Draft Prospect Profile #19 - Jeff Skinner

Position: Center
Age: 18
Date of Birth: May 16, 1992
Place of Birth: Markham, Ontario
Ht: 5-10 Wt: 182
Shoots: Left

While he's not the biggest guy on the ice, he sure can score goals. Skinner finished second in OHL goal scoring this past season, finishing with an even 50. As with most prospects, he has some bulking up to do and needs to work on his skating. He was a teammate of Jackets prospect John Moore last season with the Kitchener Rangers. He would be a bit of a gamble for most teams given his size and average skating ability, but he's absolutely lethal around the net.

2009/2010 Regular Season Stats:

Scouting Report (The Scouting Report):

Very few would have been able to predict that Jeff Skinner would be the OHL leader in goals in January at the start of the season, but that is the case right now. Skinner has taken off this season with the resurgent Kitchener Rangers, establishing himself as one of the most potent snipers in the Canadian Hockey League. Skinner’s ability to lurk in the offensive zone and jump on opportunities will surely be enough for a team to take him in Round 1, but there will be some concerns over his transition to the pros. Skinner’s skating still needs some refinement, especially given his stature. There will also be some risk associated with his ability to handle the physical game of the NHL, as he will struggle to find the time and space he does at this level.

Why he'd be a good fit in Columbus:

To be honest, I don't think he would be a good fit in Columbus. If the Jackets are going to draft a center with a high pick, they need to draft a guy with size and playmaking ability. His ability to score goals combined with his lack of size will likely see him moved to the wing as a pro anyway, and that's not an area of need for Columbus going forward. 

Skinner in Action:

I found this great video made by 519: