Josh Jacobs THW Close-Up:
Date of birth: 2/15/1996
Place of birth: Shelby Township, Michigan
Ht: 6’2″ Wt: 194 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: D
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2014
Twitter: @JoshJacobs8
THW The Next Ones Rankings (January 2014): 55
Other Rankings:
THW War Room Rankings (April): 41
Future Considerations: Not ranked
Craig Button: 26
CS Final Rankings for North American skaters: 43
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Josh Jacobs was a player who at the beginning of the year was a probably late 2nd or early 3rd round pick. This season he’s come on strong as one of the best all-around two-way defensemen and even helped the Indiana Ice of the USHL win the Clark Cup. Jacobs play has been turning heads for a few months now.
Jacobs excels in skating. He’s got strong, powerful strides that help him catch up to the opposition. His edgework is superb and his positioning is rarely out of place. For his size, he can easily knock players off the puck and take it the length of ice to gain the zone. Jacobs plays his angles well and is effective at pushing opposing players to the outside.
He doesn’t mind moving the puck up ice either. His awareness in the offensive zone is evident. A potential anchor on the powerplay, Jacobs has a booming slapshot from the point. His game is still raw, so expect him to take a few years with the Michigan State Spartans before he develops in the defenseman scouts are projecting.
Where Will He End Up In June:
It’s possible he sneaks up into the very late 1st round, but he’s a likely early-to-middle 2nd round pick.
Scout’s Honor:
“Jacobs is a smooth skating two-way defenseman. He can grab the puck and skate it up ice or dish a strong stretch pass to a streaking forward. Closes off lanes and is willing to play physical in his zone. Has some mental lapses and many times his game has been hot or cold this season. (November 2013)”
Aaron Vickers – Future Considerations
“I can’t say enough good things about what Joshua Jacobs brought to the Indiana Ice this season, the first ever tender by the organization was worth his weight in gold. At 6-foot-2, and 195-pounds, he combines excellent size with tremendous mobility. He defends very well with his long reach and active stick, and can transition the puck up ice with smart, clean, crisp passes out of the zone. He is extremely dependable on the backend, and has a rocket of a shot, and is very good at getting those shots through which makes him a threat on the PP as well. He reminds me of hybrid of Jay Bouwmeester and Mike Green with his makeup, and has every chance of being an absolute thoroughbred at the next level.“
Dan Sallows – Indiana Ice scout
Statistics:
Bio/Interview(s)/Links:
Profile from Last Word On Sports
ETA:
3-4 years
Risk/Reward Analysis:
Risk: 2/5 Reward: 4/5
NHL Potential:
2nd pairing two-way defenseman that can be used in all situations
Strengths:
Mobility and skating
Offensive instincts
Cannon of a slapshot
Defensive awareness
Long reach
Solid checker
Positioning
Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:
Still has to mature in all aspects of the game since he has a lot of raw talent
Learn to making quicker reactions with and without the puck
Fantasy Hockey Potential:
Offensive: 5/10 Defensive: 6/10
NHL Player Comparison:
– NHL comparison: Jay Bouwmeester
Video(s):
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THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph
Follow Shawn on Twitter: @ShawnTHW