Aaron Obobaifo (C, L, 5’10”, 185, Vancouver Giants, 02/13/2007)
Aaron Obobaifo is a compact, powerful winger with a sturdy build and a direct north-south play style. Despite an injury-shortened 2024–25 season, he made a significant impact in limited action, scoring 10 points in 13 games while averaging over 15 minutes per night. A product of the Shattuck-St. Mary’s program, where he led his U15 team in goals and finished second in points, Obobaifo has shown a consistent progression through his development curve, proving he can adapt quickly to higher levels of play.
Statistical Profile:
Season GP G A P PIM +/- TOI (avg) SC (avg) C% P%
2024–25 (WHL) 13 6 4 10 6 -2 15:07 1.77 42% 85%
2023–24 (WHL) 56 6 12 18 24 -9 11:19 1.24 43% 80%
2022–23 (SSM U15) 49 39 24 63 42 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Reasons to Draft:
Strong Hockey IQ and Puck Protection: Obobaifo reads the game well and makes smart decisions under pressure. His ability to maintain possession along the wall and distribute with pace or touch makes him an effective complementary winger.
Quick Release and Scoring Touch: Averaged 1.77 scoring chances per game in 2024–25 and converted at 22%. Despite a small sample size, he was a dangerous offensive piece and produced 0.77 goals per game—an improvement from his rookie season.
Physical Tools: Though not above average in height by NHL standards, Obobaifo plays physically and doesn’t shy away from contact. He can separate players from the puck and create traffic in front of the net when engaged.
Development Curve: Significant year-over-year gains in time on ice (+4:00), scoring chance volume (+43%), and puck battle wins despite limited games. Suggests a steep upward development trajectory prior to injury.
Reasons for Concern:
Size Relative to Projection: At 5’10″, 185 lbs, Obobaifo is well below the NHL average for power forwards and will need to continue relying on his strength and smarts to compensate at the next level. Net-front play, while improved, is still inconsistent.
Skating Needs to Progress Further: He has good straight-line speed, but his agility and lateral quickness remain a work in progress. Will need to round out footwork to keep pace with faster pro-level defenders.
Limited Viewing Sample in Draft Year: Played only 13 games. While performance in those games was strong, NHL projection is more difficult without a full season to assess his durability, consistency, and sustained impact.
Puck Battle Success Rate: At 42% in 2024–25, his 50/50 win rate is below desired levels for his play style and usage. Improvement here is key for him to fulfill a bottom-six NHL role in the future.
Projection:
Bottom-six NHL winger with match-up tendencies. If his skating and consistency continue to improve, he can develop into a valuable bottom-six contributor who plays physically, chips in secondary offense, and creates space for more skilled linemates. Ideal candidate for a long-term NCAA route or development-focused AHL seasoning.
Draft Recommendation:
Draft in the 7th round.
While limited by a shortened season, Obobaifo’s combination of scoring touch, puck protection, and willingness to play inside contact make him a worthwhile late-round pick with potential to develop into a valuable depth piece. Continued strength gains and skating refinement will be critical to his upward trajectory.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images