Mental Capacity Solid for Prospect Jay Reeder

In this two-part series, Dixon gives us the lowdown, so to speak, on Reeder as the youngster embarks on the next level of his playing career.

“I would say [Jay’s] greatest skill or asset on the ice is probably his mental capacity, or his hockey IQ, as it’s often referred to as,” Dixon said. “He’s got a pretty elite level to think the game. That allows him to be in good positions, both offensively and defensively, making it hard for opponents to capitalize against him.”

While his mental game is strong, the Kings’ 7th-round pick in 2024 (198th overall) could see some improvements in his physical game.

“An area that he definitely could grow in his strength and his size,” a matter-of-fact Dixon noted. “I think a lot of where he’s going to take his steps, hopefully this offseason, is in the gym. Maybe not necessarily on the ice. That’s going to really help him be even more of a force with the puck.

“He’s not overly physical, or, you know, necessarily physically developed at this point. There’s still some room for him to grow there.”

But that’s not to say that Reeder’s physical side doesn’t come with its advantages,

“He does a really good job of using his body position to allow him to create advantages when he has the puck,” added Dixon. “So, I think a combination of those two things allow him to really be a force on the ice and somebody that’s always a threat offensively.”

As for his on-ice game, there is one particular area Reeder could work on.

“Probably his shot — and I think that’s something that he would also say,” said Dixon. “If he could be a little bit more of a scoring threat with the puck. I think that would make him even more dangerous. So, those are two areas. Two he could take a step to just continue to separate him as a player moving forward.”

Be sure to stay tuned for Part Two of our interview.