Conor Walton (D, L, 6’5″, 209, Windsor Spitfires, 04/22/2006)
Conor Walton is a physically imposing, left-shot shutdown defenseman who has carved out a clear identity in the OHL as a low-maintenance, steady, hard-to-play-against blueliner. At 6’5″, 210 lbs, Walton brings NHL size and uses it effectively around his net and along the walls. While he does not offer much offensively, his consistent defensive habits, PK usage, and ability to kill plays make him a potential depth NHL option with continued development.
Case For Drafting Conor Walton:
Walton’s defensive metrics are strong across the board and suggest he understands his role and plays within it. He wins 64% of his 50/50 puck battles, a very high number for a defender, and averages 1.91 hits given per game, showing physical edge and willingness to assert himself. His 7 takeaways per game is elite and indicates strong stick detail, timing, and anticipation, especially given how often he starts his shifts in his own zone (8:14 DZTOI/game).
His 2.32 SH TOI per game speaks to the coaching staff’s trust in him defensively. He blocks nearly 0.9 shots per game and is consistently in shooting lanes and active below the dots, lifting sticks, clearing shooting lanes and boxing out. Walton consistently clears the front of his net and uses his long reach to deflect pucks or take away time and space.
Offensively, Walton is limited, but he does have some instincts. His lateral movement at the blue line is adequate, and while he only averages 0.13 completed passes to a teammate’s Grade “A” chance per game, he does generate rebound opportunities with his point shot. He makes safe, smart decisions and doesn’t complicate puck movement—valued traits in a bottom-pair defenseman.
Case Against Drafting Conor Walton:
Walton’s upside is limited due to a lack of overall offense, puck skill, and transition ability. He averages only 0.97 shots on goal per game despite over 16 minutes of ice time, and just 13 total points in 65 games. His passing percentage and Grade “A” creation metrics (0.13 per game) are below expectations for even a stay-at-home defender.
He averages over 4 giveaways per game, which is a concern considering how little he handles the puck in high-pressure situations, but as long as those giveaways are defensive zone clearing off-the-glass and outs it won’t really matter. He draws only 0.23 penalties per game and has just 53 PIMs—respectable, but not indicative of someone who consistently intimidates or forces opponents into mistakes.
Physically, he has the frame and plays hard in-zone, but his skating is still developing—particularly his transitions when facing speed off the rush and recovering from broken plays.
Projection:
Walton profiles as a depth, penalty-killing, third-pairing defensive defenseman at the pro level. He’ll need to tighten up his puck decisions, continue to add core and overall strength and foot speed, and fully commit to becoming a specialist in shutdown, physical hockey. If he embraces a stay-at-home identity and becomes a more consistent disruptor willing to utilize intimidation, his size and reach could help him fill a niche NHL role.
Recommendation:
Draft Target: Rounds 5–7
Monitor closely through the playoffs. Not a flashy pick, but if developed patiently, Walton could become a low-risk, reliable penalty killer and physical presence on an NHL third pair. He is a known quantity with clear strengths and clearly defined areas of improvement. Not dynamic—but steady, structured, and coachable.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images