The Arizona Coyotes have come to terms on an entry-level contract with their most recent first-round pick. Barrett Hayton, the fifth overall pick last month, has signed his first professional deal, per a team release. It is a standard three-year ELC and, while financial terms were not disclosed, it is fair to assume that he will have a maximum $925K base salary and maximum allowable performance bonuses.
Hayton, who only turned 18 in June, is an intriguing prospect for the Coyotes. While few expected him to be selected as high as he was, there is no doubt that Hayton is a supremely talented player with a high hockey IQ and a two-way game that is well beyond most of his peers’. The talented center registered 60 points in 63 games with the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds last season and earned an invitation to Team Canada’s World Junior Showcase this summer.
Hayton is still a ways away from owning a pro-ready offensive arsenal and is likely to return to the Greyhounds for at least one more season. However, he does have the potential to be a unique, high-caliber player in the NHL and the type of asset that the Coyotes have been lacking. This contract is little more than a formality, but it is the next step toward an exciting young player heading to Arizona in the future.
Thanks again Coyotes for taking Hayton at #5. Sincerely DRW fans.
Zadina baby!