5 biggest surprises from Day 1 of 2018 NHL Draft

3. Coyotes draft C Barrett Hayton

The NHL favors teams with plenty of depth at center, something the Coyotes currently lack. There’s currently no guarantee that newly acquired Alex Galchenyuk will hold a center role for Arizona next year, despite what they may believe. Derek Stepan is still their only sticking point up the middle while Dylan Strome remains a question mark in the AHL.

Still, this was a surprising pick. The ISS had Hayton listed as the twelfth best prospect. Arizona left stud forward prospect Filip Zadina to the Red Wings, and offensive defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Canucks with this selection.

He’s not expected to be a top center by most scouting reports, which may make this pick at fifth overall even more curious. He should however develop in to a nice complimentary center, more than capable of carrying a second line.

He won’t wow the NHL with his offensive prowess, but he doesn’t need to. Hayton plays a 200-foot game that will compliment the Coyotes young scorers. He’s responsible in his own end, and while he isn’t a giant by any means, possesses the size to compete with the big lineups out West.

It is possible that his all-around game translates immediately to the NHL next season, but it’s more likely that he’ll head back to Sault St. Marie for more development. His minutes were very sheltered this year on a stacked Greyhounds squad, and another year in the minors will serve him well.