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Jacob Perreault – The Process

Jacob Perreault (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — A) Forward

Neutral Zone NHL’s Ian Moran, May 2020: Plain and simple Jacob is a shooter…. and deep down I think he knows it. There were times and games this year where Jacob tried to carry the puck more than he will in professional hockey and it resulted in some poor decisions and turnovers, but that’s the case with the majority of our NHL prospects. But like I said, I think he knows what he is and that is a shooter. His release is smooth and deceptive. Jacob doesn’t telegraph where his shot is going. He doesn’t need to settle the puck down when receiving a poor pass. It’s on his stick and it’s gone. His one-timer is gas, his quick release snapper is diesel and if you give him a split second in the slot he is going to score. So where does he get drafted? I think he goes in the bottom ten selections of the first rounder. I know his plus/minus was horrific, but he skates well enough for an NHL coaching staff to teach him how to be reliable in his end and how to back check with a purpose. So it comes down to his scoring and I think he will score in the NHL. So he goes at the end of the first round to a team with strong leaders and play makers and I think Jacob is two seasons away from having an impact on an NHL line-up.

2020 NHL Draft Right Wing Rankings, May 2020: Jacob was Neutral Zone’s 7th ranked right wing with an ‘A’ draft grade.

February NHL Draft Rankings: Jacob was ranked 31st with an ‘A-‘ Neutral Zone Draft grade in our February rankings.

December 1st NHL Draft Rankings: Jacob was ranked 36th overall with a ‘B+’ Neutral Zone NHL Draft grade in our December draft rankings.

OHL – Soo Greyhounds NHL Prospects at Sarnia Sting, October 2019: A sturdy right winger with a nose for the net, Perreault scored 30 goals as a 16 year-old in his first year in the Ontario Hockey League and is hoping to follow up his excellent rookie season with another strong season. Perreault is built like a tank and has a strong core and a real sturdy frame. Perreault has a good first step, reaches top speed quickly, and has a low center of gravity. He used these assets well to get into good scoring lanes in the offensive zone. Perreault scored on one timer on the power play in the first period with a heavy accurate shot. The puck comes off his stick with pace and his goal in the first was as hard as any shot we have seen this season. He was most effective on the power play in this game with a number of chances with the extra man. One area of development is the in game adjustments needed to develop a next level scoring threat. During power plays late in the game when Sarnia had some chances to close the gap Perreault hit more defenders with one timers than he got through on target. Soo defenders made the adjustments and were effective in taking away his shooting lanes. A powerful, shoot first forward – Perreault has the skills to put up some big numbers again this season but could use some added dimensions to his game. He had very few chances 5 on 5 in this game. Game Grade: B-

OHL Gold Cup, May 2018: Jacob is a highly skilled forward who sees the ice well and able to get open in good shooting lanes. He uses a combination of quick acceleration and size (good body positioning) to get open looks. We really liked his scoring touch and shot in close and found him to be a very effective winger in close when paired with a play making centerman.

Top 200 American OHL Draft Prospects, April 2018: Jacob was Neutral Zone’s 14th ranked forward and our 4th highest rated right wing. He had a 4.25 Star Rating. Again, Jacob is a Canadian citizen playing in the United States so he was on our American eligibility list.

HPHL U16 Plymouth, MI Showcase, February 2018: Jacob was hounding the puck again this weekend as he made things happen. He stuck with plays and got things done with his second effort on the puck. His ability to get to the net and use his soft hands made him a constant threat. He showed a quick release and accuracy when shooting the puck.

Mid Term NTDP Bound Rankings, December 2017: Although a Canadian citizen Jacob grew up playing in the United States and was Neutral Zone’s 48th ranked forward with a 4.25 Star Amateur rating.

HPHL Bantam Championships, February 2017: Jacob has good size with tremendous speed and takes advantage by taking the puck to the net. He works very hard in both ends of the ice. He has a quick, hard release with the ability to score goals.

STX Elite Hockey Shootout, October 2016: Perreault is a big bodied forward who can score goals and make plays in tight areas; a rare skill for a big guy. We like his upside and his rare combinations, but he does rely too much on his size and reach and times and needs to keep his feet moving and be more assertive in the tough areas. Grade: B

Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images

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