Vancouver Canucks Prospects Coverage: RW Nicklas Jensen

Vancouver Canucks first-round draft pick, Nicklas Jensen, of the Oshawa Generals completed a strong year in the OHL this year.

The 29th overall pick in 2011 from Herning, Denmark registered 25 goals and 33 assists for 58 points in 57 games with Oshawa. Jensen’s junior team general manager and head coach Chris DePiero had high praises for the young Dane before the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

Via SI.com:

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He's starting to take off, certainly after Christmas, after he returned from the World Junior B pool and spending some time at home, since he's been back he's been on fire. It's renewed confidence for him. He's proving that the accolades coming his way are well deserved, said DePeiro in Jensen’s rookie year.

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In the OHL playoffs, Jensen led Oshawa in scoring, recording one goal and four assists for five points in six playoff games. After the team lost in the first round, the Canucks organization assigned Jensen to the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League. In Chicago, Jensen tallied four goals in six games, and also two goals in two Calder Cup Playoff games.

Back at training camp in September, Vancouver Sun experts caught up with Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault, and he also spoke highly of Jensen.

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Love him, said Vigneault with a big grin. I mean, I was waiting for somebody to ask me a question about him. There's a young man that, from what I've seen so far, has a tremendous amount of upside. No fear. He just goes out and plays and I'm really happy the organization was able to come to terms with him.

 

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Scouting Report

According to The Hockey News, Nicklas Jensen is a creative and highly-skilled player. He produces offense from either wing, and plays with speed in all three zones. He is a good skater for a man of his size. Jensen uses his size effectively, which is something NHL teams are looking for. 

In order to improve his game, Jensen needs to make better use of his 6’2’’ 202-pound frame consistently, and develop his game defensively in his own zone. His decision-making can be improved to make quicker plays. 

Future Projection

Jensen will be a talented scoring power forward that plays with size and skill—potential top line winger.

This is Joseph Trenton reporting from Vancouver.

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