The Windsor Spitfires have officially brought one of their future pieces into the fold.
The OHL club announced on Wednesday that it had signed 15-year-old John McLaughlin to a standard scholarship and development agreement.
Windsor chose McLaughlin with the 21st overall pick of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection.
"Johnny is a well-rounded player with an elite compete level," said Spitfires General Manager Bill Bowler. "His work ethic and dedication on and off the ice will benefit both Johnny and our hockey club. We were thrilled to get him so late in the first round."
The Corunna native currently plays for his hometown Lambton Junior Sting. Last season, an injury cut short his campaign, but he managed to score two goals in two games. He was called up to the junior B Strathroy Rockets for one game, scoring a goal and an assist.
McLaughlin said the Spitfires made him feel at ease right away.
"After the draft, I was able to visit and take in one of their playoff games, and that experience really stood out," said McLaughlin. "The energy in the building with their fans was amazing, and the way everyone treated me and my family made us feel right at home. It just felt like the right place for me."
Windsor opens training camp later this summer. The Spitfires open the 2025-26 regular season on the road in Sarnia on September 19, and at home the following night against rival London.
