The NCAA college hockey season is at around the halfway point and a handful of Winnipeg Jets prospects are starting to shine in the college ranks. I talked to Brad Schlossman of the Grand Forks Tribune and to Garret Hohl of jetsnation.ca for a in depth look at the Jets college prospects.
Kyle Connor
Age: 19
Team: Michigan
How did he enter the Jets' system? Drafted 17th overall by the Jets in the 2015 draft
2015-2016 stats: 12 goals, 13 assists, 25 points in 17 games.
#NHLJets prospect @KyleConnor18 is the HCA National Rookie of the Month! He had 13 points in six December games. pic.twitter.com/Ne1moMrtip
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) January 6, 2016
Brad’s take: He’s a very dynamic, offensive player for Michigan. He leads that team in scoring, which is very impressive considering the Wolverines have older, proven players like J.T Compher and Tyler Motte in the lineup.
Garret's take: Connor ( is) 1-2 ( years away). I thought he would take 2 years of the NCAA but he' dominating like no player other than ( Jack) Eichel has as a U20 freshman has over the past 5 years or so.
Jack Roslovic
Age: 18
Team: Miami Ohio
How did he enter the Jets' system? Drafted 27th overall by the Jets in the 2015 draft.
2015-2016 stats: 9 goals, 9 assists, 18 points in 18 games.
Brad's take: Tremendous offensive player capable of making very skilled plays. He leads Miami in scoring quite a bit, which is no small feat for a freshman. Has to improve his game in his own end and away from the puck before heading to the NHL.
Garret's timetable: Roslovic I'm guessing is 2-3 years away from making the jump to the NHL.
Roslovic and Connor were both snubbed from Team USA's World Junior roster, which came to a shock for many. Team USA finished with a bronze medal, many wondered how the outcome could have been different if the team had added goal scoring talent such as Roslovic and Connor.
Looking throughout Team USA’s lineup, how in the world could have this team not have used Kyle Connor and Jack Roslovic, I don’t get it.
— Jacob Stoller (@AIHJacobStoller) December 26, 2015
I guess Team USA didn’t need Connor or Roslovic after all… *ducks for cover*
— Ryan Blight (@arby_18) December 26, 2015
Erik Foley
Age: 18
Team: Providence
How did he enter the Jets' system? Drafted 78th overall by the Jets in the 2015 draft.
2015-2016 stats: 2 goals, 5 assists, 7 points in 16 games.
Garret's take: Erik Foley was a guy everyone talked about with intangibles with his draft season. He was an okay scorer, but not exceptional. He got injured early in the season and hasn't produced much since he returned to action. Doesn't score very well and doesn't create much in shot volume. Some think he might become an agitator type fourth line player, which I usually wouldn't recommend drafting for, since you can sign those types of players at a cheap price.
Jamie Phillips
Age: 22
Team: Michigan Tech
How did he enter the Jets’ system? Drafted in the 190th overall in the 2012 NHL draft.
2015-2016 stats: 11-6-2 record. .913 SV%, 2.23 GAA
Garret's take: Jamie Phillips, was a lot more successful last season than this season. He's been a workhorse, well as far as you can be with a relaxed college schedule. He has played the major bulk of his team's games having started 19 of his teams 20 games. He has a 913 sv% this season, which is decently below average.
CJ Franklin
Age: 21
Team: Minnesota State – Mankato
How did he enter the Jets' system? Drafted 129th overall in the 2014 draft by the Jets
2015-2016 stats: 6 goals, 3 assists, 9 points in 20 games.
Garret's take: Franklin had a good year as a scorer last year. He's 5'11 and not overly gritty so being a skilled scorer needs to be a part of his game. Unfortunately he's had a bit of a set back this year and hasn't scored that well. He also was an overage draftee so the Jets drafted him one year after his first year of draft eligibility.
Tucker Poolman
Age: 22
Team: North Dakota
How did he enter the Jets system? Drafted 127th overall in the 2013 NHL draft
2015-2016 stats: 3 goals, 11 assists and 14 points in 18 games.
Brad's take: He played forward last season because UND was short guys up front, but he's back to his usual position this year. Has a huge shot from the point and the ability to score goals from back there. Great size and athleticism. Won the team's off ice training contest. Has added physicality to his game this season.
Garret's take: Poolman is a long shot. He has skill, and he has been scoring, but we should also remember that his accomplishments need to be taken with a grain of salt. He'll be 23 this summer. He'll likely play in the AHL next year, as the Jets offered him a contract last year but said no and stayed in the NCAA.
Jack Glover
Age: 19
Team: Minnesota
How did he enter the Jets system? Drafted 69th overall in the 2014 draft
2015-2016 stats: 1 goal, 5 assists, 6 points in 17 games.
Garret' take: Glover was in and out a lot last year but has been playing a lot more minutes. Good defensive game but he needs some more offence if he wants NHL upside.
Mason Appleton
Age: 19
Team: Michigan State
How did he enter the Jets system? Drafted 168th overall in 2015.
2015-2016 stats: 3 goals, 12 assists, 15 points in 20 games.
Garret's take: Mason Appleton has been a pleasant surprise. He was an okay player last year but was actually in his second draft eligible year. He's been pushed in a top role on his team despite being a freshman, and he's doing well.
Matt Ustaski
Age: 21
Team: Wisconsin
How did he enter the Jets system? Drafted 192nd in the 2014 draft
2015-2016 stats: 1 goal in 13 games.
Garret's take: Matt is big. That's about all he's got.
Thank you to Brad and to Garret for sharing their College hockey expertise! Be sure to follow Brad on twitter @SchlossmanGF and be sure to follow Garret on twitter @GarretHohl
