Barrett Hayton Bio
Barrett Hayton (born June 9, 2000) is a Canadian ice hockey player who plays the centre position. He currently skates for the Utah Mammoth of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing around 190 pounds, Hayton is known for his two-way play, hockey sense, and leadership qualities at a young age. After being selected fifth overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, he has continued to develop into a reliable middle-six forward in the league.
Born and raised in Peterborough, Ontario, Hayton grew up around the game and quickly worked his way up through competitive youth and junior hockey. He has represented Canada on the international stage, including a gold-medal performance at the 2020 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, where he served as captain. His path from a highly touted OHL prospect to a steady NHL centre reflects years of steady development, perseverance through injuries, and a growing role with his current team.
Early Life and Background
Barrett Hayton was born on June 9, 2000, in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. He grew up in a hockey family and began playing minor hockey with the Peterborough Petes before moving on to the Toronto Red Wings organization in the Greater Toronto Hockey League. During this period, he scored 73 points in 59 games as a 15-year-old, an impressive offensive output that signaled his potential to scouts.
Hayton also attended Upper Canada College, where he played for the school team during the 2015–16 season. Balancing academics and high-level hockey helped shape his disciplined approach to the game. His strong minor hockey performances made him one of the most highly regarded players eligible for the 2016 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection.
Family played a significant role in Hayton’s introduction to the sport. His father, Brian Hayton, was a defenceman who played in the OHL for the Guelph Platers and the Peterborough Petes before going on to coach and teach in the Peterborough area. Growing up in this environment gave Barrett early exposure to the demands and routines of competitive hockey.
Path to Hockey
Hayton was selected ninth overall by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection. On June 17, 2016, he agreed to terms with the Greyhounds and began his major junior career the following season. As a 16-year-old rookie in 2016–17, he adjusted to the league and posted 27 points in 63 games, a strong start that earned the confidence of the Greyhounds coaching staff.
In his second OHL season, Hayton took a major step forward, scoring 60 points in 63 games while playing in all situations. He was also recognized off the ice, winning the Bobby Smith Trophy as the OHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year. His growing reputation led NHL Central Scouting to rank him among the top North American skaters heading into the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
That June, the Arizona Coyotes selected Hayton fifth overall. Just two weeks later, on July 6, 2018, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the organization, officially beginning his professional career path.
Barrett Hayton Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
Hayton began the 2018–19 season with the Coyotes but was reassigned to the Greyhounds after being scratched for the first two games. Upon his return to junior, he was named team captain, further demonstrating the leadership qualities that had marked his development.
After Coyotes training camp in 2019, he made his NHL debut on October 10, 2019, against the Vegas Golden Knights, recording his first NHL point with a secondary assist. Five days later, on October 25, 2019, he netted his first NHL goal — the game-winner — against the New Jersey Devils.
Arizona Coyotes Era (2019–2024)
Hayton’s first full NHL season was interrupted by a loan to Canada’s under-20 team for the 2020 World Junior Championships, followed by a brief AHL conditioning stint with the Tucson Roadrunners. He rejoined the Coyotes in time for the 2020 play-in series, appearing in postseason games against the Nashville Predators and Colorado Avalanche.
In October 2020, he was loaned to Finnish Liiga club Ilves, where he recorded four assists in eight games before returning to North America. After splitting time between the Coyotes and Roadrunners in 2020–21, Hayton underwent wrist surgery in January 2022 and missed 16 games. Following the season, he signed a two-year, $3.55 million contract extension with Arizona in September 2022.
Hayton enjoyed his most productive NHL season in 2022–23, playing all 82 games and setting career highs with 19 goals, 24 assists, 43 points, and 42 penalty minutes while centering the top line alongside Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz. His progress was halted in 2023–24, when an upper-body injury suffered on November 16, 2023, kept him out for nearly three months. A subsequent lower-body injury in mid-March ended his season after just 33 games and 10 points.
Utah Mammoth Era (2024–Present)
Following the 2023–24 season, the Arizona Coyotes franchise was suspended, and its players — including Hayton — were transferred to the new expansion club, Utah Hockey Club. As a restricted free agent, Hayton signed a two-year contract with Utah on July 8, 2024. The franchise later adopted the name Utah Mammoth beginning with the 2025–26 season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Hayton is recognized as a smart, two-way centre with strong hockey sense and responsible play in all three zones. He competes hard on draws, supports his wingers in the cycle game, and has grown more confident as a playmaker. His ability to play alongside skilled linemates such as Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz has highlighted his versatility and reliability as a middle-six contributor.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Hayton’s defining early moments came at the 2020 World Junior Championships, where he served as captain of Team Canada and scored the game-tying goal in the gold-medal final against Russia. He was also named to the IIHF World Under-20 Championship Media All-Star Team. In the NHL, his first career goal — a game-winner against New Jersey — marked his arrival at the top level.
Barrett Hayton Career Highlights
Across the OHL, AHL, Liiga, and NHL, Barrett Hayton has steadily built a résumé highlighted by leadership, perseverance, and steady production. From his OHL rookie campaign to his career-best 43-point NHL season, his journey has featured both individual milestones and team accomplishments.
NHL Highlights
Hayton scored his first NHL goal on October 25, 2019, against the New Jersey Devils, and went on to play a full 82 games in 2022–23, setting career highs across every major offensive category. He has continued to be a steady contributor for Utah following the franchise’s relocation.
International and Junior Highlights
Hayton captained Canada to a gold medal at the 2020 World Junior Championships and was named to the tournament’s Media All-Star Team. Earlier, he led Team Canada in goals at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, signaling his offensive upside on the international stage.
Barrett Hayton Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Hockey runs deep in Barrett Hayton’s family. His father, Brian Hayton, was a defenceman who played in the OHL for the Guelph Platers from 1985 to 1988 and the Peterborough Petes from 1988 to 1989. After a brief professional stint in the American Hockey League, Brian transitioned into coaching the Kitchener Rangers and later settled into a teaching role at Norwood District High School near Peterborough.
Personal Life
Barrett Hayton maintains strong ties to his hometown of Peterborough, Ontario, where his family continues to live. Public details about his personal relationships, including marital status, remain limited. He is active on social media, where fans can follow his hockey journey.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a new chapter for Barrett Hayton as a member of the Utah Mammoth. Following the franchise’s official rebranding, Hayton is expected to play a meaningful role in Utah’s middle six, bringing two-way reliability and leadership to a young, growing roster. His two-year contract signed in July 2024 provides stability as the team builds its identity.
After an injury-riddled 2023–24 campaign, Hayton entered 2025 with a focus on staying healthy and producing at the level he established in 2022–23. His track record of strong two-way play and chemistry with skilled linemates makes him a key piece of Utah’s long-term plans. Continued offensive growth and consistent ice time will be central to his outlook.
With Utah pushing to establish itself in a competitive Western Conference, Hayton’s mix of experience, work ethic, and leadership — refined through junior captaincies and international success — positions him as a steadying presence. If he can stay healthy, he is well placed to deliver a strong 2025 campaign for the Mammoth.
