Projection: Third Line Center

Tools: Compete, Forechecking, Size

Development Opportunities: Small Area & Cycle Game

Right from the start of the year the physical makeup was obvious. The 6'2 frame and more than capable mobility were easy things to notice and made Clow a player worth keeping tabs on early. The compete in puck pursuit situations was apparent too, always causing havoc on the forecheck and disrupting breakouts. As the season went on I started seeing more and more of an ability to make plays, protect pucks down low, get off the wall, and lean into his physical tools to make a difference in the offensive zone. There was just a growing sense of him smartly using his tools in a projectable way that made me think there was a bit more to his game than I initially gave him credit for.

At the very least Trent is a reliable depth forward who brings compete and physicality every night, and that alone makes him a safe bet to fill a role in an OHL lineup. But I think there are signs of a bit more upside here. If he keeps working on his small area handling and continues leaning into the puck protection and cycle game, there are the makings of a middle of the lineup power forward who can provide some secondary scoring.

Clow was working well down low and on the forecheck, relying on his physical tools to make an impact. He was consistently engaged in puck pursuit, applying pressure and being active in trying to disrupt plays and win back possession for the Red Devils. Trent had more than his fair share of scoring chances, potting two for Quinte in their 5-2 victory. On his first, he received a drop pass and wired a puck home from the slot. His second came off a strong forecheck, working down low, evading a check and walking out to the net front and scoring from the crease. A good showing for how the 6’2 forward can make an impact relying on his frame to create advantages and win pucks.

Clow was the final forward on this Quinte side that grabbed my attention. Right off the get go, I noticed the big frame and his overall skating ability in his size. I thought he could move well, especially while handling the puck that makes for an easy initial checkmark on the evaluation list. Throughout the game, Trent showed the desire and willingness to attack the scoring areas and drive the net. He didn’t hesitate from attempting skill moves and trying to flash his quick hands to try to get in tight. He racked up plenty of scoring chances due to this ambition to drive and also through just smart positioning to be in the right spots at the right time. I’ve seen bits and pieces of Clow before and I thought there was the potential for a notable player, but this Titans game solidified his place on my watchlist.