If he goes to an CHL team and tears it up as an overager, 100% but him not being in competitive leagues and him also not getting exposed hurts his chances of him getting drafted. His offensive game is off the charts for sure tho
I don't see him getting drafted this year either, but I can definitely see him getting drafted as an over ager next year, especially if he gets drafted into the CHL this year. He's on the younger side of this year's draft, so give him another year, he will get a bit taller/stronger. He will always be a small player but that doesn't matter as much these days. At the very least, a team could take a flyer on him next year in the 7th round or something. The upside is there if the determination is there. In any regard, his path to the nhl won't be easy, if its there at all.
I agree with everything you said in this video. I think even if he doesn't make it he's still already made a really big impact on hockey in- and outside of Japan that he's gonna be known for a long time, more than most Junior players. And look, I think he can go to a league like the DEL, LIIGA, SHL or really any European league and be a decent player. (Not now, maybe in 3-5 years, if he continues to develop) And that way he's gonna make an even bigger impact and name for himself. He might not be the best player in those leagues but certainly not the worst either. Now, if he does get picked to the NHL (or the CHL, still) and gets to play with better competition he can improve a lot. He's shown he wants to improve and has an incredible work ethic so I believe he's a late-round high-risk-high-reward player. I don't think it'd really hurt a team with more picks to pick him in the 7th round. Anyways, awesome video as always man, really informative and enjoyable!
So detailed man, made some good points in there, and I'm glad you can see what I was getting at. His future, whether it's playing or mentoring, or hell, even just as a regular guy, is bright as hell :)
Honestly . He's better off going to a US college and playing D3. It's a very good league for smaller players not ready for D1 or CHL. He still could play over in Europe professionally by going to a solid D3 college like UMass Boston or Low D1
He hasn't played since 2019-2020 In Japanese high school hockey he isn't even playing in the men's league he isn't playing at all it was hype for no reason if he was really good enough he would've been in the men's league
I remember seeing Marty St Louis in college come down on a 1 on 2, and school those 2 D’s. At a certain point what difference does it make if Debrincat or Caulfield are 2-3 inches taller? Those guys aren’t banging anyone in the corner either, and they are getting the puck in the net. I would love to see a player like this in the NHL.
Same here, I think the weight factor is what’s irking people as of now. I know guys like Caufield and Debrincat were at least 160 going into the draft, I can’t be sure on Marty (I was a fetus during his college days 😂) but sadly weighing in at 117-120 is just too light as of now. I believe he’ll easily bulk up to 5’5 145-150, and I can see that give him a chance in Russia or Europe… but hey… just got to wait and see. I’d love to see Aito play in the show too :)
A nice balanced video. I just roll my eyes with people are either trying to cut him down or pump him up to unreasonable levels. Maybe there's still a growth spurt in him 3-4 inches and 50lbs or so. It'd be a great story if he can develop to the point where he can be a Parnarin-esq discovery towards his mid-twenties.
Drafted in the USHL where 2% of the players make the NHL. And in the 7thj round to boot. So chances to see him professionally is low. But there is no doubt his work ethic and skill is great . He'll play in Europe in the German or Swiss league and have a nice 4-5 yr career
I think there's a good chance he ends up playing in Europe. His size is less of an issue than his leg strength at this point. He already has pro level hands and agility. I think once he develops some man strength in his legs which will enable him to create separation he will be North American pro level ready. He could possibly get a look in North America somewhere down the line. More and more cap strapped NHL teams will be looking to fill their rosters with players on PTOs as well as taking a flyer on guys playing in Europe. His work ethic and determination will ensure he gives himself a shot...however long that may be. Thanks for the shout out! Gord Graham, Saitama Jr.Warriors/Samurai Japan AAA Hockey Club.
