Though he dropped a spot from 15th to 16th in the final Central Scouting rankings, Tyson Jost has shown a legit offensive skill-set that earned him a trip to the University of North Dakota in the fall, all despite not playing at the highest level of Canadian Junior hockey at this point in his young career. Other scouting services are a bit more bullish on Jost, as ISS ranks him ninth overall in this draft. He is a bit undersized at 5’11”, but there is no denying his knack for offense. Scouting reports rave about his shot and its accuracy, as well as his vision and hockey sense. His passing is a great asset as well, and he can skate. He’ll need to get stronger, but he’s shown an ability to keep the puck on his stick while taking contact. He can play center and wing, as well. So, what’s not to like?
Well, for starters, he is dominating… at a level below the CHL. He plays center, but would probably be more suited as a winger at the next level given his size and his still-evolving defensive play. Whomever selects him knows he’s going to get great coaching and development at North Dakota, but again… will the uptick in competition stall him out a bit? He has talent, but is still a bit a project longer-term as well. He was thought of well enough to be named to the Canada U18 World team this April, as well, and he more than held his own, with 6/9/15 in seven games.
Position: C/LW
Current Team: Penticton Vees (BCHL)
Date of Birth: March 14, 1998
Place of Birth: St. Albert, Alberta
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 192 lbs
Shoots: Left
Tyson Jost is a crafty goal-scorer that carries out plays as quickly as he envisions them. As someone who thinks and plays at a fast tempo, it comes as no surprise that he creates a lot of energy as an offensive catalyst. He sees the ice very well and has the willingness and determination to win battles in the tough areas. All-in-all, a dynamic offensive forward with top-6 potential at the next level.
–Curtis Joe, Elite ProspectsJost has an excellent shot to compliment his extraordinary passing acumen, using soft hands and a quick release to turn a bad pass in his skates into a well-placed attempt at the net. Jost’s shot accuracy is top notch, and he will beat you from the inside of the ice or outside from his arsenal of moves. He is a three-zone center with decent size who will not necessarily avoid physical play, and he’s shown to control the puck while taking a beating.
–Steve Kournianos, The Draft AnalystA speedy and skilled fleet of foot forward who just produces points. An agile and slippery skater who has a low centre of gravity and strong balance which he uses to protect the puck. He is a dangerous playmaker who sees the ice and reads developing lanes quickly. Has a very quick shot that fools goaltenders with its surprisingly hard velocity. Tries to play defensive responsible but still has some lessons to learn in that regard.
—Future Considerations, November 2015A Good Fit in Columbus?
Possibly. He has the offensive skill, speed, and shot to be a top-six asset at some point in his career. His ability to pass is one that is sorely lacking in the Columbus system at this point, as the Jackets are not known as a good passing team at this point. That said, it’s a bit of a gamble given that he’ll be making a decent jump in competition level next season as he moves to NCAA hockey. For Columbus, however, adding him would necessitate him falling a bit, or Columbus trading back up into the late first round to grab him. Neither is terribly likely.
Jost in Action