04-5 Online Prospect Magazine - J

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Tim Jackman, CBJ, RW, (Rating: 2.5), Syracuse (AHL) - Minnesota State-Mankato's first-ever NHL draftee enjoyed a breakthrough sophomore pro campaign, finishing third on the Crunch with 23 goals and earning five call-ups to Columbus .. A rugged goal scorer who knows how to his good size and strength in traffic, Jackman displayed impressive energy and physical determination, and is gradually improving his lumbering stride and first-step quickness, which has opened up space for his heavy wrist shot .. Brought a reputation as a 'me-first' player, but has shown team orientation so far as a pro.

Andreas Jamtin, Det, RW, (Rating: 2.5), HV 71 (Swe) - Promoted from second-division AIK, spunky fifth-rounder instantly carved out a role as a formidable agitator, while playing a key role in HV 71’s second Swedish Championship in nine seasons .. An energetic blend of skill and toughness, Jamtin is a sturdy, powerful skater who has a talent for aggravating opponents, yet also brings good puckhandling skills and a relentless, ‘drive-the-net’ mentality .. Undersized power forward, in Kirk Maltby or Dallas Drake mold, seems back on track after early-career issues regarding destructive attitude and off-ice behaviour.

Doug Janik, Buf, D, (Rating: 2.0), Rochester (AHL) - Former Maine captain continued his gradual evolution into a reliable, stay-at-home leader, and, after getting called up to Buffalo four times in the second half, where he saw limited duty, stepped up his game in the playoffs to lead the Amerks with a plus-10 rating (16-1-2-3) .. Janik is a competitive, strong-skating rearguard and vigilant physical presence around his crease, but has been slow to infuse his good puck skills and hard point shot into the offense, and is still burned by 'flat-footed' penalties and the odd turnover .. Inching closer to the NHL.

Hugh Jessiman, NYR, LW, (Rating: 3.5), Dartmouth (ECAC) - Following a splashy 23-goal freshman debut, towering Connecticut native faced intensified checking attention last season and, hampered by subpar conditioning, ran hot-and-cold throughout a humbling sophomore year .. A quick-firing, finesse winger with soft hands, Jessiman moves well and boasts a lively first step for a big man in addition to deft one-on-one skills, but still lacks the upper-body power and physical aptitude to optimize his weapons .. Still-raw project is dedicated to improving his strength and conditioning.

Aaron Johnson, CBJ, D, (Rating: 3.0), Syracuse (AHL) - Expected to spend his entire first pro season in Syracuse, speedy Nova Scotia native made his NHL debut in early December and, thanks to the organization’s injury-ravaged blueline, earned five subsequent callups .. A skilled, strong-shooting rearguard with superb anticipation and foot speed, Johnson excels at the transition game and impressed with his work ethic and willingness to get involved physically, even though his defensive-zone coverage is still quite raw .. May take slower track this time around.

Matt Jones, Phx, D, (Rating: 3.0), North Dakota (WCHA) - Illinois native came of age in his junior year as he not only tripled his sophomore point totals, but also matched his goal totals from the previous four seasons combined, which include two years in the USHL .. An intelligent puckmover who plays a poised, well-rounded game, Jones is sturdy and fluid in all directions, and particularly proficient at defending against the rush and containing puckcarriers, while also capable of adding a physical element when required .. Emerging as the most complete blueliner in the system.

Randy Jones, Phi, D, (Rating: 2.5), Philadelphia (AHL) - Undrafted Clarkson star overcame a November concussion (missed nine games) to flourish over the second half of his pro debut, finishing tied for fourth among rookie AHL blueliners, and even earning his first NHL action in March .. Jones is an intelligent, poised rearguard with a long, elegant skating stride and strong puckhandling skills, but still must improve his physical intensity and overall involvement .. Better upper-body strength would increase the odds as well.

Milan Jurcina, Bos, D, (Rating: 2.5), Providence (AHL) - Hulking Slovak rookie held down the No. 7 spot when camp broke and spent the first two weeks as a healthy scratch with the Bruins, before being assigned to Providence where he showed steady improvement throughout his pro debut .. Blessed with great size and impressive mobility, Jurcina plays a responsible, stay-at-home game, occasionally jumping into the attack to exploit his good passing skills and sizzling shot, and has continued to show better physical consistency, and quicker reads, particularly on man-on-man coverage .. Just needs experience to compliment rapid physical maturity.