The New York Islanders could have traded away a lot of their early draft picks in latest seasons to boost the NHL roster, however basic supervisor Lou Lamoriello has carried out a formidable job at discovering expertise within the later rounds. Certainly one of his finest draft picks is seeking to be his 2020 121st general choose, Alex Jefferies.

Jefferies is a 6-foot, 200-pound right-shot winger who has spent the previous 4 seasons with Merrimack School of the Nationwide Collegiate Athletics Affiliation (NCAA). In 105 profession NCAA video games, he scored 43 targets and 107 factors, resulting in a Hobey Baker Award nomination his senior season. After concluding his senior season with Merrimack final season, he signed an beginner tryout with the Bridgeport Islanders the place he scored seven factors (three targets and 4 assists) in 12 video games. Now heading into his first full skilled season, he may rapidly rise via the ranks of the Islanders’ prospect pool.

Jefferies’ Quick-Time period Outlook

Jefferies is just not going to hitch the Islanders within the NHL this season, however his well-rounded playstyle is just not too removed from reaching the NHL. He performs a formidable two-way sport that incorporates a backcheck harking back to NHL veterans. He can play each wings and drive offense via his robust imaginative and prescient and playmaking means. He has gentle arms that enable for exact passes, and his fast reactions assist win puck battles in each the offensive and defensive zones.

Regardless of weighing 200 kilos, Jefferies has struggled with the bodily side of the sport. That is comprehensible for an NCAA prospect however will probably be a hurdle on the skilled degree. In his 12 AHL video games final season, physicality held him again, and his first sport of the 2024 preseason was no completely different.

Associated: Islanders’ 2024 Offseason Prospect Profile: Alex Jefferies

Jefferies doesn’t should be a bodily participant, however he can not let it’s a weak point. Bridgeport head coach Rick Kowalsky instructed the media that he “noticed sufficient of [Jefferies] final 12 months to see his ability…. however [he] goes to have to regulate to the tempo and perceive that. He’s going to should do extra to get pucks again and verify.”

Heading into the 2024-25 season, improved bodily play will come over time for Jefferies. In that point, he may also be given each alternative to get on the scoresheet. With Bridgeport’s main scorer, Ruslan Iskhakov, leaving this offseason, Jefferies will probably be anticipated to fill among the void.

Forward of coaching camp, Kowalsky acknowledged “I’m excited to see what [Jefferies] can do with it at this degree… After I say at this degree, I believe that [in the] American Hockey League, he confirmed he could make performs.” With the arrogance of his coach, Jefferies is predicted to right away be thrown into Bridgeport’s prime six, doubtless alongside among the staff’s prime forwards like Matthew Maggio, Liam Foudy, Marc Gatcomb, Fredrik Karlström, and Brian Pinho. It won’t be straightforward to keep up excessive ice time, however Jefferies’ means to play either side of the ice will bode properly.

FIRST PRO GOAL FOR ALEX JEFFERIES #SupremePort | #Isles pic.twitter.com/J88wkpfdLL

— Bridgeport Islanders (@AHLIslanders) April 2, 2024

For 2024-25, Jefferies’ season will probably be evaluated in two areas: physicality and offensive manufacturing. He isn’t anticipated to throw the physique round however withstanding the large hits he’ll inevitably take is a vital side of his sport that should shine via. Offensively, scoring shut to twenty targets and 50 factors in Bridgeport’s 72-game season can be an amazing goal.

In fact, Bridgeport’s main scorer final season was Iskhakov with 18 targets and 50 factors, that means Jefferies would instantly take over because the staff’s main scorer. This can be a very formidable offensive goal for the 22-year-old, with 15 targets and 35 factors being a practical goal, however there isn’t any doubt his offensive potential is larger than that. As properly, taking part in in an improved ahead core ought to improve everybody’s offensive manufacturing.

Jefferies’ Lengthy-Time period Outlook

It’s laborious to gauge the place Jefferies suits within the Islanders’ long-term plans, however this season ought to be telling. If he can push the 20-goal and 50-point marks, he may make the NHL by the tip of this season if accidents pile up. Along with his robust defensive play, he can be an amazing bottom-six winger.

If the NHL roster stays wholesome, he ought to push for an NHL roster spot forward of the 2025-26 season. There will probably be many components out of his management, such because the well being and efficiency of the 2024-25 NHL staff, however he will probably be NHL-ready by this time. Lengthy-term, his projection is as a ten to 15-goal, 30-point NHL bottom-six winger who dominates within the defensive zone. He doesn’t have the intangibles to develop right into a star NHL winger, however his laborious work and defensive play depart him as a probable future NHLer.

With simply 4 preseason video games left, will probably be attention-grabbing to see how a lot of a possibility the Islanders will give Jefferies. Whereas making the NHL roster is extremely unlikely, he’s well-situated to be a key contributor in Bridgeport as he develops right into a future NHLer.