Seattle Kraken Prospect Jagger Firkus Has NHL-Caliber Skill

Just when you think he could win anymore, Jagger was awarded the CHL Top Scorer award, as well as, CHL Player of the Year. All in all, it was an extraordinary season for Firkus. When it was time to step up, he did so in spades and took his game to the next level. He contributed at both ends of the ice and helped bring his team a year they’d never forget.

What Makes Him Great?

One of the defining aspects of Firkus’ junior career was his ability to break down defences with his deceptive attacking angles and elite shooting mechanics. He is a very shifty player and does a great job forcing the opposing team to follow his movement. This can result in puck-watching, opening up lanes for high-danger scoring chances. He has the ability to find seams at full speed, execute quick give-and-go plays, and release his shot without giving away his intentions. Despite his below-average frame, Firkus has a deceptively hard release. The mechanics are so refined that he can pre-load and transfer energy efficiently through his shot. This makes him a legitimate scoring threat from multiple areas of the ice.

Adjustment To Pro

Since starting the season with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Jagger has gone through a natural adjustment period. The game happens very differently at the next level so it can often take some time. All things considered, it has still been a successful first pro season for Jagger. Through 57 games, the rookie has scored 11 goals and 30 points. This places him in the top 15 among U21 players in the AHL. He has shown flashes of his offensive brilliance but also encountered the challenges of playing against bigger, stronger opponents.

As mentioned above, Firkus’ ability to get the opposing team puck-watching is a considerable facet of his offensive game. This becomes an issue in the AHL with defenders being more structured and less likely to puck-watch. He also tends to attack players one-on-one. A successful course of action in juniors, he has yet to master his deception in the AHL leading to turnovers and broken plays. Even though his one-on-one efficiency isn’t what it was with Moose Jaw, streaks of Jagger’s offensive prowess still shine through.

Future Outlook

While there is no guarantee that the Firkus magic will translate to the NHL, Jagger has put himself in the best possible position for success. It’s encouraging how Firkus has been able to grow his game each year and elevate when his team needs him most.  His elite skill set and offensive vision give him an edge, but his success at the highest level will depend on how well he can adapt to the physicality and speed of the NHL. It’s crucial that he continues to put on muscle and fill out so that he can keep being himself on the ice. For now, Firkus is one of Seattle’s most intriguing prospects and has the potential to be a real impact player at the NHL level.