A mobile defender with a mean streak, Kashawn Aitcheson has impressed as one of the more exciting and electrifying draft-eligible OHL defensemen in this year’s class. Aitcheson is not afraid of any play on the ice, be it physical or otherwise, he is constantly engaged and involved and has a motor that runs for 60 minutes straight.
He is such a confident and aggressive player that loves to imprint himself on the game whenever and however he can, he was nearly a point per game with the Barrie Colts, and had the most goals out of any draft eligible defenseman, with 26. But his game isn’t just offensive, Aitcheson throws booming checks, and can be a steady presence in his own zone around the net front.
Pre-draft rankings
Np. 10 by The Athletic (Corey Pronman)
No. 19 by Elite Prospects
No. 18 by TSN (Bob McKenzie)
No. 13 by FloHockey (Chris Peters)
Bio
DOB: September 21, 2006
Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Position: Defenseman
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 198 lbs
Shoots: Left
Statistics
What’s there to like
If there is one constant every game that Kashawn Aitcheson plays in, it is his consistent engagement and involvement. Aitcheson is active all over the ice, and is capable of doing whatever he wants once he gets there, whether it be firing a shot towards goal, setting up his teammates, or absolutely leveling an attacking forward.
That last point is maybe the most fun aspect of Aitcheson’s game, he is a throwback style of defender that loves to lay the boom whenever he can. Watching him in Barrie, you rarely see a game where doesn’t at least try to knock somebody into the third row. He’s hunting, but not in an irresponsible way for the most part. He takes his opportunities and makes players think twice about taking an extra second on the puck, which helps his already astute defensive game.
This was the Aitcheson hit on Delisle and the following fight with Wray. There is only one Kashawn Aitcheson in this draft, do not be surprised if he goes higher than most expect. pic.twitter.com/YL2OS3cJzN
— M.M (@95morrison) January 23, 2025
What impresses me about Aitcheson is his ability to harness that bit of wild energy present in his game, and translate it into an effective 200-foot game. Aitcheson is capable of making a defensive stop in his own zone, skating it the other way, and getting a shot off or creating a chance on the other end. He has such a versatility and confidence that exudes through his play.
Offensively, Aitcheson is able to survey and sift through traffic from the point in order to get shots through, and he has a solid release that has some power behind it and can beat goaltenders. Don’t believe me? How about a franchise record for goals as proof.
Maybe my favorite part of his game is his ability to know when to activate and drive deep into the offensive zone. Those instincts are already keenly developed, and some of the plays Aitcheson makes in the offensive resemble a player like Travis Sanheim. He loves a home run pass, and he can make the electric, showy stretch passes that turn into odd-man rushes or breakaways. Scouts that watch him and really zoom in on his contributions all come away impressed, he is always willing to be involved, and he never seems to shy away from making the plays that truly make a difference.
He does the boring stuff well too, his physicality extends to the netfront, where he keeps the crease clear and is not afraid to engage with opposing forwards and clear them out. He has a lot of traits that should make him a valuable NHL defender for years to come.
What’s not to like
He can be a bit mistake prone at times, he definitely ices the puck more than your average defender due to missed passes through the neutral zone. Same goes for his physical game, sometimes he can go too far or get a bit fixated on physicality rather than playing defense in a more responsible way. These mistakes will get more magnified at the pro level and if you can’t shake them, it really affects your ceiling as a player.
Aitcheson also doesn’t have the smoothest skating stride, it looks a little lanky, sometimes choppy even at times. He still has a relatively quick foot speed for a defender, but there is room for improvement there. He can be prone to turnovers at times, due to being a little bit eager to step up and make a play, and perhaps thinking two steps ahead instead of one.
How would he fit in the Flyers’ system
Aitcheson would be a really nice addition to the defense core the Flyers are building. A future blue line featuring the more experienced Travis Sanheim and Cam York, along with the new blood of Oliver Bonk and Aitcheson, would be a really modern and adaptable unit, one that can play across all three zones, and in all three situations. Aithceson would add some of that snarl that the Flyers always value, and also kind of need right now, on the back end. He’s a unique player that can do a lot of things well for you, and I think the Flyers are uniquely equipped to develop him.
Brad Shaw would get a chance to get his hands on what is a slightly smaller version of Rasmus Ristolainen, without the Post-Sabres Stress Disorder (PSSD). Aitcheson is a really fun piece, and I think the Flyers should consider him.
Could the Flyers actually get him
Unless they want to make the reach of all reaches at #6, it looks as if the Flyers would need to use some of their excess picks to trade into the mid-teens in order to select Aitcheson. That may not even be enough, as the Barrie Colt might entice a team just outside the top-10 with his dynamic highlight reel, physical play, and raw goal and point totals.
But there is still the chance the Flyers do trade back onto the board when Aitcheson is still available, Danny Briere has a lot of picks to work with, and the requisite assets are there to say, move from the mid-20s up into the teens in order to get another impact player.
I get the feeling that the Flyers like Aitcheson. It’s not necessarily possible for them to get him at the moment, but watch this space.
What scouts are saying
“Aitcheson was one of the better defensemen in the OHL this season. He has been a major minutes player for Barrie as he was for Canada’s U18 team last spring. He’s a hyper-competitive defender who doesn’t back down from physical play and likes to agitate. He has the bite NHL teams will love, even if he does go over the line at times. He’s a good skater with strong enough hands and hockey sense to make plays at higher levels and a solid point shot too “– Corey Pronman
“Opponents can’t sleep on him when tracking through the neutral zone with the puck on their stick. Aitcheson gaps up with authority and finishes his checks. He’s also willing to drop the mitts on occasion.” – Jason Bukala
“Defensively, Aitcheson is a standout due to his physicality and solid technical skills. He uses his size effectively to outmuscle opponents, win puck battles, and protect his team’s zone. Additionally, his defensive toolkit is impressive — he combines strong stick-checking with shot-blocking abilities, creating a well-rounded, reliable defensive presence.” – Blake McGuire
Another name down, another one up, this time it’s Canadian U-18 standout, Cole Reschny.
“Reschny broke 90 points this season and is a player I’ve really enjoyed watching over the last couple of years. He’s highly skilled but also highly competitive and has driven both play and creation as a slightly smaller but athletic and involved center in the WHL. He’s got a motor but he’s also a natural playmaker, including when under pressure and with limited time and space. He creates chances for himself and his linemates, is a natural handler, finisher and passer and then will work off the puck and seems to take pride in his play in all three zones. He’s a good skater. He’s got very quick hands. He’s stronger on pucks and in battles than his 5-foot-10.5 listing might suggest at a glance. He plays the full 200 feet. He’s got the IQ component on both sides of the puck.” – Scott Wheeler
