Hayden Paupanekis
A defensively sound centre with details, pace, and physicality, Paupanekis often negates the opposition’s best players. He ties up sticks proactively, kills plays on the backcheck, and excels at supporting and winning battles down low. He’s a fluid skater with a lot of flexibility, capable of chaining crossovers, heel-to-heel skating, and tight turns. His hands blend seamlessly with the skating, evident in his ability to evade poke checks and make plays at full speed. He connects difficult passes off the backhand, fires in-stride, and has a blistering one-timer, too. -EliteProspects 2025 NHL Draft Guide
| DATE | STATUS | FROM | TO | SOURCE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/08/2025 | ||||
| 01/08/2025 | Confirmed | Spokane Chiefs | Kelowna Rockets | |
| 08/15/2022 | ||||
| 08/15/2022 | Confirmed | Winnipeg Wild U15 AAA | Spokane Chiefs | |
Drafted 2023, 5 #62 overall by Waywayseecappo Wolverines in the MJHL Draft
Drafted 2022, 3 #49 overall by Spokane Chiefs in the WHL Prospects Draft
2025 NHL Entry Draft: Ranked #72 by TSN/BOB McKENZIE
2025 NHL Entry Draft: Ranked #43 by Elite Prospects
2025 NHL Entry Draft: Ranked #67 by ISS Hockey
2025 NHL Entry Draft: Ranked #74 by FCHockey
2025 NHL Entry Draft: Ranked #56 by McKeen's Hockey
2025 NHL Entry Draft: Ranked #38 by NHL Central Scouting
2025 NHL Entry Draft: Ranked #115 by DobberProspects