Colorado Avalanche: Barrett Hayton Would Provide Stolid, Crafty Play
The Colorado Avalanche should pick in the #16 to #20 range. Center Barrett Hayton might be a consideration for them.
The Colorado Avalanche have done a great job of rebuilding their team. The formula is all about speed and youth with a healthy dose of chemistry. They front offices have always valued a 200-foot game.
As the Avs continue to build to their model, they’ll be approaching the 2018 NHL Draft with a mid-range selection. Therefore, a player like Barrett Hayton could well be on their radar.
Barrett Hayton
2017-18 Team: Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Date of Birth: June 9, 2000 (currently 17 years old)
Ht: 6’1″
Wt: 190 pounds
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
Ranked #27 by HOCKEYPROSPECT.COM
Ranked #14 by FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
Ranked #12 by ISS HOCKEY
Ranked #13 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Ranked #9 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters)
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Center Barrett Hayton has spent the last two season playing with Colorado Avalanche draft pick Connor Timmins, who will join the team in training camp this season. During that time, Hayton has played 126 games and recorded 30 goals and 57 assists for 87 points.
Because the Avs bring up speed every time we mention their game, we should look at that first.
According to Ben Kerr of Last Word on Sports, Hayton is a very good skater. He describes Barrett’s skating thus:
“His top end speed and acceleration are both good. He has very good edgework and agility and maneuvers well through traffic both with and without the puck. Hayyon’s stride is long and powerful. “
Kerr talks more about Hayton’s strength than overall speed, though.
The Draft Analyst concurs, calling Hayton “a strong skater with excellent balance.”
OHL Prospects calls Hayton’s skating “only average,” remarking that he’s not the most gifted skater, but his effectiveness at finding openings makes up for that.
Concerning his offensive skill, he comes across as a solid, two-way center who doesn’t exhibit a lot of flash. Kerr describes his shot as “heavy.” He goes on to describe Hayton’s game:
“Hayton plays a straightforward game. He protects the puck well on the cycle and has some soft hands. However, he is not the type of forward to dangle a defenceman and get past him in a one-on-one situation. Instead, Hayton looks to keep the puck moving, find the open man, and then get it to the net.”
The Draft Analyst sees a little more artistry in his game:
“Slick, two-way center who can beat you in a variety of ways. Hayton is both shifty and crafty with the puck, plus he’s capable of making high-percentage plays on his backhand. He knows how to finish around the goal, but he’s also shown to favor his lethal wrist shot from anywhere near the circles.”
OHL Prospects really likes his relentlessness with the puck, calling him a puck hound who “has excellent anticipation on the forecheck and forces a lot of turnovers.”
Kerr is also impressed with Barrett’s defensive game, remaking on his good positioning and hard backchecking. OHL Prospects acknowledges that Hayton doesn’t spend a lot of time on the penalty kill right now, but that’s mostly because the Greyhounds are so dominant.
Barrett Hayton in action:
Barrett Hayton and the Colorado Avalanche
Barrett Hayton sounds like a good kid. He has a lot of solid skills in his game. He’s only 17 years old, and you expect to see him keep improving.
This year, the center class is known for being weak. To be honest, the Avalanche don’t lack in the center category, having their superstar Nathan MacKinnon backed up by three talented youngsters — Tyson Jost, J.T. Compher and Aleaxander Kerfoot — one of whom will hopefully take over the second center position.
What’s more, I don’t see Hayton’s skill set as aligning with what the Avalanche want to build to. I think the team would hope for a little more speed and talent with their first-round pick. Nonetheless, if Colorado did pick Barrett, he would probably be a good chemistry guy and one who could eventually help out in forechecking and the penalty kill.
MORE COLORADO AVALANCHE PROSPECTS:
The 2018 NHL Draft takes place in Dallas, Texas at the American Airlines Center. The first round is Friday, June 22 with rounds 2 to 7 taking place Saturday June 23.