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New York Rangers: Four projected first round picks to avoid on draft day

By John Williams

WINDSOR, ON - OCTOBER 05: Forward Barrett Hayton #27 of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds celebrates his first period goal against the Windsor Spitfires on October 5, 2017 at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images)
WINDSOR, ON - OCTOBER 05: Forward Barrett Hayton #27 of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds celebrates his first period goal against the Windsor Spitfires on October 5, 2017 at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images) /
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WINDSOR, ON – OCTOBER 05: Forward Barrett Hayton #27 of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds celebrates his first period goal against the Windsor Spitfires on October 5, 2017 at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images)
WINDSOR, ON – OCTOBER 05: Forward Barrett Hayton #27 of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds celebrates his first period goal against the Windsor Spitfires on October 5, 2017 at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images) /

Barrett Hayton

TSN’s Projection- #11

In his age 17 season in the OHL, Hayton put up really solid numbers. In what was his second year with the Soo Greyhounds, the Peterborough, Ontario native tallied 21 goals and 39 assists in 63 games. The leap in his production from his year 16 season to year 17 season was remarkable, as he boosted his point total by 33.

The problem with Hayton, though, isn’t his skill. Hayton has great hands and seems to have pretty decent hockey IQ as well. The issue I have with him is his skates. Hayton is pretty slow on his skates, and in a league predicated on speed, that’s something that could really neutralize his chances to play at the NHL level.

Mile High Hockey had this to say about Hayton’s chances to succeed in the NHL:

"“He has the talent to be a top-line player in the NHL, but more importantly, he has the mind and hockey IQ to make an impact in any role. The team that drafts Hayton will know they are getting an NHLer, it’s just a matter of how high he climbs the depth chart.”"

This may be true. Hayton could be an automatic NHLer. I don’t see a very high ceiling for him because of his speed. I’m fine with taking a guaranteed NHLer, even if he’s a bottom six forward from rounds 4-7, but not in the first round. Rangers should stay away at all costs.

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