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Arizona Coyotes All-Star Break Grades – Barrett Hayton

By Jim Lynch

OSTRAVA, CZECH REPUBLIC - JANUARY 5, 2020: Canada's captain Barrett Hayton kisses the trophy during the medal ceremony for the 2020 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship final match between Canada and Russia at Ostravar Arena; Canada won 4-3. Peter Kovalev/TASS (Photo by Peter Kovalev\TASS via Getty Images)
OSTRAVA, CZECH REPUBLIC - JANUARY 5, 2020: Canada's captain Barrett Hayton kisses the trophy during the medal ceremony for the 2020 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship final match between Canada and Russia at Ostravar Arena; Canada won 4-3. Peter Kovalev/TASS (Photo by Peter Kovalev\TASS via Getty Images) /
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Barrett Hayton has had a season filled with learning experiences so far this season. Although the 19-year-old has only played in 14 games with the Arizona Coyotes this season he has proven to both fans and critics alike that he belongs in the NHL.

Barrett Hayton, a former 5th overall pick, is just breaking into the NHL, so you could expect him to take some time to adapt to the NHL level. Although it has taken him some time, I am a big believer in what he can bring to the table post world juniors.

Barrett Hayton went to the world juniors to grow and help make team Canada the best in the world. He did just that, capturing gold at the tournament after scoring the game-tying goal late in the game.

Although the tournament was great for Hayton on the ice, it did hold some trials while off of the ice. Hayton didn’t remove his helmet for the Russian National Anthem, which caused many fans and critics alike to be frustrated with the young forward. After apologizing and learning from the experience Hayton came back and won gold to start 2020 off right.

I am excited about what Hayton will bring to the table moving forward. The team could desperately use another center, ok well not that desperately they are filled with very reliable centers. What I mean is maybe Hayton can help Nick Schmaltz develop as a center, the two could split time at the position and then whoever has the hotter hand can be used in the playoffs in that position. There is never an issue in my mind in having multiple assets to share amongst a few positions.

Another thing I hope Hayton can accomplish is recovering from a few critical injuries at the world juniors. Sometimes it is easier to play injured than recover. Hayton did just that in the championship game at the world juniors, now he needs to take his time and heal so that the Coyotes can use him the rest of the way.

I would give Hayton a higher all-star grade if he played more with the team. Hayton only has 4 points so far with the Coyotes all season, let’s try and triple that by the end of the year! Hayton’s midseason grade is a C in my eyes, let me know what you think in the comments.

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