Joel Jakobs Scouting Report

[Plate 386]

Joel Jakobs is touted as being one of the premier playmaking centers in the upcoming draft. His strong playmaking ability, faceoff taking and defensive capability make him a great target for pro scouts looking to have a strong 2nd line center to put on both specialty units. Jakobs might have strong statistics in terms of production, but lack qualities when it comes to the physical side of the game. Both attempting to lay the body, and being hit himself. His shot is also very forgettable. 

Upside

• Playmaking. Jakobs has spent a long time developing his puck moving abilities. Not only can he get a tough pass in through coverage, but he can also win the faceoff clean to create scoring chances in the offensive zone and break the puck out in the defensive zone.
• Responsibility. Hockey has two zones of ice, and Jakobs is proficient in both of them. While he doesn't have the puck he is well positioned and very capable of blocking a shot or intercepting a pass, using his passing to create breakout opportunities for more heavily offensive minded players to break the zone.
• Handling. Much time has been spent in Jakobs training regimen to complete puck handling drills. When he gets the puck it can be pretty difficult to strip it from him with skill alone. This ability to create offensive plays by finding open ice makes him a threat in every part of the ice.

Downside

• Body. Jakobs gets hit, a lot. And without proper space he can get squished into the boards pretty badly. Don't rely on him to work the corners of the ice and win physical puck battles. He can't give a hit and he can't avoid one either, costing turn overs in areas you wouldn't expect him to.
• Shooting. This player might have one of the most disappointing shooting styles in the league. His wrist shot is inaccurate and his slap shot has no power. Any goalie that gets scored on from Jakobs either had their eyes closed or was way out of position and let a weak one slip through.

Overall, Joel Jakobs has the potential to be a strong center with good faceoff ratings, high pairability on the first offensive lines alongside sniping or power wingers, and can support the defense when needed. We give this players potential a low elite. He's projected as a 3rd round pick in the VHL draft.