Liking what I'm seeing!
Kieron Walton - Wing - Sudbury Wolves
Along with Frasca, the player in this crop who fell the hardest thanks to a poor second half. Including the playoffs, Walton scored in only
ONE GAME in the last 40. Yes, it was a hat trick against the Saginaw Spirit, but three goals in the final 40 games of the year is just not good enough. If Walton wasn't 6'6 and 200+ lbs, we wouldn't be talking about him as a serious draft candidate. But...he is, and we are. The allure is that Walton has more skill and is a better skater than the average 6'6 forward. He can be a really effective North/South player because of his ability to drive the net. His shot, believe it or not (considering his goal drought to end the year) is good and gives him great potential as a goal scorer. But the lack of consistency is concerning. Even more concerning, this has been an issue for Walton dating back to his minor hockey days; it's why he was the 28th overall pick in the OHL draft and not earlier despite his physical gifts. Without an increase in physical intensity, Walton just won't reach the upside that he possesses. Additionally, I wonder about how well he thinks the game as an offensive player. To be 6'6 and to not get consistent looks in the slot or near the net speaks volumes about a lack of anticipation and awareness, just as much as it does about his physical intensity. Early in the year, it looked like he was turning a corner. Later in the year, it was the exact opposite.
Kieron Walton
Center -- shoots L
Born Apr 22 2006 -- Toronto, ONT
[18 yrs. ago]
Height 6.06 -- Weight 216 [198 cm/98 kg]
Drafted by
Winnipeg Jets
- round 6
#187 overall
2024 NHL Entry Draft