@@gordonbgraham really good take. He may not grow to six-foot or anything like that. But the muscle development from ages 18-22 can be drastic. Like even I’ve filled out like 40lbs since I’ve graduated high school. Aito can easily fill out and be offered roles in Europe, especially if he maintains his out-of-this-world work ethic. By the way, huge credit to you Gordon! You’ve developed a great amount of Japanese talent with Saitama. Excited to see all the growth from the country and from kids like Aito. Cheers :)
@@FWFarenholtz Thanks. We've had 5 players drafted into major jr. programs in the past couple of years. Yu Sato, Ikki Kogawa, Aito Iguchi, Kenta Isogai and Yusaku Ando. The great thing about these kids is their work ethic and positive attitude. The big issue is getting them enough high level competition with no time and space to develop their North American game (we play on Olympic size ice in Japan...and there are no divisions so teams have various levels of players). Yu and Kenta both went to Russia from Pee Wee and Bantam respectively and Ikki moved to Toronto to play in the GTHL in midget. I've tried to get these kids some exposure in NA by entering the team in AAA tournaments in Canada. There are some other kids who are equally as talented but missing out due to financial constraints. Anyway, thanks for giving Aito some exposure. I appreciate it. Your assessment in the video is fair.
@@gordonbgraham I try to keep it positive and realistic at the same time. Aito’s impact on hockey, regardless if he goes pro or not, is already greater than most professionals out there. He’s a cultural icon in the sport, even my friends that don’t know hockey know who he is! He will see so many opportunities arise for him down the line because of it. You’re lucky to train and know such a positive kid :)
if there is 1 team that might give him a chance in drafting him it's the Carolina Hurricanes lately . if you were to take a good look at some of the players they have been taking lately since Don Waddell has stepped into the GM position . most gm's would be scratching their heads on why some of those players were taken , Dominik Fensore , Anttoni Honka , Alexander Pashin , Zion Nybeck , these are not big guys , they are skilled speedy guys and that is where the Canes are at mentally when it comes to their drafting lately .
100% agree, always one of the most exciting teams to watch in the draft. Add guys like Puistola to that list too. If they wanna continue the trend, I don't see why they wouldn't take a possible stab at him :)
I’m less concerned about his height than his weight & strength. If he can pack on the pounds and strengthen his lower body there’s absolutely no reason he couldn’t be an effective player at ~5’5” (assuming he grows at least that). Playing against smaller players myself (I’m 6’2”) the ones that are strong enough that you can’t push around are so aggravating to play against because when a small strong guy is protecting the puck, they get even lower you end up having basically a shield between you & the puck and when you push down on them it only increases their leverage to cut into the ice and spin off you. Now at 117 Lbs., that’s a far cry from even 150, which is what Johnny Gaudreau weighed when he was drafted. I hope someone at least takes a 7th round flyer on him. He’d definitely be the most skilled player that late in the Draft.
From the ages 18-22, I don't believe he'll be a giant anytime soon, but he'll naturally add weight and possibly an inch or two. But I agree with you on the count that weight is the biggest factor :)
I don't think he'll be drafted The most likely Japanese player to be drafted is Yusako Ando, he's put up good USHL numbers this year. Jordan Spence of the LA Kings also has Japanese citizenship (according to EliteProspects) so Japan could have a bright future
Jordan Spence just played his first game in the NHL, though he was born in Australia he moved to Japan (mother's ancestry, father is Canadian) around age two, lived there until the age of 13 when he came to Canada to play. He never played for Japan because they never asked him to, though he made Canada's U-20. For now, Yushiro Hirano looks like the closest Japanese-born of Japanese ethnicity to reach the NHL right now as he just became the first to score a goal (and an assist) in the AHL. As far as I know, Ryan O'Marra who was drafted in the first round in 2005 was the first Japanese-born to play in the show.
Too small, before someone says "size don't matter" which is true but hes 5'3" and weighs 117lbs. Unless he never gets touched he's not getting drafted but I hope I'm wrong. Caufield would look like a big guy next to him
People who say nasty things or just down right rude things but aito and where he's at are literal bums who didn't play hockey past 15 I don't think he'll ever get drafted into the NHL but by God do I hope he does I think aito could definitely hold his own if he put the work in
I guess we know now. To be fair, I always wanted him to make the show, but deep down I knew people didn't know shit about him when they were hyping him up as a draft prospect.
