The Vancouver Canucks have seen enough of Lukas Jasek to know that he’s a player they want in their organization, and today announced a three-year entry-level contract for the 20-year old forward. Jasek joined the Utica Comets in late March on an amateur tryout, and has seven points in his first six AHL games.
Despite being a sixth-round pick in 2015, there is a lot to be excited about in Jasek’s profile. He’s been on the radar of NHL scouts for quite some time, thanks to his obvious offensive talent and performance at tournaments like the Ivan Hlinka Memorial. He was ranked 23rd among European skaters in 2015, but fell to 174th-overall before the Canucks snapped him up. In the three years since, he’s dominated the Czech junior league, second league and now this season recorded an impressive 18 points in 48 games at the highest level the country offers.
One of the biggest knocks on Jasek was always his strength, as even though he would work hard for pucks and drive the net with a purpose, he was thin and could be knocked off the puck. The Canucks now list him at 6’1″ 184-lbs, which while not monstrous is definitely big enough to last in the North American game. He’s proven that in his short taste with Utica, where he’s looked dangerous every time the puck is on his stick.
There’s no guarantee that Jasek ever makes it up to the NHL, but the early returns have been quite good since he joined the organization. By getting him under contract the Canucks will hope to keep developing him in the minors and add another skilled prospect to their rapidly filling cupboard.