We talk about development often, and predicting development when it’s not exactly in the team’s control is very hard. Teams are spending millions of dollars on scouting just to then let a small team with an overworked coaching staff in either Europe, Russia, or Canada to control that player’s present as the team waits for his future. However, there are a few teams with a better track record than others.
The Sudbury Wolves are one of those teams. They’ve had players drafted in the last five drafts, and they’ve shown that they can keep them growing. Players like Quinton Musty, David Goyette, and heck, even Chase Stillman have grown their profile after being drafted (even if Stillman was and always will be drafted too high).
That brings us to this player here. Taking a flier on Kieron Walton makes all the sense in the world. He jumped from 18 points last year to 43 points this past season doesn’t make him a superstar, but it does show the correct progression.
Did we mention he’s gigantic and plays center? At 6’6, Walton would immediately be one of the biggest centers in professional hockey. Who knows if he’d keep that position in the NHL, but it’s interesting that’s where he is now. Walton is also expected to take on more of an offensive role with some of their best players going pro, so this might be huge value at this point in the draft.