Gudbranson, younger brother of current Kingston defenseman Erik Gudbranson. “We looked at (Alex) Gudbranson,” Bassin said. “He’s on everybody’s list.”

Before the 2008 draft, Erik Gudbranson told Bassin he wouldn’t report because he needed to attend a French-only school. “(Alex) Gudbranson told me that even though his brother wanted (a French school), he’s not sure if he wouldn’t just come (to Erie),” Bassin said.

- Victor Fernandes