The New York Islanders selected Blade Jenkins with the 134th overall pick in the NHL draft on Saturday afternoon.
Blade Jenkins
Position: Center
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 194 lbs
Age: 17
Club: Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Nationality: American
| GP | G | A | P | 5v5 GPG | 5v5 PPG | 5v5 GF% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | 20 | 24 | 44 | 0.24 | 0.53 | 45.74 |
Jenkins' numbers don't jump off the page, but he plays the type of game that most teams covet. His most notable trait is his shot, which is the perfect combination of strength and accuracy. He's also got size, a nose for the net, and great vision and instincts down low. With that, it should come as no surprise that the 17-year-old reportedly models his game after Dallas Stars forward Jamie Benn, according to NHL Central Scouting.
"Jenkins plays a power forward style of game. He is quick to get in on the forecheck and can hammer a defenseman into the boards. He pressures defenders into mistakes, and can pounce when they do. He is willing to aggressively drive to the front of the net both with and without the puck. Jenkins uses his body to protect the puck down low on the cycle game and make plays. He is willing to try a number of creative passes, through tight areas. However, Jenkins has a tendency to try and do too much, and can often give the puck away on a play that is not there." - Ben Kerr, Last Word on Hockey.
