Aiden Foster (LW, L, 6’2″, 184, Prince George Cougars, 02/25/2007)
Case for Aiden Foster as an NHL Draft Pick
- Pro-Ready Size and Physicality
At 6’2″, 185 lbs, Foster possesses ideal NHL size and has room to fill out his frame to add strength.
Averages 1.68 hard hits per game—he plays a heavy, physical game and doesn’t shy away from contact.
111 PIMs in 53 games – he has a willingness to play a hard-nosed, in-your-face style that can intimidate.
His physical presence makes him a disruptive force on the forecheck, and he finishes his checks consistently and with authority. - Defensive Awareness and PK Ability
Spends 6:57 of his ice time in the defensive zone – he’s trusted in defensive situations.
Averages 1:01 of penalty-killing time per game – coaches can rely on him in a defensive role and potentially a shutdown role.
His 3.1 takeaways per game are a strong indicator of his defensive instincts and ability to pressure opponents. - Effective in Puck Battles and Transition Play
Engages in 14 puck battles per game – he consistently competes for loose pucks and is involved in the play.
1.64 loose puck recoveries after shots – he has good pick anticipation and a strong compete level to track pucks.
Decent skating ability for a big forward, allowing him to cover ice effectively and pressure opponents on the forecheck.
Case Against Aiden Foster as an NHL Draft Pick
- Offensive Limitations and Below Average Production
7 goals, 7 assists (14 points) in 53 games—his offensive upside is limited.
Only 1.38 shots on goal per game, which we feel is too low for a player with his size and strength.
1.15 grade “A” scoring opportunities per game below average, and he converts on 10% of them—he must improve his shot deception, release, and finishing ability. - Inefficiency with the Puck
5.3 giveaways per game—his puck management is a concern, and he can struggle when under tight pressure.
83% passing accuracy is below average – he needs continued development in his vision and execution.
44% win rate on 50/50 puck battles—for a 6’2″ power forward, this number should be higher. - Poor Plus/Minus and Lack of High-Impact Play
-6 rating (tied for worst on team).
Minimal power-play usage (0:14 per game)—he is not viewed as an offensive contributor by his coaches.
Limited overall impact in the offensive zone—while he battles hard, he currently lacks the hands, finishing ability, and play-driving skills to produce at a high level.
Final Verdict: Draftable or Not?
Unlikely to Be Drafted – Potential Undrafted Free Agent Target
Why Draft Him?
Big, physical forward who plays a hard-nosed style.
Reliable defensively and effective on the penalty kill.
Good work ethic and compete level—engaged in battles and plays a team-first game.
Why Not Draft Him?
Very limited offensive production and impact.
Poor puck management, below-average passing, and low shot volume.
Struggles to convert on scoring chances, and his finishing ability is a concern.
Projection:
Best-Case NHL Upside: Fourth-line checking forward with momentum changing physicality.
Most Likely Path: Finishes WHL career → Earns AHL/ECHL contract → Depth forward at pro level.
Draft Range: Undrafted or 7th-round flyer.
Conclusion:
Foster’s size, physicality, and defensive reliability make him an intriguing depth option, but his lack of offensive production and inefficient puck management make him a long shot for an NHL draft selection. If he can clean up his decision-making, improve his finishing, and develop better puck skills, he could work his way into an AHL role and possibly earn an NHL look as a bottom-six energy forward. However, at this point, he is more likely to go undrafted and sign as a free agent if he continues to develop.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images