Jacob Stone Rookie Experience

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Jacob Stone Rookie Experience

 

Jacob Stone has been taking quick steps in his hockey career, spending just a brief amount of time in the VHLM before playing in the VHLE, while most of his fellow draft class opted for a full season in the 'M. After being drafted fifth overall by the Prague Phantoms this off-season, he was subsequently traded to the Malmo Nighthawks. He will begin his VHL career with the Nighthawks this season, and although he isn't the only player from the Season 88 draft that will be making their debut this season, he is the only one among those players that has any VHLE experience. The time spent with the Stockholm Vikings should help with his transition to the VHL, though this step up will be like nothing he has had to handle before.

 

Moving up to the VHL is one of the defining moments of a player's career. In the current state of the VHL, the timing of this move is more important than ever. For Stone, who has the desire to play nine seasons in the VHL, it was important to be ready to take this step in his draft season. Although it is highly unlikely Stone puts up numbers similar to his 28-goal, 83-point VHLE season in his upcoming rookie year, all indications are that he can make an impact for the Nighthawks right out of the gate. He will be a part of a Malmo defense that features no clear leader. Although four of the six defensemen on the roster have at least a little VHL experience, Stone has the most potential out of all of them to step up and be that guy. As a rebuilding team, the expectations are not high for Stone and the Nighthawks to succeed. A low-pressure environment will be good for a rookie. With losses to be expected, Stone can focus more on improving where he needs to rather than playing only to his strengths. This will be beneficial for his career in the long run.

 

Jacob Stone won a WJC gold medal with Team USA in the off-season

 

There are little concerns regarding Jacob Stone's ability to adapt to a new team. He found immediate success when he first joined the Vikings, and he played well with Team USA in the World Junior Hockey Championship during the off-season. In 16 tournament games, he had six goals and 17 assists. That includes four points in the biggest game of the tournament. He has proven time and time again that he can play well with just about anyone, elevating the performance of his teammates as well.

 

The Malmo Nighthawks are not a team with much star power. This was already alluded to with regards to the defensemen, but there aren't many standouts among the forwards either. The exception to this is Saku Kotkakoivu, who will be playing his first season in Malmo but his eighth season in the VHL. He will undoubtedly be a factor in Stone's success in the VHL, as he will be leaned on heavily as a veteran presence in the locker room. The rest of the team, however, is players trying to prove that they belong in the VHL. Kotkakoivu and goaltender Boris Tsezar are the only two Nighthawks who have really proven themselves in the VHL. The rest of the roster is players trying to prove they belong.

 

Jacob Stone has the potential to be more than just one of the best of his generation, but it won't be easy. Given how short VHL careers are, if you want to be considered one of the all-time greats, you need to have things figured out very quickly. At every level, Stone has shown that he can do that, but the VHL will be a different beast. While his career does not hinge on having a fantastic rookie season, he does need to use this year to lay the foundation. He is in a situation where he could shine immediately. He will have opportunities in Malmo, but he will also have a lot of competition on his own team. This season will not necessarily be about putting up the best numbers, but it will be more about showing demonstrating that he is the future.