Kashawn Aitcheson – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

His offensive game begins with his ability to lead rushes from the defensive zone. He has strong vision and IQ with the puck on his stick. He has shown numerous times this season that he has no problem being the player who takes the puck end-to-end to make a play. When set up in the offensive zone, he constantly looks to activate from the point to make a play. This has shined through big time on the power play, where he has played alongside Cole Beaudoin (Utah Hockey Club 2024 first-round pick) and Riley Patterson (Vancouver Canucks 2024 fourth-round pick). He leads the team in both power-play goals and assists. One of the biggest downsides to his offensive game is that he sometimes tries to do too much with the puck on his stick, leading to turnovers and rushes for his opponents.

Defensively, Aitcheson’s physicality has continued to be what stands out the most. He has also improved at learning when and how to use it appropriately. His stick work defensively stands out, shutting down rushes and taking away lanes for opponents. He still takes himself out of the play, whether penalty-wise or out of position, at times when trying to make a hit, and he will need to continue to work on his decision-making in this aspect of his game.

Overall, Aitcheson’s defensive game has helped turn him into one of the stronger two-way defensemen in the OHL, but being able to keep himself activated and engaged is an area where he will need to improve, as there have been times he finds himself flatfooted and unable to catch an opponent. The “old-time” hockey style Aitcheson plays with makes him an intriguing prospect heading into the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, and surely, an organization will love to have him within their system.

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Kashawn Aitcheson – NHL Draft Projection

Aitcheson does not come with the flashiness of other defensemen in this year’s draft class, like Matthew Schaefer. Still, his development in his offensive game this season, tied in with his strong defensive play, can easily make him a mid-to-late first-round pick. There is an outside chance he finds himself as a lottery pick, depending on how the rest of the regular season and lottery shake out. It is a safe bet to say he will not make it out of the first round.

Quotables

“He has a great shot from the point, flashing good power and control on his release. He can also jump low into the zone to open a passing lane and get pucks on net in traffic between the dots. He’s a decent puck handler, showing poise under pressure and an accurate first pass through center ice while also making exits with his skating ability. Defensively, Aitcheson is engaged physically and intimidating for opposing players through the middle.” – Joseph Aleong, Future Considerations

“Aitcheson has really worked to simplify his game this year and it’s done wonders for his consistency and effectiveness as a two-way player. Last season, turnovers and poor reads were too prevalent as he tried to force passes or beat pressure head on. This year, he has worked to limit his turnovers, especially in the defensive zone.” – Brock Otten, McKeen’s Hockey

“Aitcheson is one of my favorite prospects in the draft. He has the potential to be an intimidating force in the NHL – someone who just gives opponents nothing to work with. His physicality is the best attribute of his game because he’s willing to get involved with just about anyone. Aitcheson already has 20 goals, which is no small feat for an OHL defenseman.” – Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

Strengths

Under Construction/Improvements to Make

NHL Potential

Aitcheson’s all-around game, led by his physicality, should translate well to the NHL game. Will he put up the numbers he has this season at that level? Probably not, but he has the skillset to be strong enough to be a second or third-pairing defenseman who can play on the power play and penalty kill if given the opportunity.

Risk/Reward Analysis

Risk: 2/5 Reward: 4/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Offense: 6/10 Defense: 7/10

Awards/Achievements

Interviews/Links

Kashawn Aitcheson Stats

Videos