Top NHL Draft Prospect Adam Valentini Not To Honor OHL Commitment With Kitchener

Sour news hit the Kitchener Rangers organization, losing a high-end player just before training camp starts. 

The organization released a statement from GM Mike McKenzie via their official X account announcing that forward Adam Valentini will not honor his commitment to the team. Valentini left the Chicago Steel of the USHL to sign with the Rangers ahead of the upcoming season back on Jun. 5. 

Statement from General Manager, Mike McKenzie#RTown | #BattleBuiltpic.twitter.com/EyMPVYZIOs

— Kitchener Rangers (@OHLRangers) August 18, 2025

“I was informed today by the agent for Adam Valentini that Adam has chosen to revoke his commitment to play this season for the Kitchener Rangers and will instead be going to the University of Michigan,” said McKenzie via the statement. 

Valentini was originally drafted by the Brampton Steelheads 13th overall in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. He was regarded as a top-three pick but fell down the board due to his commitment to the NCAA. The Rangers acquired the rights to Valentini on Sept. 5, 2024, in exchange for four draft picks. 

Kitchener getting the Toronto, Ontario, native to commit before heading to Michigan was arguably one of the most exciting signings of this off-season. He’s a projected first-round pick for the upcoming 2026 NHL draft and had the potential to play a top-six role in the OHL, further elevating his draft stock. However, revoking your commitment one week before training camp starts isn’t a great look. 

Kingston Frontenacs Bolster Blueline With Top-Four Defenseman Jack Brauti We are just under two weeks away from the start of the 2025 OHL preseason. Training camps are just around the corner, and the Kingston Frontenacs recognized the need to add a top-four defenseman to their lineup ahead of the 2025-26 season. 

Valentini's agent is Darren Ferris, who is known to be a tough negotiator. Ferris would've helped push his client to fast-track his education so he could play in the NCAA a year early. Will this be the right move for his development in such a pivotal year? Or will this set him up for a draft season met with struggles? 

Because of the short notice, thankfully, the Rangers will not have to forfeit the second, third, and fourth round draft picks they gave to Brampton. Good for Kitchener, but I can’t imagine the Steelheads are pleased with Valentini’s choice here.  

Valentini recently won a bronze medal representing Canada at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He finished the tournament with two goals, two assists, and a +9 in five games. 

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