Hayton inks deal with Coyotes

Barrett Hayton’s dream of playing in the NHL is one step closer to becoming a reality.

Selected fifth overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the NHL Entry Draft last month, Hayton signed an entry level contract with the team on Friday.

Following the selection of Hayton, Coyotes General Manager John Chayka called the young centre “the full package.”

“He’s a 200-foot centre that can play in all situations,” Chayka also said. “He’s a character kid and a good athlete. There was no reason not to take him.”

In a release on Friday, Chayka said Hayton “had a strong development camp.”

Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The 18-year-old scored 21 goals and 60 points in 63 Ontario Hockey League games with the Soo Greyhounds last season.

Following the draft, Hayton told Arizona sports radio station 98.7 FM that he hoped to become more explosive as he works on his game to move up to the pro level.

“I’m just continuing to get more explosive, that’s a big thing for me,” Hayton said. “Playing with that higher pace. You see the way the NHL is going to now, especially in the playoffs, the pace is extremely high.”

Hayton has been invited to attend Hockey Canada’s World Junior Showcase event, which begins on July 28 in Kamloops, BC.