@@AzNightmare Exactly gerbe as small as he is, is still 60 pounds heavier them him. A guy who weights 117 lbs will not be drafted. His chances are less then 1% at his size. Also being 18 maybe he miraculously gains 50 lbs and gets drafted but he just isn’t big enough to be an nhler. He is literally the size of a peewee player.
Wow bro my god 11 years old!!!!!!!!wow he got drafted in two different leagues!!!! So cool!!!!!! That is amazing 😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤩🤩🤩🤩????maybe he would be drafted bye one of the 6 teams in the NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE!!!!!!!!!
He so skilled but what a guy my size 6 foot 2 and 210 pounds just wants to be a jerk and purposely wants to check him and put him in the boards will he be ready for that there is still a few goons out there who are not good skaters who just to nail people because there bigger them most players i wish him best in his hockey carrier and lots of success
Iguchi is a great player but I don’t think he’s big enough to play in the pro’s. His skill is bar none and like you said, if he were just a few inches taller then he would definitely give the RAT a run for his money at their size. I will be following this little kid too but as soon as he gets nailed, he’s done. Good luck trying to get by players like Tom Wilson. Lol.
He should do steroids and lift like crazy for like 2-3 years to absolutely maximize his weight and strength. When he gets into a league that tests he'll lose some of it, but he'd end up significantly bigger and stronger than if he didn't. It's his only real chance.
This is disrespectful to the other players in his country at this point. There’s kids in Japan in the same league and the world junior teams putting up much better numbers.
Were they internet sensations as well?.. no… I’d love to make a video on Fuji Suzuki but no one knows who that is and no one would watch. People know who Aito is.
why isnt he playing for that ontario team taht drafted him?? he needs to jump at any opporuntity to play against canadian cats. go tear up taht league and move up if so
Couldn't have said it any better.
If only I could pronounce his name properly :)
Man I love this video, the editing and the clips are insane!! That one-tap passback on the odd man rush though
His creativity... it's just off the damn charts man :)
Thanks for the shout out. It's EYE-toe by the way. Cheers!
Excellent and objective analysis. Thank for the fair breakdown
If he goes to an CHL team and tears it up as an overager, 100% but him not being in competitive leagues and him also not getting exposed hurts his chances of him getting drafted. His offensive game is off the charts for sure tho
It'll be interesting, I'd love to see him get a proper shot in North America one day :)
He was drafted 7th round in the USHL draft by the Saitama Jr. Warriors. Not sure if he’ll play there or not
Definitely not “off the charts” lol
I don't see him getting drafted this year either, but I can definitely see him getting drafted as an over ager next year, especially if he gets drafted into the CHL this year. He's on the younger side of this year's draft, so give him another year, he will get a bit taller/stronger. He will always be a small player but that doesn't matter as much these days. At the very least, a team could take a flyer on him next year in the 7th round or something. The upside is there if the determination is there. In any regard, his path to the nhl won't be easy, if its there at all.
Your recent videos have been crazy good! On a par with the best hockey channels 🙏 You deserve a lot more subscribers and viewers.
Means a lot m8, thank you :)
@@FWFarenholtz You're welcome, have a nice day 😎
I agree with everything you said in this video.
I think even if he doesn't make it he's still already made a really big impact on hockey in- and outside of Japan that he's gonna be known for a long time, more than most Junior players. And look, I think he can go to a league like the DEL, LIIGA, SHL or really any European league and be a decent player. (Not now, maybe in 3-5 years, if he continues to develop) And that way he's gonna make an even bigger impact and name for himself. He might not be the best player in those leagues but certainly not the worst either.
