Last week it was announced that Edmonton Oilers prospect and Barrie Colts defenceman Beau Akey will be out after having season-ending surgery. What will the Colts do without their PP1 defenceman?
Last week, Sportsnet's Jeff Marek reported that 2023 second round draft pick Beau Akey will miss the remainder of the 2023-2024 season after having shoulder surgery.
Akey took a high hit against the Mississauga Steelheads on Friday, November 11th, and never saw the ice again.
The smooth skating defender was selected by the Edmonton Oilers this past June at the NHL Draft. Akey's potential looks high, but this season-ending injury will put a dent in his development timeline.
Previous to this injury, Akey played big minutes for this Colts team. Along with playing on the first power play unit, he was paired with rookie defender Jack Brauti. This is a younger defence core, which includes Akey. A lot of the defenders on this team look up to Akey, as a recent NHL Draft pick playing big minutes for the club.
Without Akey, the Colts have a huge gap to fill in their defensive core.
With the exception of captain Connor Punnett, all of the Colts' defenders are born in 2005 or later. This includes rookies Evan Passmore ('06), Jack Brauti ('06), and Justin Handsor (0'7). Handsor played in his first OHL game this past weekend, and the physically mature defender should get some more looks.
The player that has gotten the most elevated role as a result of Akey's injury, is 2025 NHL Draft eligible defenceman Kashawn Aitcheson.
Aitcheson played 23 games last season, and will play his first full season this year. His offensive contributions have been phenomenal as of late, picking up 12 points on the season so far.
Aitcheson is ultra-confident with the puck on his stick, he consistently has his head up and is scanning lanes. He has the ability to drive the play from the blue line, and help his team create chances. The 6-foot-1, 191-pound defender possesses a fluid stride and doesn't rush any plays. His speed and energy doesn't stand out, but it is his patience and poise that makes him valuable.
Aitcheson has been playing with Grayson Tiller in the top four, definitely an increased role for the seventeen-year-old defender.
The loss of Beau Akey is certainly a significant one for the Colts, but there are some positives to take out of the situation. We will get to see more of Aitcheson, and potentially more games for rookie Justin Handsor.