I don't profess to know anything about assessing young players and projecting their future potential, but after a lot of reading and reflection after first learning who Jankowski was when the Flames announced his name yesterday, there is an awful lot to be excited about.
Read the scouting reports. They all practically rave about his hockey sense, his skating, his vision, and his hands. The only drawbacks that I have seen in virtually every report that I have read are first, concerns about the level of competition against which he plays, and second, the fact that he is still only 170 lbs., and not very strong or physical. Again, while I don't profess to know anything about projecting NHL potential in young players, this seems all exceptionally positive: if the biggest concerns about him are things that he can readily correct, then this is very encouraging.
Also, listen to the interviews. This kid is not even 18-years-old, and I am hard pressed to recall a time when I heard such a well spoken, intelligent, affable and confident teenage hockey player. I love the fact that he knows what he is good at, and that he knows where he needs to improve. I love the fact that he believes in himself, and that he aspires to make other players better with his play.
Finally, look at how far this kid has come in two years. From everything we have been told, the only reason he was not in the OHL was because of his small stature when he qualified for their priority draft. Both the OHL and the QMJHL have been after him now that he has sprouted, but what is really compelling is that he went from a virtual unknown to a concensus high-second rounder, and a possible first-round sleeper in the short span of a single season. His upward trend this year was probably higher than any other player in the draft, and that is a fantastically positive sign. Also, I am highly encouraged by how well he acquitted himself in the Beanpot showcase in the Winter, and by some of the very high praise that he is getting from USHL and College coaches.
Like I said, it is hard not to like this pick, no matter how far off the board it seemed yesterday when it was made. This is pretty exciting.
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