Draft Preview: Aitcheson Adds Punch to a Team in Multiple Ways

(Editor’s Note: The Detroit Red Wings will select 13th at the NHL draft Friday in Los Angeles. Detroit Hockey Now is profiling prospects expected to land in the No. 10-20 range. Today we look at Barrie defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson. NHL’s Central Scouting ranks him ninth among North American prospects.) 

Barrie’s Kashawn Aitcheson scored 26 goals as defenseman in the OHL this season and yet what people enjoy talking most about is his physical presence.

He’s a destroyer on a pond full of speed boats.

“He’s a nasty physical force in the defensive zone – plays a tough, hard, rugged game with an edge that forces opponents to keep their heads up,” Red Line Report said about him in its annual draft guide.

Red Line ranks Aitcheson 16th going into Friday’s first round, summing him up his potential like this: “Brings a cannon shot, and a huge dose of nasty.”

Detroit fans are zeroed in on Aitcheson because TSN’s Bob McKenzie has the Red Wings landing him with the No. 13 pick. DHN quoted draftbuzz.com/Sirius Radio draft analyst Russ Cohen saying he believes the Red Wings could take Aitcheson at that spot.

Lots of #NHLDraft love for @OHLBarrieColts' Kashawn Aitcheson from the experts 📈 pic.twitter.com/No5js8VUkN

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) June 22, 2025

Compares to Top NHL Hitters

It makes sense because the Red Wings say they want to be harder to play against. To do that, you have to bring in players who are always looking to initiate or push back. Aitcheson plays with an edge and an attitude. Red Line Report ranks him as the third-best fighter available in the draft. They note he makes it a point to stick up for teammates.

“Aitcheson brings an entertaining mix of offensive skill and brute strength that makes him a nightmare to play against, similar to Charlie McAvoy of the Boston Bruins or Jacob Trouba of the Anaheim Ducks,” NHL.com Adam Kimmelman wrote.

The only negatives you hear about his game is he sometimes let’s his emotions get the best of him. But he did cut his penalty minutes from 126 minutes to 88 minutes this season. Aitcheson logs about 26 minutes per game, and it was important to his team that he stayed out of the penalty box.

More In Control

“He hasn’t taken any bad penalties or anything,” Barrie general manager Marty Williamson told NHL.com. “You wouldn’t call him dirty. You’d call him hard-nosed, and that’s the way I look at Jacob Trouba when I evaluate his game. I think he’s a hard-nosed defenseman who’s hard to play against, has great leadership qualities. Kashawn checks a lot of those boxes, that’s for sure.”

Aitcheson doesn’t use his offensive skill enough in the defensive zone. His outlet passes could be sharper. He needs to use his offensive instincts to help his team get out of trouble in its defensive zone.

We know that because he has proven himself to be a gifted force in the offensive end. He boasts a low, hard shot that seems laser-guided to the net.