The Dallas Stars have used their first sixth round pick, 154th overall, on Aaron Haydon of the Niagara IceDogs of the OHL.
He’s a big hulking defenseman, 6’4″, 200lbs, who is a big mean defensive defenseman. Scouts appear to be quite divided over him with contradicting reports of his ability and potential.
There are some who believe he has hidden offensive upside while there are others who think he is chronically over rated. He needs to improve his decision making if he wants to be more productive both at this level and at higher levels. On the other hand he has the basic tools to be a good shutdown defenseman at the NHL level.
Haydon is a smothering defensive defender, effective down low, using his thick frame to stifle the cyle cand eliminate any opportunities
— Sean Lafortune (@SeanLafortune) June 28, 2014
| Regular Season | Team | GP | G | A | P | +/- | PIM |
| 2012-2013 | Niagara IceDogs (OHL) | 42 | 4 | 6 | 10 | -7 | 39 |
| 2013-2014 | Niagara IceDogs (OHL) | 61 | 5 | 11 | 16 | -39 | 112 |
| Post Season | |||||||
| 2012-2013 | Niagara IceDogs (OHL) | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -1 | 10 |
| 2013-2014 | Niagara IceDogs (OHL) | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -4 | 10 |
Scouting Reports:
Future Considerations:
Haydon is great skater; he is very mobile and it is difficult for oppo- nents to knock him over. He has top-end speed when he gets going, but his first step lacks a quick burst. Haydon possesses good puck skills, being able to deke around defenders and control the puck very well.
ISS
Haydon is a very physical defenseman who will throw his weight around liberally. His foot speed and skating have notably improved over the course of the season but still has lots of room for improvement to go. More of a stay at home defensive defenseman role suits him well.
Hockey Prospect Black Book
Aaron is a hulking defenseman who loves to take the body and assert himself along the wall. He fights for pucks and uses his upper body strength to his full advantage in these situations. He never passes up an opportunity to hit and has delivered some crushing hits this year. His skating is OK in general and has shown clear improvements from last season.