One inescapable problem for the OHL Bulldogs is their position in the food chain.
OHL players can move laterally within the CHL or graduate to the AHL or NHL, and AHL players can graduate to the NHL, but OHL is age-limited and relies on AAA talent.
On top of that, NHL scouts render their verdict on players to watch — i.e. a team's draft prospects — after a just half-dozen home games. That's great for attendance and morale if you have first-round picks flagged but potentially problematic if your profile with the scouts is thin. Consider:
2015-16: 5 C Rated
2016-17: 2 A Rated, 2 B Rated, 1 C Rated
2017-18: 1 C Rated