Brenden Kichton
Spruce Grove Alberta
CHL
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Birthday:
1992-06-18 |
Position:
D |
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Eligible for draft:
2011 |
Shoots:
Left |
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Drafted:
2011 |
Height:
5-11 |
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Acquired:
5th round (127th overall), 2011 |
Weight:
174 lbs. |
Prospect Talent Score
Probability of Success
- D
History
2006-07: Brenden Kichton was chosen in the third round, 55th overall, of the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft by the Spokane Chiefs.
2007-08: Kichton played for the St. Albert Raiders Midget AAA, appearing in 35 games for that team. He scored 10 goals and added 16 assists for 26 points. Kichton had no points in 1 playoff game.
2008-09: In his WHL rookie season, Kichton played in 57 games for the Spokane Chiefs. He scored 1 goal and added 8 assists for 9 points. Kichton registered no points 8 playoff games.
2009-10: In 70 games for the Chiefs, Kichton scored 4 goals and added 15 assists for 19 points. He registered no points in 7 playoff games. Kichton was passed over in the 2010 NHL Draft, but did receive an invite to the Detroit Red Wings training camp.
2010-11: In a breakout season, Kichton played in 64 games for the Chiefs. He scored 23 goals and added 58 assists for 81 points. His point total placed him second among WHL defensemen in scoring. In 17 playoff games, Kichton scored 1 goal and added 10 assists for 11 points.
2011-12: Kichton was the Spokane Chiefs' leading scorer from his defense spot in his fourth WHL season. He scored 17 goals and his 57 assists were tops amongst all WHL defensemen. Kichton was plus-24 in 71 games as Spokane finished second in the U.S. Division. Kichton suffered a broken jaw in the playoffs; finishing with an assist in his only game as the Chiefs reached the second round.
Talent Analysis
Kichton was passed over in the 2010 NHL Draft due to limited exposure by virtue of his limited playing time. But Kichton turned in a great offensive season for the Chiefs in 2010-11. He reads the play well and has accurate passing skill. Kichton handles the defensive side of the game well considering his lack of imposing size, instead playing a smart game in his own end. Kichton could be an effective power play quarterback along the lines of a Brian Campbell.
Future
Kichton will be back in Spokane in 2012-13 for his fifth WHL season. He will be counted on to perform in a primary role and should continue to develop playing in all situations. With areas of his game that still need refinement, Kichton's offensive instincts and willingness to challenge defenders are plusses and are inherent in all puck-moving defensemen. He will likely take time to develop the strength and skill level to compliment those instincts but long-term Kichton projects as a lower pairing offensive defenseman and possible power play quarterback.
