I was never a fan of Hayton's pick at the time, but I am much more of a fan now.
At 5, I wanted skills, highlight reels moves, edge of the seat stuff, everything that we have been yearning forever as Coyotes fans, particularly as we have been fed negative hockey for so many years (and still are, I am sorry to write). Tippett, Tocchet.. the death of fun, the death of ice hockey.
Hayton? Boy NO, Hayton is not this electric 5th pick I was getting myself deluded about.
So who is he?
I believe he is an intelligent player, one who is working out what he should or shouldn't try to do on the ice at the top level. One who, I think, will ultimately find a way of working out where he fits.
And then, when that part is done (and that is what my latest delusion might be living cosily), he will work out where everyone else fits around him because this young gentleman has proven to be a leader, one that has succeeded under massive pressure and expectation. The captain of Canada's world Junior team, a team that had not won that prestigious tournament for a while. Not to mention that he, playing injured, scored a key goal in the final game.
So I am optimistic about Hayton, because I have adapted my expectations (not downgraded them though), and because the shortcomings and mistakes shown this season with the Coyotes have also demonstrated that he is not really that far off the level required to play there full time.
Once this is done, and with a bit of maturing, I am hoping that his character, and leadership will be significant for the Coyotes.
This is where I am at.