<div align="center">
Jasper Clayton scores against Kyle Cobb and the Prince George Firebirds during the regular season

JASPER CLAYTON SCOUTING REPORT </div>

HockeyTown Scouting is back in action looking at yet another rookie Falcon that seems to be soaring high on the blue line. Jasper Clayton, the Falcons' 2nd round selection in the S25 SMJHL Entry Draft, was drafted to compliment and work alongside fellow blue liner Bastien Salabanzi and while Bastien has improved, Clayton has made a name for himself as a great offensive creator. The English defender has become a passing fiend, notching 8 of his 9 points in the assist column so far. Scouts headed into the draft saw the offensively minded defender as a scoring threat from both the shooting and passing parts of the offense, and Clayton has focused early on with his passing. Let's take a look at what the Falcon prospect's build currently is:

<div align="center">TPE = 207
CK = Checking: 55
FG = Fighting: 25
DI = Discipline: 67
SK = Skating: 74
ST = Strength: 70 1/2
EN = Endurance: 73
DU = Durability: 50
PH = Puck Handling: 70
FO = Face Offs: 50
PA = Passing: 80
SC = Scoring: 73
DF = Defense: 75 1/2
PS = Penalty Shot: 50</div>

Obviously Clayton is a defender that wants the offense flowing from the blue line crashing toward the net with him as the focal point of zone play and his play shows that his training has succeeded. Clayton excels at the passing game, making sure to always look for other players before looking to the corners of the net, but this hasn't stopped Clayton from taking 18 shots on net in the early season. This may result from Clayton's 2nd line powerplay minutes or even his role as a last-minute defensive option for the Falcons. Regardless, Clayton has been put in a position to perform under pressure and crucial moments and so far has succeeded. With more training and coaching, Clayton could develop into a great SHL prospect. HockeyTown Scouting took a look at one possible outcome for Clayton's minor league development:

<div align="center">TPE = 350
CK = Checking: 55
FG = Fighting: 25
DI = Discipline: 67
SK = Skating: 80 (+12 TPE)
ST = Strength: 80 (+19 TPE)
EN = Endurance: 80 (+14 TPE)
DU = Durability: 50
PH = Puck Handling: 80 (+20 TPE)
FO = Face Offs: 50
PA = Passing: 90 (+50 TPE)
SC = Scoring: 80 (+14 TPE)
DF = Defense: 81 (+14 TPE)
PS = Penalty Shot: 50</div>

Clayton has shown that the assist game is his forte, so Detroit's coaches will utilize that rare ability to see the passing lanes and create a blue line playmaker out of Clayton. This benefits the Falcons because they now have a passing defender that can run the offense from up top with some improved stick work and closer grip of the puck, and it benefits Clayton in the long run as a role player early on for any SHL team he works with and as a long-term offensive quarterback. Qorking with minor league coaches will also give Clayton a boost in his ability to rack up minutes, which can also come in handy as you can't score if you're not on the ice. Every SHL team needs a defender that can be a workhorse for the special teams, and Clayton looks to be that guy.

<div align="center">
Clayton grinds with Montreal Impact forward Evander Jesster</div>

The one issue with Clayton's play is his checking ability. As a defender, most teams in the major leagues will expect Clayton to, bare minimum, be a physical presence on the ice. Clayton can avoid the need for physical defensive capability if he trains and improves his defensive IQ and stick maneuvering. SHL GMs will look at Clayton if he can show to remove players from the puck, regardless of whether that is a hit on the open ice or a quick poke check in his own end. Clayton's offensive mindset will allow him to play defense, but use defensive plays to start offensive breaks. This sets up nicely for Clayton's future.

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Clayton gives a congratulatory nod to his Falcons teammates after a Falcons goal</div>

When Brandon Girard is called up toe the Steelhawks next season, Clayton will have learned enough from the veteran defender to easily step into the role of a 1st line defender. With Clayton dishing the puck and Salabanzi blasting howitzers, Detroit's 1st line defense looks to be strong for at least as long as these two prospects stay down in the minors. While Salabanzi is already getting some experience on the top line with Girard, Clayton has taken his own lessons and grown from a depth position, learning the SMJHL and developing with other members of his draft class. Clayton looks to be a solid prospect headed to the SHL Draft.

<div align="center">SHL Comparison: Martins Daugavins, </div>

When looking for pass-first defenders with a lacking physical presence, Clayton shows SHL scouts a potentially better version of Calgary's Martins Daugavins. Daugavins has traveled around the league a few times, but has always been a pass-first presence on the ice. Martins never had a great physical presence but has still been able to produce points from the edge of the offensive zone. Clayton can learn from this and become a better passer. Daugavins sees players moving to patches of ice and makes the play and Clayton has shown flashes of this decision making early on in his career. If Clayton looks to exceed Daugavins accolades, Jasper will need to play longer minutes and keep up the offensive pressure with crisp passes and well-places laser shots.

<div align="center">SHL Draft Projection: 9th - 12th Overall</div>

Clayton can arguably be a top 3 defensive prospect in the upcoming SHL Entry Draft, behind his teammate Salabanzi and potentially Colin Wood or Maria Maximova. Because of this, Clayton might drop to the late 1st round, though he shouldn't fall out of the first completely. A great locker room presence like Clayton will be heavily favored for many teams needing a passing special teams defender. Teams that might take a shot on Clayton include the New England Wolfpack , the Texas Renegades , and the Edmonton Blizzard . Each of these teams would need Clayton on powerplay units and start him as a depth player before older members or career free agents leave the team. Clayton looks to be a good pick that can become a face of a franchise.

Awesome scouting report, love it!

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