A high-energy, gritty skill forward who is active on and off the puck, Hyland is a late bloomer who should be able to take his strong translatable tools and continue to tack on layers to his game. He has that combination of hockey sense and skill that makes him noticeable in all facets. He generates speed efficiently and can move deceptively with good athletic posture. He’s efficient on his edges and has a good glide, which allows him to look effortless in motion, and he’s finding ways to create space by adding disruptions and lateral patterns to his routes. He is growing more confident in holding pucks longer and trying to be more creative, but he’s already efficient on so many levels, from picking up pucks in stride to making plays within weight shifts. Has the malleability of a strong rush and cycle player. He has solid battle level on the puck and dexterity that he’s able to move with, keeping pucks locked onto his hip and showing that recognition to curl or pivot and not just drive right into coverage. Shows good off-puck awareness and management of routes to arrive in supporting space at opportune times to set himself up for a quick catch and release on a puck. His shot mechanics will need some tidying, but the patience he shows is a nice touch. Drives through bodies physically and plays on that edge that will wear down opponents and make him respected. Lower center of gravity gives the perception that he’s stronger than he is. One area you’d like to see him improve upon is when he’s in possession on the attack, needing to keep his feet moving during assessments and working on making quicker selections or stacking skills. Execution can at times plague him when he tries to be more complex. He could very well be one of the better value picks in this draft. Lots of translatable elements to be a secondary scorer and energy winger.

– FCHockey’s 2021 NHL Draft Guide