Jimi Jax - Prospect Scouting Report

[ke1vi 662]

Jimi Jax - Prospect Scouting Report

 

The Season

 

 

Season	GP	G	A	P	+/-	SHT	PIM	HIT	SB	GW	PPG	SHG
86 (HFX)	36	27	28	55	20	213	24	69	28	4	3	1

 

 

Despite being one of the most highly touted prospects of the VHLM draft, Jimi Jax was somehow passed on in the first round before being taken by Halifax with the 15^th pick. The Grand Falls, Arizona native has been stellar for the 21^st this season, expectedly leading the team in goals and points, and currently tied for 7^th in VHLM scoring. He’s had three hattricks so far and is cruising along as a #1 center, something he looks to become in the VHL. The 21^st as a team are at the mercy of being part of a strong Eastern Conference this season, currently fighting for a playoff spot that would be a comfortable third place in the Western Conference. Jax has been credited with strong performances of late, including 6-point performance winners and two game winners in a doubleheader versus the Marauders.

 

The Strengths

 

Jimi is a future captain with strong leadership qualities and is the prototypical “Swiss-army knife”. Offensively, Jax has one of the best shots in the draft and isn’t afraid to use it. When he’s in the slot with the puck, its pretty much automatic. His hockey IQ is considered amongst the elite for scoring centers and has underrated playmaking abilities despite looking for a shot more than a pass. Defensively, Jax is one of those players that gets in the way of everything. He’s a strong defender in the neutral-zone and can looks to capitalize when teams make mistakes on their breakout. Jax has been one of the top penalty killers in the league and has been at worst a finalize for best defensive forward in all leagues that he’s played in growing up.

 

The Weaknesses

 

Jax is known to be streaky offensively. There are stretches of 10 games where he will only accumulate a handful of points, but then explode for a series of multi-point nights that make you forget about the slump. Scouts are also questioning is lack of physicality and if it will transition well when the game gets tighter in the VHL. While he contains leadership qualities, Jax sometimes chooses to stay humble and reserved in moments where coaches are looking for me. Given the surplus of high ranked centers in the draft, Jax may be an afterthought for the limited about of center-needy teams. With USA teammate Mac Atlas, Randy Bobandy, and Oreo McFleury currently having outstanding seasons with their respective league.

 

The Projection

 

Jimi Jax will go within the Top 10 of the S87 VHL entry draft and be a no doubt first line center in the league. There are doubts that he will take the next step and be in Hall of Famer territory and will need to work on his weaknesses if he ever wants to get there. I would expect some Scott Boulet award nominations throughout his career.