Now, if he does get picked to the NHL (or the CHL, still) and gets to play with better competition he can improve a lot. He's shown he wants to improve and has an incredible work ethic so I believe he's a late-round high-risk-high-reward player. I don't think it'd really hurt a team with more picks to pick him in the 7th round.
Anyways, awesome video as always man, really informative and enjoyable!
So detailed man, made some good points in there, and I'm glad you can see what I was getting at. His future, whether it's playing or mentoring, or hell, even just as a regular guy, is bright as hell :)
Still eligible for CHL import draft, you never know, a team this year may take a chance.
Very good point, wouldn't that be something eh?
Would like to see him atleast get a shot in the chl it’s exciting not too especially for his size
Didn't the Quebec Remparts try drafting him?
@Michael Scott Who cares? He’s fast and has skills.
@Michael Scott Ever heard of Nathan Gerbe
You're criminally underrated.
Freddy Adu of ice hockey
I did not expect to see Ville Uusitalo’s face in this video. But still a great vid!
He is the epitome of hockey culture :)
@@FWFarenholtz Yes he is! But how do you know him?
@@kinkku96 From his HUT card in NHL 14... that smile :)
@@FWFarenholtz nice!
Honestly . He's better off going to a US college and playing D3. It's a very good league for smaller players not ready for D1 or CHL. He still could play over in Europe professionally by going to a solid D3 college like UMass Boston or Low D1
Him only being 5’3 at 18 is going to be very tough, I’d love seeing him make the show though!
He hasn't played since 2019-2020 In Japanese high school hockey he isn't even playing in the men's league he isn't playing at all it was hype for no reason if he was really good enough he would've been in the men's league
I remember seeing Marty St Louis in college come down on a 1 on 2, and school those 2 D’s. At a certain point what difference does it make if Debrincat or Caulfield are 2-3 inches taller? Those guys aren’t banging anyone in the corner either, and they are getting the puck in the net.
I would love to see a player like this in the NHL.
Same here, I think the weight factor is what’s irking people as of now. I know guys like Caufield and Debrincat were at least 160 going into the draft, I can’t be sure on Marty (I was a fetus during his college days 😂) but sadly weighing in at 117-120 is just too light as of now. I believe he’ll easily bulk up to 5’5 145-150, and I can see that give him a chance in Russia or Europe… but hey… just got to wait and see. I’d love to see Aito play in the show too :)
Debrincat and caulfield didn’t weigh 117 when they got drafted
A nice balanced video. I just roll my eyes with people are either trying to cut him down or pump him up to unreasonable levels.
Maybe there's still a growth spurt in him 3-4 inches and 50lbs or so. It'd be a great story if he can develop to the point where he can be a Parnarin-esq discovery towards his mid-twenties.
I think he'll have a similar story to Laim Kirk, drafted mid 7th round (kinda for the sake of being different even though he's still skilled)
Fair to assume, and look at how that has paid off for Arizona so far, buddy just tore the WC's a new one ;)
Drafted in the USHL where 2% of the players make the NHL. And in the 7thj round to boot. So chances to see him professionally is low.
But there is no doubt his work ethic and skill is great .
He'll play in Europe in the German or Swiss league and have a nice 4-5 yr career
Any future speculations on Aito guys?... lemme know :)
I think there's a good chance he ends up playing in Europe. His size is less of an issue than his leg strength at this point. He already has pro level hands and agility. I think once he develops some man strength in his legs which will enable him to create separation he will be North American pro level ready. He could possibly get a look in North America somewhere down the line. More and more cap strapped NHL teams will be looking to fill their rosters with players on PTOs as well as taking a flyer on guys playing in Europe. His work ethic and determination will ensure he gives himself a shot...however long that may be. Thanks for the shout out! Gord Graham, Saitama Jr.Warriors/Samurai Japan AAA Hockey Club.
