Position: D
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 174 lbs
Birthdate: June 18, 1992 (19 years old)
Birthplace: Spruce Grove, Alberta
Acquired: Draft, round 5, 127th overall, 2011 NHL Entry Draft
2010-2011 Team: Spokane Chiefs
2010-2011 Stats: 23 G - 58 A - 81 P - 31 PIM
2011-2012 Team: Spokane Chiefs
Team Role: Top-4 Defenseman
Last year: Kichton had a true breakout season on the powerful Chiefs team last season. With 81 points in just 64 games and a +55 rating, Kichton proved he had the ability to be a high level offensive defenseman at the WHL level. Kichton had similar results in the playoffs, totaling 11 points in 17 games for the Chiefs with a +10 rating. Playing with top Ottawa prospect Jared Cowen, Kichton really took his game to the next level as a veteran WHL player and will need to bring the same experience as an over-ager next year.
Expectations: Losing Jared Cowen was a major blow to the Spokane defense, but they will be getting Kichton back for sure this season. Kichton should be poised to have another very productive season, though he is not yet in overager. The Chiefs still have a pretty decent and experienced defense, but Kichton will certainly be counted on to be a leader there. It's imperative for the Chiefs that he maintains his stellar QB play while adding the quality of play in the defensive zone that he provided.
Projections: 57 GP - 19 G - 41 A - 60 P
Thoughts:
CH: The Chiefs are a pretty experienced team, and Kichton will certainly be counted on to provide leadership and good two-way play. It's hard to imagine him having another dream season like 2010-11, but he should still be extremely productive and could average over a PPG again. I liken this pick to when the Isles chose Jared Spurgeon (also from Spokane) towards the end of the 2008 draft. While they did not sign him, Spurgeon has found a home with the Minnesota Wild. Perhaps this is the Isles taking a mulligan on Spurgeon and going with someone who has similar potential. Definitely more of a "now" pick, Kichton could be ready for AHL play next year and from there it's certainly possible he sees NHL time. The key is how his size and defensive ability translates to the next level. For now, however, it's just important for Brenden to put together another great WHL season.
AT: Solid player in the WHL, but his stats are "inflated" per se after being on a very, very powerful Spokane team with a deadly offense. He's on the smaller size so he'll be fighting with many other smaller height offensive defensemen in the Isles system such as Aaron Ness, Matt Donovan, Calvin De Haan, Robbie Russo and Mark Katic. He will certainly add to the AHL roster and could definitely flourish being paired with someone like De Haan, but first we need to see if he can put up another solid season in Spokane. I definitely like this pick and I'm glad he was chosen, but I need to see more before I can really make a true judgment.
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