Aaron Haydon THW Close-Up:
Date of birth: 2/2/1996
Place of birth: Plymouth, Michigan
Ht: 6’3″ Wt: 190 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: D
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2014
Twitter: @_Haydon_
THW The Next Ones Rankings (January 2014): 82
Other Rankings:
THW War Room Rankings (April): 89
Future Considerations: not ranked
Craig Button: not ranked
CS Final Rankings for North American skaters: 54
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If you’re looking for a heavy duty physical defensive defenseman, the Niagara IceDogs of the OHL have one that should be available in the higher rounds of the draft. Aaron Haydon stands 6’3 and shows no fear against the OHL’s best forwards. He has great lateral movement and throws hipchecks like it’s nobody’s business. His height allows for him to have the ability to break up plays using his pokecheck and reach. Haydon goes toe-to-toe with some of the baddest players and fighters. This season he had 112 PIM’s to show for his efforts.
Haydon is excellent at moving players out of his goalie’s line of sight and plays the game very basic. He sometimes gets out of position leading to fast breaks the opposite way. He’s also not a fan of pressure. When he has to make rash decisions, it usually doesn’t end up well for Haydon and his team. However, he remains one of the most menacing blueliners available in the draft.
Where Will He End Up In June:
I feel Haydon will be a late 2nd or early 3rd round pick.
Scout’s Honor:
“Haydon is a big strong physical defenseman who skates very well for such a big guy and has some still developing offensive abilities coming along. He plays a gritty and tough game in his own zone and moves the puck quickly to his forwards. (November 2013)”
Aaron Vickers – Future Considerations
“He is never going to be recognized as a puck carrying dee-man, he nonetheless does have a good shot and some up-ice ability. He is better off when he sticks to the things he excels in, like being the large mobile defender who gets to the attackers and takes them out with aggression, big hits, and downright challenges. Unafraid to knock on the door of the other team’s toughest guy and ask him to come out and play. Has decent range of his skates, good balance and a nice reach to break things up. Big defenseman who plays a solid defensive game by keeping it simple. Uses his size and clears the front. Can be pressured into mistakes when rushed, and is working to improve his puck handling ability. Was named to the USA Developmental team playing in the Ivan Hlinka Tournament.“
Bill Placzek – Draftsite.com
Statistics:
Bio/Interview(s)/Links:
Profile on Last Word On Sports
ETA:
2-3 years
Risk/Reward Analysis:
Risk: 1/5 Reward: 3/5
NHL Potential:
2nd pairing shutdown defenseman
Strengths:
Strong point shot
Reach
Pokecheck
Physical
Clearing players out of the crease
Smart passes out of the zone
Lateral movement
Checking
Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:
Learn to position himself better
Find ways to react better in tight situations
Bulking up
Fantasy Hockey Potential:
Offensive: 2/10 Defensive: 6/10
NHL Player Comparison:
– NHL comparison: Eric Gryba
Video(s):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiTSPWUvARA
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THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph