Though news had leaked out yesterday about a possible deal, today things became official. Jan Jenik has signed his three-year entry-level contract with the Arizona Coyotes, after his OHL season came to an end recently. Injured right now, he is expected to report to the Tucson Roadrunners if he can recover in time to get into any game action.
The 18-year old center was selected 65th overall by the Coyotes last June, and split this season between the Czech Republic and OHL. In 27 games with the Hamilton Bulldogs he recorded 30 points, but still hasn’t quite found his footing at the North American level. Technically he is eligible to go right to the AHL next season, but could return to junior to continue developing his skills and learn to dominate his age group.
Some may remember Jenik from the recent World Juniors, where he was left out of game action for much of the tournament only to look more than comfortable when he finally entered. Though his two assists certainly weren’t good enough to change the tournament outcome, he’ll almost certainly be back for the Czechs in a much bigger role next time around. Jenik will turn 19 on September 15th, and could quickly find himself jumping up prospect boards if he can continue to take steps offensively.