Scouting the Winnipeg Jets 2017 NHL Draft: Owen Tippett prospect profile

Synopsis:

Owen Tippett is a player who saw his stock fall an insignificant amount from the midterm rankings provided in January. The skilled winger saw his midterm Central Scouting rank of fourth best North American skaters dip to seventh in the final rank, despite producing at a 1.25 point per game pace and scoring 44 goals.

Given his offensive output, it should come as no surprise to hear players the likes of Phil Kessel and Steven Stamkos bandied as his comparable skill set. Some believe the Oshawa native to have the best shot release in this draft class. I mean, hello (!), 44 goals! In addition to his finesse, Tippett’s 6’2” 204 frame allows him to play hard on the puck as well as out-muscle junior opposition in board battles. He is of prototypical NHL size and has the raw yet malleable abilities coveted in a top prospect.

Scouting Report via Jeff Marek:

Injured at Top Prospects game and played hurt until docs shut him down. Consistently finds scoring chances and goals every game. Pure sniper.

Fun Fact:

Owen is the cousin of Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Mitchell Stephens. He also likes smiley emoji’s.

Why a fit with the Winnipeg Jets:

Given Tippett’s abundance of skill coupled with his size, he is a player who projects confidently into Winnipeg’s top six forwards. It’s never a bad thing to have too much skill in your line-up and a draft pick of this nature certainly does this in spades and this selection would give the Jets’ some roster flexibility and depth moving forward.

Cons to the selection:

This isn’t necessarily a con in and of itself, but there is a real possibility that Tippett’s name could come off the board within the top ten selections, with the potential he be selected even within the top five. With Winnipeg set to select at the thirteenth pick, they may be forced in another direction. Additionally, the Jets have a glut of young forwards that they are going to need to find homes for at the NHL level over the next few seasons, so taking another right winger with a first round pick might not be the soundest investment from the standpoint of a balanced roster construction.

Highlights: