Jagger Firkus may be the biggest wildcard in this year’s draft. His skillset and offensive potential scream top-six scoring winger who could also be dynamite on the power play. However, his size and skating leave question marks. It seems like every time he touches the puck he’s going to do something to get you out of your seat. He’s a top-notch playmaker who always knows what he’s going to do with the puck before it reaches his stick. This is evident by how well he is able to find open seams and complete one-touch passes with regularity. His ability to process the play and understand where everyone is, friend or foe, is excellent. Off the rush or cycle, he’s got a knack for feathering passes into a soft area of the ice that teammates are navigating their way towards. Another trademark trait is his slingshot-like wrist shot. He’s got an extremely deceptive release and is able to pull the puck close to his body as he’s releasing it to change the angle of the shot and fool goaltenders. The major worry with him is how much his physical traits will hold him back at the pro levels. As of right now, he’s able to hold his own by using his smarts and puck skill. But will that be enough when everyone else is much bigger and stronger than him? Being short isn’t a dealbreaker so long as a player is sturdy or a plus skater, but he is neither. There are a lot of times even at this level where he gets bottled up and eliminated from the play too easily, so that’s an element of his game he needs to be sure to remedy. It’ll be hard for Firkus to carve out a regular role in the NHL if he’s not able to get stronger and faster. If he does, however, he may become a true steal because of the potential and upside he possesses.

– FCHockey’s 2022 NHL Draft Guide