Winnipeg Jets NHL Draft Analysis Part II

It is no secret that the players selected in the late rounds of the NHL draft often go overlooked, standing outside of the media spotlight that the players selected during the earlier rounds stand in. It is important that we give these late round draft picks the publicity they deserve for all the hard work they put in to get to this level of hockey. More often then not it is the players selected during the later rounds of the NHL draft that turn out to be the real gems, contributing significantly to their team’s path to the cup.

Michael Spacek (RW)

Selected during the fourth round and 108th overall we have Michael Spacek. This pick makes sense for the Winnipeg Jets as they are not that deep at the RW position and recently lost one of their most valuable RW in Michael Frolik to the Flames. Spacek played with several Czech teams during the past season amassing 8 goals and over 25 points. With age, Spacek’s numbers have seen a decline for during the 2011-2012 he amassed over 66 points.

Spacek is a young player and it is likely we will not see him in a Jets jersey for a bit. During the 2015-206 season Spacek will be playing for HC Dynamo Pardubice. What can we expect to get out of Spacek during his term with the Jets? By looking at his stats from past seasons it becomes clear that Spacek is a goal scorer, he may not amass high point totals, but he does amass a solid amount of goals with 27 and 28 goal seasons with the various Czech clubs he has played for during the past seasons. He may not be appear to be a player who can deliver superstar type numbers, but he can add depth and put points on the board.

Winnipeg Jets

Mason Appleton (C)

Selected during the 6th round and 168th overall we have Mason Appleton. The third center selected by the Winnipeg Jets during the NHL Draft is a solid pick, because his stats have proved to be consistently good. From 2010-2015, Appleton has never amassed fewer then 38 points in a season with a high of 70 points during the 2013-2014 season. During the past 2014-2015 season, Appleton amassed 12 goals and over 40 points in what was another solid season for the young center.

So when are we gonna see Appleton in a Jets uniform? Like most of the Jets’ draftees we will not be seeing him for a click. During the 2015-2016 season, Appleton will be playing with Michigan State University. It will be interesting to see whether or not Appleton can continue to provide consistently good stats in the coming years or may even improve on these stats to further demonstrate how Appleton may in fact be a late round gem.

Sami Niku (D)

Selected during the 7th round and 198th overall we have Sami Niku. Houston we have a defensive player. Niku was the the first defensive player to be selected during the NHL draft and would also be the last. It makes sense that Niku would have been the only defensive player selected as offense is more of a need for the Jets. The club is already quite deep defensively with some power house defenders leading the way. During the past season, Niku played for several different clubs in Finland amassing 6 goals and over 34 points.

Like with most of the late round selections, Niku does not have overly impressive stats. However, if you look at his stats year by year you will see vast improvements in his play as the years have progressed. We may see Niku in a Jets jersey quicker then some of the other players on the board, as of right now there is not set team he will be playing with next year and he is 18 years of age. Don’t be surprised if we are to see Niku lace up his skates in Winnipeg well before some of the other players on the Jets draft board.

Matteo Gennaro (C)

Selected during the 7th round and 203rd overall we have Matteo Gennaro. During the past season with the Prince Albert Raiders, Gennaro amassed 16 goals and over 31 points. Gennaro was the 4th center selected by the Jets during the draft, as well as being the last player selected by the Jets during the draft. Its a tall order for Gennaro who must prove through his stats in the coming season that he is just as good if not better then the other centers who the Jets drafted.

When will we be seeing Mr. Gennaro is Winnipeg? Well, like with Niku, Gennaro will not be heading to college for the upcoming season making it more likely that we will see him in Jets uniform sooner rather then later. Hopefully, Gennarro can prove he is more then just a late round pick, but a gem of the draft.

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