KIERON WALTON

2025-08-04

Scout: Austin Kelly

Skating:

Walton is a fine skater. For his size he moves well and isn't too lanky. Overall he's a slower skater who lacks strong acceleration and footwork but he's been capable enough to make the lack of foot speed work with good intensity.

Passing/Handling:

Walton is a very strong puckhandler. He's highly mobile and does very well setting up plays with the puck. There's some good deceptiveness in his game that he's grown more this season as his game matures.

Shooting:

Kieron isn't a gifted shooter and doesn't have the most dominant shot, but has taken up the load of scoring chances for a Sudbury team that lacks goals from their top-six save for Quentin Musty. With Musty in the AHL next season, Walton will have to step up again, and will lead the goalscoring department again which he's managed to do.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

Walton can be a smart player when he's trying but there's a few cases where he's a bit of a floater who at times has been a step behind if he's caught watching the puck. Away from the puck, Walton is a bit inconsistent and doesn't have the best effort level without the puck on his stick.

Forechecking:

Defense:

Walton uses his 6'6 frame well to deliver hits and play a physically imposing game. He doesn't play as much of a power forward as he could but there's a lot of good moments of Walton using his reach to shut down plays and using his body.

Best Asset:

Walton's best asset is his mix of size and puck-moving ability. Walton's reach allows him to move the puck upward with ease and create plays.

Biggest Concern:

Walton can be a bit inconsistent and caught watching, when he has the puck he's engaged but when he's without it at times he'll take a step back and not be as active.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

Potential to be a 30-35-65 top-line point producer with a peak of 70PTS at his best with PP1 and PK2 opportunities.

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

Hard to see him peaking as high as a Tage Thompson but possible depending on how much freedom he's given and the linemates around him. Upside is based on Walton's growth this season and if it's something that'll continue to show progression in the coming seasons.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

20-30-50 middle-six energy winger with the chance to be on the PP2

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

Walton can be a bit inconsistent and if that carries over to the NHL and he becomes a liability in the league, it could restrict him from being able to reach a top-six role, at least regularly.

Stylistic Comparable:

Walton has been compared by some to Tage Thompson, and there's elements in the two's game, but Walton hitting that level doesn't appear all that certain.

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

Games Scouted:

3/5/25 - Sudbury vs Niagara

4/18/25 - Manitoba vs Texas