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Seattle Kraken Prospect Jagger Firkus Has NHL-Caliber Skill

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The Seattle Kraken‘s 2022 2nd-round pick, Jagger Firkus, not only has the best name of the class but is also shaping up to be quite the steal. He may not be the biggest player at 5’11, 161 lbs, but he sure is fun to watch. Jagger is a dynamic offensive talent who can impact the game with both his elite shooting ability and exceptional vision. While not the most physical player in the world, he excels at finding open lanes, manipulating defenders, and capitalizing on scoring chances.

Kraken Prospect Jagger Firkus Has NHL-Caliber Skill

WHL Dominance

Firkus’ time in the WHL was nothing short of incredible. Prior to being drafted, he put his name on scout’s radars by scoring 36 goals and 80 points in 66 games. He followed this up by then scoring 88 points in his draft plus-one (DY+1) season. Respectable for a second-round pick but nothing outrageous. It wasn’t until his DY+2 season with the Moose Jaw Warriors that he exploded as a top prospect in the NHL. In 63 games that season, he scored a remarkable 61 goals and 126 points. Then, following the conclusion of the regular season, Jagger led his team to their first WHL championship with 32 points in 20 games. On top of the championship, Firkus was awarded both the Bobby Clark Trophy (WHL Top Scorer) and the Four Broncos Trophy (WHL Player of the Year).

Just when you think he could win anymore, Jagger was awarded the CHL Top Scorer award, as well as, CHL Player of the Year. All in all, it was an extraordinary season for Firkus. When it was time to step up, he did so in spades and took his game to the next level. He contributed at both ends of the ice and helped bring his team a year they’d never forget.

What Makes Him Great?

One of the defining aspects of Firkus’ junior career was his ability to break down defences with his deceptive attacking angles and elite shooting mechanics. He is a very shifty player and does a great job forcing the opposing team to follow his movement. This can result in puck-watching, opening up lanes for high-danger scoring chances. He has the ability to find seams at full speed, execute quick give-and-go plays, and release his shot without giving away his intentions. Despite his below-average frame, Firkus has a deceptively hard release. The mechanics are so refined that he can pre-load and transfer energy efficiently through his shot. This makes him a legitimate scoring threat from multiple areas of the ice.

Adjustment To Pro

Since starting the season with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Jagger has gone through a natural adjustment period. The game happens very differently at the next level so it can often take some time. All things considered, it has still been a successful first pro season for Jagger. Through 57 games, the rookie has scored 11 goals and 30 points. This places him in the top 15 among U21 players in the AHL. He has shown flashes of his offensive brilliance but also encountered the challenges of playing against bigger, stronger opponents.

As mentioned above, Firkus’ ability to get the opposing team puck-watching is a considerable facet of his offensive game. This becomes an issue in the AHL with defenders being more structured and less likely to puck-watch. He also tends to attack players one-on-one. A successful course of action in juniors, he has yet to master his deception in the AHL leading to turnovers and broken plays. Even though his one-on-one efficiency isn’t what it was with Moose Jaw, streaks of Jagger’s offensive prowess still shine through.

Future Outlook

While there is no guarantee that the Firkus magic will translate to the NHL, Jagger has put himself in the best possible position for success. It’s encouraging how Firkus has been able to grow his game each year and elevate when his team needs him most.  His elite skill set and offensive vision give him an edge, but his success at the highest level will depend on how well he can adapt to the physicality and speed of the NHL. It’s crucial that he continues to put on muscle and fill out so that he can keep being himself on the ice. For now, Firkus is one of Seattle’s most intriguing prospects and has the potential to be a real impact player at the NHL level.

Main Photo: Taya Gray/The Desert- Imagn Images

The post Seattle Kraken Prospect Jagger Firkus Has NHL-Caliber Skill appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.