Barratt is an offensive point producer who plays both ends of the ice. He’s an above-average skater, with a smooth stride that generates speed quickly and allows him to be dangerous in tight spaces. He’s agile on his edges and can cover a lot of ground side-to-side due to a strong lower half. He’s a talented puck handler who always has his head on a swivel, keeping track of the play and looking for open passing lanes. His vision is one of his most notable assets, as he is able to keep the puck-moving around the offensive zone quickly, often times with tough cross-ice passes and plays made under pressure. He is more of a playmaker than a shooter, and he passes up some good opportunities to shoot in favour of the pass on odd-man rushes or good looks at the net. He’s got good defensive awareness and understands the defensive responsibilities of a center, coming deep into the zone to support the puck and cover open lanes in the slot. He isn’t overly physical and can be pushed around when in control of the puck along the boards, but he doesn’t shy from physical play and his ability to cycle the puck well will only improve with increased strength. Barratt still has a few areas he needs to improve to become a scoring threat at higher levels, but the skating ability, two-way play, and ability to consistently create scoring chances with his vision are tough to teach.

Barratt wasn’t the most leaned on player for the NTDP this season, but he was an important pivot for the team and stood out due to his skill and two-way play. He’s able to make a lot of tough offensive plays with the puck on his stick. He has soft hands in tight spaces and makes above-average passes seem routine. He’ll make soft touch plays, but he has the grit in his game to win battles and get to the net. Defensively, he plays his position fine and isn’t afraid to sacrifice the body.

His skill set is sometimes shielded by the roles doled out by the program’s coaching staff, as Barratt plays both left wing and center. Nonetheless, his skill set is nicely balanced and he shows the ability to handle any situation on the ice. A Penn State commit, he will likely need two-three seasons with the Nittany Lions, but will provide to which ever team that drafts him a solid, versatile middle six forward.

One of the better two-way forwards in the draft in terms of having a complete understanding of duties and responsibilities in the defensive zone. A Keystone Stater from Bristol, Barratt is headed to Penn State in the fall. He’s a very good playmaker who produces at both even strength and on the power play, but his speed, relentless forechecking and sticky fingers should land him a job at the highest level.