Coyotes surprise, select Barrett Hayton 5th overall

The Arizona Coyotes drafted Barrett Hayton with the fifth overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft on Friday in Dallas.

Position: Center
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 185 lbs
Age: 18
Club: Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
Nationality: Canadian

(Stats Courtesy: prospect-stats.com)

In his second year with the Greyhounds, Hayton rose up the scouting charts for his strong two-way play and gifted hockey sense. He finished his draft year as the ninth-ranked North American skater, and appears to have the tools to develop into an NHL pivot down the road.

Hayton has exceptional hands, good scoring touch, and a strong ability to set up his teammates. It's unlikely Hayton immediately makes the jump to the pros, but another year of seasoning with an increased role in the Soo should play a positive role in his development.

"Hayton can play and contribute in all situations. He reminds me of Boston Bruins star Patrice Bergeron in the sense of being complete, strong, and able to produce whatever play is necessary to win. Like Bergeron, there's not a lot of flash to his game, but winning teams will always value players with Hayton's skills," TSN's Craig Button said.

Copyright (C) 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.