Winnipeg Jets Prospect Tracker: Mark Scheifele is really, really good

As the NHL lockout rages on, rather than focusing on the definition of HRR, the owner/player split and board meetings that accomplish nothing, we will instead turn our attention to the game of hockey itself by featuring weekly updates on the Winnipeg Jets‘ CHL prospects: Mark Scheifele, Adam Lowry, Scott Kosmachuk, Lukas Sutter, Ryan Olsen, Austen Brassard, and Zach Yuen.

Mark Scheifele: 3GP, 3G 4A, +1, 0pim

On the surface it appears as a very successful week, but in truth it was hit or miss for Scheifele. Three of his assists and all three goals were from one 7-3 Colts’ domination, in which all his points but one were scored on the power-play. In watching the final game where Scheifele was shut-out, Brampton’s game plan was a very obvious and successful attempt in shutting him down. Although Scheifele and Anthony Camara continued to display their familiarity for each other, both would finish the game pointless. Speaking of Camara and Scheifele, both were named to the OHL Subway Super Series team which will host the Russian Juniors for two games in early November.

Adam Lowry: 4GP, 0G 1A, -5, 4pim

Not exactly a solid week for Lowry. He’s still posting a respectable 1.07 pts/gp, but inconsistency continues to plague him. Lowry has been filling in at the centre position as of late, but appears that stint has ended since the Broncos traded for Brent Benson. Hopefully these two can create some chemistry so Lowry can start putting up the big points again.

Zachary Yuen: 4GP, 0G 2A, +1, 4pim

It’s been a slow progression for Yuen offensively this season as he has been producing a point every two games, similar to last season is good. Nevertheless, fans hold hope that he can take a step forward in production — somewhere between 0.60-0.85 PPG. While Yuen’s usage at even strength is murky, it has been noticed that he receives a lot of power play time. In the grand scheme, Yuen projects as a more defensive defenseman with strong skating abilities, but at his age some improved point production would be a good sign for strong hockey sense and IQ.

Austen Brassard: 2GP, 0G 1A, +1, 7pim

I guess I should say I told you so; it was only a matter of time before Brassard tallied his first assist and he did so in his first game of the week. Hopefully this can spark more offensive production for the late round winger. Scoring at almost half the PTS/GP rate he did last year, Brassard is still receiving top line minutes and power play time, which is encouraging. Given his increased load with Belleville, he’s due some improvement. Time will tell.

Lukas Sutter: 3GP, 1G 0A, -2, 2pim

Not very pretty, but anything is an improvement over last week. Maybe this is the beginning of Sutter’s redemption, or maybe he continues to score at an abysmally poor rate. He definitely portrays the typical fourth line characteristics: big, hits hard and wins face-offs and board battles; problem being that some offensive upside would be nice to add into that package.

Scott Kosmachuk: 3GP, 2G 1A, +1, 9pim

While his scoring was less than as last weeks’, Kosmachuk is still on pace for 90+ points a year after his draft. His pace for points is equal to that of both Scheifele and Ivan Telegin last season. His penchant for scoring goals in the dirty areas is something many of us here enjoy.

Ryan Olsen: 0GP, 0G 0A, +0, 0pim

Uneventful week for Olsen as he sat for two of his three game suspension.

After our four weeks of play, here is the statistical breakdown for each prospect:

Questions to Ponder

• Sutter has broken his scoring drought. Will this lead to a return to form?
• Can our other under-performer, Brassard, pick up his production level?
• Will Yuen be able to take the next step needed in offensive levels?

What are your thoughts on the early CHL season? Let us know in the comments below!