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New York Islanders: Top 25 Under 25 2019-2020 Edition

By Matt O'Leary
TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 29: Mathew Barzal #13 of the New York Islanders waits for a faceoff against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on December 29, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Islanders defeated the Maple Leafs 4-0.(Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 29: Mathew Barzal #13 of the New York Islanders waits for a faceoff against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on December 29, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Islanders defeated the Maple Leafs 4-0.(Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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DALLAS, TX – JUNE 23: Blade Jenkins poses after being selected 134th overall by the New York Islanders during the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 23, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – JUNE 23: Blade Jenkins poses after being selected 134th overall by the New York Islanders during the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 23, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Number 23: Blade Jenkins (Left-Wing) | Age: 19

Saginaw Spirit Stats: 23G, 36A, 59 PTS

In 2018 the New York Islanders drafted Blade Jenkins in the fifth round and 134th overall. The winger had an OK season with the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL as an 18-year-old with 20 goals and 44 points.

But it wasn’t enough to impress scouts to push him up the rankings.

Jenkins responded the following year with a better second year in the OHL. His 23 goals and 59 points helped the Saginaw Spirit make the OHL playoffs. There Jenkins added nine points in 17 games, including a game-winner to seal a sweep over the Sarnia Sting in round one.

Jenkins still has a while to go. He’s still not the fastest skater and defense isn’t great. But at 19 years old, he’s got time to work on that before he can take the next step in his professional hockey career.

The Spirit will likely lose defenseman Bode Wilde who signed an entry-level contract with the Islanders and could be playing in the AHL next season. Wilde finished second on the team in scoring with 70 points. That’s a huge loss for the Spirit and for Jenkins.

Thankfully, 17-year-old and team leader in scoring Cole Perfetti who had 74 points last season will likely still be around to play with Jenkins.

Jenkins turns 20 next August. If he can have another good season with the Spirit he might just find himself in the AHL for the 2020-21 season.

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