Hayton, a member of the Ontario Hockey League's Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, spent two years behind a top of line of incredibly gifted forwards, but still produced in bunches.

Playing on a team filled with talent may hurt some prospects' ability to get a look from scouts. For Barrett Hayton however, his ability to produce on the second line of an offensively loaded roster has him poised for selection in the first round come June 22, in Dallas.

This past year, in 63 regular season games, Hayton registered 60 points (21G, 39A) and added 21 more (8G, 13A) in 24 games of postseason action.

The center, who was viewed by scouts as one of the most important players on a stacked team, capitalized when give then chance to showcase his abilities.

With a number of teammates attending the IIHF World Junior Championship late in December, Sault Ste. Marie played eight games in which Hayton tallied 10 points (4G, 6A). This sample size - while small - showed what the forward could do given opportunities.

"It was great," Hayton told NHL.com's Deputy Managing Editor Adam Kimelman. "It was a very good time having to step up and be the go-to guy. That's always what I strive to be."

The center is entering a draft in which he is widely considered the best available at his position. He also hopes to become the highest drafted player in his family.

Barrett's father Brian was drafted in the 12th round of the 1986 NHL Draft by the Los Angeles Kings.

Brian spent all five years of his professional career between the OHL and AHL, and enjoyed one major breakout campaign with a 48-point (11G, 27A) season for the Guelph Platers in 1987-88.

At the end of the day, while Hayton credits his father for his development and knowledge of the sport he wants to continue to focus on himself as a player.

"My goal is to be the very best player I can be," Hayton said. "The role of being the guy relied on is something I strive to be in."

Hayton will be in that position next season as the focal point of Sault Ste. Marie after he is drafted. Those formerly in front of him will move on from the OHL and the once second-line star will now have to carry the weight of his team. This is a task that those who know Hayton see as an inevitable step in his progression.

"Wouldn't surprise me if Barrett puts up upward of 100 points (next season)," Drew Bannister told Kimelman. Bannister coached Hayton for two seasons before he was hired to coach the St. Louis Blues American Hockey League affiliate in San Antonio.

"From what I know of him and how much more he's going to get coming back and another year of development and a year older… I'm sure he's going to get close to 90-100 points."

That's high praise for Hayton, who will look to make the jump from role player to superstar in his next year of OHL play.

Hayton was the recipient of this year's Bobby Smith Trophy as the top performing scholar in the OHL - an honor that he thinks significantly benefits his hockey.

"Taking classes and challenging yourself mentally just to keep thinking, I think it's huge alongside hockey," he told NHL.com. "Not only for the future but also just to keep your mind sharp, keep your mind thinking and kind of have a little different aspect of your life going on."

Just add mental aptitude to the 18 year-old's impressive list of traits that has scouts raving about what he can bring an NHL franchise.

"He knows where to locate linemates as a natural playmaking center," said NHL.com's Mike G. Morreale. "Hayton has great hockey sense, a high complete level, and can play on the power play and the penalty kill. He's projected to be a solid two-way center in the NHL."

With at least a year projected between Hayton's drafting and his joining the NHL, the center will continue to work on improving his game. If he can match the comparisons he has for himself even in the slightest, his future is very bright.

Hayton looks to emulate the play of centers Jonathan Toews and Patrice Bergeron because of their ability to play both ends of the ice and their willingness to lead their teams - a trait which Hayton wishes to exemplify.

"You're always doing the right thing, lead by example, always be a guy that in key situations, really every situation, that a fellow teammate or peer can look to and see the right way of going about the situation," Hayton said.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:

"Everybody talks about having to have a center. Well, there aren't many centers in this draft better than this guy. He's an honest, hardworking guy who plays a 200-foot game and chips in offensively." - A scout, per The Hockey News.

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