Ashton Schultz (RW, R, 5’11”, 180, Chicago Steel, 10/03/2006, North Dakota)
Ashton Schultz is a right-shot forward with offensive instincts, pace, and a heavy perimeter shooting mentality. He was tied for the team lead in points (39 in 57 games), ranking third in goals and second in assists on a Chicago Steel team that struggled to generate consistent offense. Schultz is a dual-position forward who can play center or wing and averaged 16:26 TOI with over 2:45 on the power play each game. His game revolves around getting pucks to the net, especially from wide angles and off the rush. While his puck skill and hockey sense are clear assets, he rarely gets to the interior consistently and was a middle-of-the-pack performer in key puck battles and defensive play.
Reasons to Draft:
High-End Offensive IQ and Timing: Schultz displays excellent awareness in the offensive zone, often arriving in soft areas with perfect timing. He reads defenders well, jumps passing lanes, and makes intelligent cuts into scoring areas. His one-timer from the flank and release mechanics are polished, especially in space.
Shot Generation: Schultz attempts 4.2 shots per game and puts 2.2 on net, regularly creating chances even when few others are producing. He gets pucks to the net from poor angles and has a knack for quick-release plays off the cycle or on the weak side.
Stick Skills and Deception: Schultz manipulates defenders at the offensive blue line with head fakes and tight handles. He’s comfortable attacking off the rush, and although he favors outside lanes, he showed late-season improvement getting inside the dots.
Low Penalty Minutes, High Possession Pressure: Only 10 PIMs over 57 games while drawing 0.16 penalties per game and averaging nearly 1 takeaway. He shows signs of being a pest with his stick and awareness without crossing into undisciplined play.
Reasons Not to Draft:
Perimeter-Oriented Game: Despite his shot volume, Schultz’s scoring chance percentage (7%) and low net-front involvement suggest an overreliance on perimeter chances. He doesn’t consistently attack the interior or create inside positioning on defenders.
Defensive Presence and Physical Engagement: Schultz’s 46% puck battle win rate and 0.67 hits per game indicate minimal physical engagement. He is more of a positional or reactive defender than one who drives defensive play.
Faceoff Limitations: In 12 draws per game, Schultz won only 45%. For a player who toggles between center and wing, that’s a limiting factor for usage down the middle at higher levels unless corrected.
Transition Risk: While he thrives on turnovers and opportunistic plays, he doesn’t often drive controlled entries himself or slow the game down. His give/take ratio (5.7 GA vs 3.5 TA per game) suggests his decision-making in motion still needs refinement.
Projection:
Schultz profiles as a middle-six offensive winger with power-play value at the NCAA level. His shooting ability, anticipation, and offensive touch give him tools to succeed in a sheltered scoring role, but he must become more consistent in puck management, interior involvement, and board play to project beyond the collegiate ranks.
Draft Recommendation:
Priority NCAA Free Agent Watch
Schultz’s skill set and timing in the offensive zone warrant attention, especially if he transitions into a true scoring winger at the next level. However, due to his perimeter habits and average defensive value, he does not currently warrant a mid-round NHL draft selection. Continued tracking is advised during his NCAA development to monitor physical growth, puck decision improvement, and whether he can evolve into a more complete offensive contributor.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images