Winnipeg Jets NHL Draft Analysis Part I

Just days ago the 2015 NHL Draft came to a conclusion. Fans throughout the league looked at their team’s picks with dismay or joy, but when it comes to the Winnipeg Jets should we look at these picks with dismay? Joy? Or just close our eyes and pray the guys we drafted do not turn out to be busts?

Kyle Connor (C)

Selected during the first round and 17th overall we have Kyle Connor. For you not draft savvy folk this may just appear as a name, but it is a name you should get excited about. Last season with the Youngstown Phantoms, Connor had 34 goals and over 80 points in 56 games played.

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The 2014-2015 season with the Youngstown Phantoms was the best season of Connor’s career definitely warranting a high first round pick. Kyle Connor was ranked by most experts to be one of the top 15 prospects and with a season like last there’s no wonder! Sadly it appears we’re going to have to wait a click to see Connor in action for next year he will be playing for the University of Michigan (get an autograph from Harbaugh would ya?).

John Roslovic (C)

Selected during the first round and 25th overall (thank you Buffalo) we have John Roslovic. So what did this chap do that warranted a first round selection? Last season with the U.S. under 18-team, Roslovic had over 25 goals and 79 points. The Jets got a winning combination in the first round with a goal scorer (Connor) and an assist magnet in Roslovic.

It is a shame that we’re going to have to wait a while before we see Roslovic slip on his Winnipeg Jets jersey, as for the 2015-2016 season he will be playing for the Miami University Redhawks. Hopefully by the time he comes up he will have thrown out the Columbus Blue Jackets hat (oh yes, he’s a Blue Jackets fan).

Jansen Harkins (C)

Selected during the second round and 47 overall we have Jansen Harkins. Some of you may be asking the question, who is Jansen Harkins? Well I’ll tell ya this, I don’t know either, so lets learn about this chap together!

During the 2014-2015 season with the Prince George Cougars, Harkins tallied 20 goals and over 79 points. It would appear that just as Roslovic, Harkins is an assist magnet (wonder if they know Cliff Paul?). Harkins will not be heading to university this fall so we may see him in a St. Johns jersey or even a Jets jersey before Connor and Roslovic.

Erik Foley (LW)

Selected during the third round and 78 overall we have Erik Foley. I’ll tell you this off the bat this Foley ain’t no folly! During the 2014-2015 season with the Cedar Rapid RoughRiders, Foley tallied 27 goals and over 54 points. If you’ve done that math (or cheated and used a calculator) you will find that Foley is well balanced, scoring the same amount of goals as he had assists.

Foley is a player essential to the success of any team, because his skill set is balanced between goals and assists making him a well rounded individual. On the downside he’s getting an education (just kidding, stay in school kids) and will be playing for Providence College during the 2015-2016 season.

What do you guys think of these picks? Good, bad, hurts? Please comment below with any facts or opinions you may have about these draft selections. Stay tuned for Part II of my Jets draft analyst in the coming days, until then cheers!

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