The Winnipeg Jets selected forward Skyler McKenzie from the Portland Winterhawks with their first pick in the seventh round, 198 overall. McKenzie is the second overager that the Jets have taken this year. In this past season McKenzie recorded 84 points in 72 games with 42 goals. In his draft year he only scored 25 points including eight goals. It is unknown why he improved this much over one season.
McKenzie is only 5’8” and weighs 161 pounds, so he is a small forward. He has one more year of eligibility in the WHL before he has to be signed. His improvement may be tied to moving up in the line up this year or he simply might finally be of the age where he can start to dominant over younger players. This is not a bad pick, but an intriguing one because of the unknowns surround it. He is currently supposed to play with the Winterhawks again next season.
