Welcome to your 2025 NHL Entry Draft Headquarters right here at Last Word On Sports and Top Shelf Prospects. We have you covered with everything you will need to be ready for the big event. This year’s draft is set to take place on June 27th and 28th, live from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Today, we bring you our Kashawn Aitcheson Scouting Report.
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Kashawn Aitcheson is easily one of the most entertaining prospects of this year’s class. He’s intense, competitive, and physically overwhelming. Aitcheson is the type of player teammates love and opponents hate. On top of being a threatening force physically, Kashawn will also score in big moments and shut down the opponent’s offensive chances. Think Radko Gudas, but more mobile and offensive. His game still has to be fine-tuned, but his upside as a two-way, high-energy, left-shot defenceman is drawing significant NHL interest.
Kashawn Aitcheson Scouting Report: 2025 NHL Draft #20
Defence – Shoots Left
Born Sep 21, 2006 – Toronto, ON, CAN
Height 6’1″ – Weight 198 lbs [185cm/90kg]
Clutch Offence
Aitcheson can be a real offensive threat when he sticks to what he knows and plays a simple north-south style. He’s shown confidence carrying the puck end-to-end, especially in transition, where his straight-line speed and strength allow him to beat forecheckers and gain clean zone entries. Kashawn’s natural offensive tools are sound. He thrives at opening and finding passing lanes for his teammates, as well as getting pucks through from the point. Aitcheson has an above-average shot that he uses both off the rush and from the point.
Through his team’s 64 games this season, Kashawn Aitcheson has 36 goals and 59 points. He then followed that up with 12 points in 16 games in the playoffs, including a huge overtime winner in Game 5 and a three-point performance in Game 7. Aitcheson has the ability to step up in big moments, scoring clutch goals and making game-defining hits. He is the type of player who is built for the playoffs.
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Compilation of goal highlights from Kashawn Aitcheson of the Barrie Colts during his #NHLDraft year. Kash broke the Colts franchise record for single season goals by a defenceman with 26. He also added six goals in the playoffs, some coming in clutch scenarios. #2025NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/wH80ermlBR— Ryan McArthur (@ryanpmcarthur) May 22, 2025
Physicality and Defence
Physicality is a foundational aspect of Aitcheson’s game. He throws heavy hits, clears the net front with authority, and routinely separates players from the puck with a mix of strength and timing. You’d be hard pressed to find many other draft-eligible defencemen who impose the fear that Kashawn does on his opponents. That said, Aitcheson must continue to work on discipline and timing. Additionally, he will need to ensure that his physicality doesn’t result in being out of position.
Compilation of hits (and a couple fights) of dman Kashawn Aitcheson from the Barrie Colts during his #NHLDraft year. Kash is a missile and throws bone crushing hits, as seen in the clips. The physical aspect of his game makes him an extremely attractive prospect. #2025NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/4SUExiuP5a
— Ryan McArthur (@ryanpmcarthur) May 22, 2025
What sets him apart beyond the brute force is his improved stick work. He closes gaps effectively, shuts down lanes, and forces dump-ins with an active stick and solid positioning. In both net front and board battles, Aitcheson’s win percentage is high as he uses his large frame and stellar positioning to work the puck through. Kashawn has good defensive positioning and usually stays true to the structure.
Despite this, there are still areas of his game that could use some improvement. Occasionally, Aitcheson will get caught flat-footed when defending the rush, allowing players to blow by him. He lacks the elite lateral mobility of a top-four NHL defender. Kashawn can also struggle with breakout passes. These passes tend to be fairly inconsistent, especially when under pressure. With this said, however, he does excel at recovering from these mistakes.
Kashawn Aitcheson aka Mr. Clutch, has 5 overtime winners this season.
That’s the 2nd most by a CHLer this century. Not just defensemen – any skater.
My favourite prospect in this class. pic.twitter.com/v6JSDLGqwW
— Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) April 22, 2025
Comparison and Projections
In addition to Gudas, as mentioned above, the two players that come to mind when watching Aitcheson are Jacob Trouba (Anaheim Ducks) and Josh Manson (Colorado Avalanche). Like Trouba, Aitcheson blends a heavy physical game with the ability to activate offensively and play big minutes. They are both known for punishing hits, fights, and confidence on the power play. Manson, on the other hand, is more of a technical comparison. Both players effectively close gaps, activate down the wall, and play with controlled aggression.
Overall, Kashawn Aitcheson is one of the most fun players in this draft. He hits hard, shoots hard, and plays hard. Aitcheson is a general manager’s dream playoff acquisition due to his thunderous presence, steady defensive game, and clutch scoring touch. He projects as a middle pairing defenceman who can play both penalty kill and second power play. Although his offensive ceiling isn’t super high in the NHL, projecting roughly between 25-35 points, he will score when you need him to and be a menace to play against. Expect to hear Aitcheson’s name called in the 15-25 range of selections on draft day.
Main Photo: Joe Camporeale- Imagn Images