@@gordonbgraham really good take. He may not grow to six-foot or anything like that. But the muscle development from ages 18-22 can be drastic. Like even I’ve filled out like 40lbs since I’ve graduated high school. Aito can easily fill out and be offered roles in Europe, especially if he maintains his out-of-this-world work ethic. By the way, huge credit to you Gordon! You’ve developed a great amount of Japanese talent with Saitama. Excited to see all the growth from the country and from kids like Aito. Cheers :)
@@FWFarenholtz Thanks. We've had 5 players drafted into major jr. programs in the past couple of years. Yu Sato, Ikki Kogawa, Aito Iguchi, Kenta Isogai and Yusaku Ando. The great thing about these kids is their work ethic and positive attitude. The big issue is getting them enough high level competition with no time and space to develop their North American game (we play on Olympic size ice in Japan...and there are no divisions so teams have various levels of players). Yu and Kenta both went to Russia from Pee Wee and Bantam respectively and Ikki moved to Toronto to play in the GTHL in midget. I've tried to get these kids some exposure in NA by entering the team in AAA tournaments in Canada. There are some other kids who are equally as talented but missing out due to financial constraints. Anyway, thanks for giving Aito some exposure. I appreciate it. Your assessment in the video is fair.
@@gordonbgraham I try to keep it positive and realistic at the same time. Aito’s impact on hockey, regardless if he goes pro or not, is already greater than most professionals out there. He’s a cultural icon in the sport, even my friends that don’t know hockey know who he is! He will see so many opportunities arise for him down the line because of it. You’re lucky to train and know such a positive kid :)
Just realized form the clips at the USHL combine that I have played on the same ice as Aito, just thought i'd mention that.
He's listed at 5'3?
if there is 1 team that might give him a chance in drafting him it's the Carolina Hurricanes lately . if you were to take a good look at some of the players they have been taking lately since Don Waddell has stepped into the GM position . most gm's would be scratching their heads on why some of those players were taken , Dominik Fensore , Anttoni Honka , Alexander Pashin , Zion Nybeck , these are not big guys , they are skilled speedy guys and that is where the Canes are at mentally when it comes to their drafting lately .
100% agree, always one of the most exciting teams to watch in the draft. Add guys like Puistola to that list too. If they wanna continue the trend, I don't see why they wouldn't take a possible stab at him :)
I think it would be a huge benefit if he came here to Raleigh (for the Canes)
How much I love the way he plays I don't think he'll get drafted this year. I think at most he'll be a top echl forward or a mid ahl forward.
*That's kind of sad, considering all the potential and hype he had growing up... Mid AHLer, lol....*
I’m less concerned about his height than his weight & strength. If he can pack on the pounds and strengthen his lower body there’s absolutely no reason he couldn’t be an effective player at ~5’5” (assuming he grows at least that). Playing against smaller players myself (I’m 6’2”) the ones that are strong enough that you can’t push around are so aggravating to play against because when a small strong guy is protecting the puck, they get even lower you end up having basically a shield between you & the puck and when you push down on them it only increases their leverage to cut into the ice and spin off you. Now at 117 Lbs., that’s a far cry from even 150, which is what Johnny Gaudreau weighed when he was drafted. I hope someone at least takes a 7th round flyer on him. He’d definitely be the most skilled player that late in the Draft.
From the ages 18-22, I don't believe he'll be a giant anytime soon, but he'll naturally add weight and possibly an inch or two. But I agree with you on the count that weight is the biggest factor :)
I don't think he'll be drafted The most likely Japanese player to be drafted is Yusako Ando, he's put up good USHL numbers this year. Jordan Spence of the LA Kings also has Japanese citizenship (according to EliteProspects) so Japan could have a bright future
Jordan Spence just played his first game in the NHL, though he was born in Australia he moved to Japan (mother's ancestry, father is Canadian) around age two, lived there until the age of 13 when he came to Canada to play. He never played for Japan because they never asked him to, though he made Canada's U-20. For now, Yushiro Hirano looks like the closest Japanese-born of Japanese ethnicity to reach the NHL right now as he just became the first to score a goal (and an assist) in the AHL. As far as I know, Ryan O'Marra who was drafted in the first round in 2005 was the first Japanese-born to play in the show.
