The Calgary Flames have worked quickly to get their most recent first-round pick under contract. The team has announced a three-year entry-level contract with forward Jakob Pelletier. Pelletier was the 26th overall pick from the QMJHL’s Moncton Wildcats in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.
Pelletier, 18, has clearly done enough in training camp these past few weeks to convince the team that he should be under contract as soon as possible. The slick winger is dangerous with puck and can create high-percentage chances as well as finish with consistency. His offensive instincts were obvious at the junior level last season, as he recorded 89 points in 65 games with Moncton. The No. 3 overall pick in the QMJHL Entry Draft three years ago, Pelletier has long been considered a special talent, yet he still has room to grow and improve.
While Pelletier is now officially a Flame, by no means does the timing of the contract imply that he has made the Opening Night roster. Quite the opposite in fact, as the young forward was reassigned to the Wildcats earlier today. Pelletier is undoubtedly a talented player, but was considered by most to be only a fringe first-rounder. While he uses his 5’9” frame to the best of his ability with a high-energy, aggressive style, he still needs to work on facing bigger and stronger competition. Scouts also weren’t blown away by his skating ability. Pelletier may be a good two or three years away from the NHL, but his contract will slide in the meantime until he is ready to make the jump. It’s a good sign that the team already believes he will be ready for that jump sooner rather than later.