Projection: Top-Nine Centerman

Projectable Skills: Rush Distribution, Working Off Contact, Off-Puck Spacing

Development Opportunities: Offensive Creativity

Branton is a no-nonsense type of centerman, one that loves to attack north-south both on and off the puck. He’s always looking to attack defenders head on as a puck-carrier, looking to drive vertically through seams to draw pressure inside before dishing off and driving the net to take defenders with him to create space up top. He’s highly effective off the cycle as well, fighting and spinning off checks while on the puck to work his way into space to extend his touches and responsibly distribute the puck to keep offensive zone sequences alive.

Branton’s ceiling largely depends on how much he grows in terms of on-puck creativity. He currently possesses all the tools to be a highly effective middle of the lineup player, but how he continues to expand his offensive skillet will determine how high up he plays in a QMJHL lineup.

Branton started off the tournament quietly but slowly came into his own and ended up centering one of the top lines of the tournament alongside Jayden Napon and Alexy Lafleur. He was the primary puck transporter on his line, consistently driving play in the right direction in the transition game by driving the middle of the ice, dishing off wide then driving the net to push back defenders, create space up high and open up passing seams for his linemates. He was pretty efficient off-puck in transition as well, working his way into space to catch passes in stride and attack downhill with speed in order to get shots off while in motion. He also had some strong sequences below the goal line in the offensive zone, using his footwork to slip away from pressure along the boards, work his way into space off the cycle and extend offensive zone pressure for his line.

Branton opened the scoring with a quick snap shot from the top of the right circle which I thought was rewarding for him as he spent his prior shifts going to work below the goal line, extending offensive zone sequences using his quick footwork to slip away from defenders and showing good control of the puck under pressure at the same time. His assertiveness inside the offensive zone made him a constant presence below the hashmarks and around the blue paint which allowed him to garner good looks in the slot that included an impressive deflection on a point shot that nearly found its way past the goaltender who ended up making a nice save. He would pick up an assist on his team’s fourth first period goal to come away with the two point performance in this one.