Too small, before someone says "size don't matter" which is true but hes 5'3" and weighs 117lbs. Unless he never gets touched he's not getting drafted but I hope I'm wrong. Caufield would look like a big guy next to him
he is 5’8 now
@@Jake-qp8pj *Is he? Where's the source? That would be incredible if true.*
if nathan gerbe can make the big leauge maybe one day he can
Is he like a elite or franchise player?
Low top 9
@@theall996 thx
I can see him being a late rounder.
People who say nasty things or just down right rude things but aito and where he's at are literal bums who didn't play hockey past 15 I don't think he'll ever get drafted into the NHL but by God do I hope he does I think aito could definitely hold his own if he put the work in
5’3 117 is ssssmmmaaaallll. Great skill, just too small.
Cole Canfield is 5’6
@@jayus2033 debrincat is the same height too and he’s still tearing it up
@@ctrlshiftqq9846 When you have Patrick Kane everyone is good.
He needs to bulk. Nathan Gerbe is 5'4 but at 176 lbs.
@@shadowbbb4010 Yes
if japan had a better league and development program he would be even better. we will probably never know his full potential.
I guess we know now. To be fair, I always wanted him to make the show, but deep down I knew people didn't know shit about him when they were hyping him up as a draft prospect.
No chance. He is 18 years old 5ft3 117lbs he will absolutely not be drafted for a long time.
*Even Nathan Gerbe is 5'4", 176 lbs*
@@AzNightmare Exactly gerbe as small as he is, is still 60 pounds heavier them him. A guy who weights 117 lbs will not be drafted. His chances are less then 1% at his size. Also being 18 maybe he miraculously gains 50 lbs and gets drafted but he just isn’t big enough to be an nhler. He is literally the size of a peewee player.
Wow bro my god 11 years old!!!!!!!!wow he got drafted in two different leagues!!!! So cool!!!!!! That is amazing 😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤩🤩🤩🤩????maybe he would be drafted bye one of the 6 teams in the NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE!!!!!!!!!
He so skilled but what a guy my size 6 foot 2 and 210 pounds just wants to be a jerk and purposely wants to check him and put him in the boards will he be ready for that there is still a few goons out there who are not good skaters who just to nail people because there bigger them most players i wish him best in his hockey carrier and lots of success
Iguchi is a great player but I don’t think he’s big enough to play in the pro’s. His skill is bar none and like you said, if he were just a few inches taller then he would definitely give the RAT a run for his money at their size. I will be following this little kid too but as soon as he gets nailed, he’s done. Good luck trying to get by players like Tom Wilson. Lol.
Sadly everyone called it when barber showed the clips.... "This kid won't grow and will fizzle to nothing..." sucks when the haters are right.
"Won't grow"... unfortunately true so far... "fizzle to nothing"?.. not a damn chance ;)
Just because someone is on the opposing sides of an argument doesn't mean that they're hater
If he was "so amazingly good", he would play in the North American junior leagues. Right now he is playing in Japan for some university team
Better than you ;)
He should do steroids and lift like crazy for like 2-3 years to absolutely maximize his weight and strength. When he gets into a league that tests he'll lose some of it, but he'd end up significantly bigger and stronger than if he didn't. It's his only real chance.
This is disrespectful to the other players in his country at this point. There’s kids in Japan in the same league and the world junior teams putting up much better numbers.
Were they internet sensations as well?.. no… I’d love to make a video on Fuji Suzuki but no one knows who that is and no one would watch. People know who Aito is.
@@FWFarenholtz oh so you’re a clout chaser, enough said. I know who Suzuki is, I’d watch.
why isnt he playing for that ontario team taht drafted him?? he needs to jump at any opporuntity to play against canadian cats. go tear up taht league and move up if so
Way too small for the NHL. End of story.