Jakob Ihs-Wozniak (F, R, 6’2″, 190, Lulea HF J20, 02/01/2007)
Jakob Ihs-Wozniak is a highly skilled, power-forward winger with an intriguing blend of size, puck-handling, and scoring potential. His ability to win battles, protect the puck extending possession in a variety of ways, and create scoring opportunities positions him as a top prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft. Ihs-Wozniak excels at generating Grade “A” chances, thanks to his elite hand-eye coordination, deceptive shot release, and intelligent positioning. However, his draft stock hinges on his ability to play with consistent effort, improve his offensive decision-making, and confidently attack the middle of the ice to open up scoring opportunities for himself or his linemates. A strong second half to the 2024/25 season could cement him as a top-10 selection, while continued inconsistency could see him slide into the latter half of the first round.
Strengths:
Puck Protection and Balance:
Exceptional ability to protect the puck, using his size, core strength, and reach to shield it in tight or extend the puck away from defenders.
Handles the puck effectively in small areas, leveraging balance and control to maintain possession under pressure.
Shooting Ability:
Smooth, deceptive release with the ability to cleanly handle poor passes and then change shooting angles and / or release points without stickhandling.
Accurate shooter, with 62% of attempts hitting the net and a high rate of Grade “A” opportunities by averaging 2.2 per-game.
Strong hand-eye coordination, often deflecting waist height shots from the point for high-danger chances.
Hockey IQ and Spatial Awareness:
Recognizes when to change pace on line rushes and zone entries, creating space for himself or teammates. He does this unselfishly.
Shows an understanding of how to position himself at the top of the crease for rebounds and tips.
Demonstrates developing defensive awareness, staying on top of his man in man-to-man coverage and using an active stick to disrupt plays.
Physicality and One-on-one Compete Level:
Wins 55% of his 50/50 battles, leveraging size and strength to win battles and gain possession.
Not afraid to engage physically, using his frame effectively in board battles and around the net.
Areas for Improvement
Consistency and Effort:
Long stretches of disinterest or passive play have negatively impacted his production and overall game during the 2024/25 season.
Needs to maintain a consistent compete level, particularly when off the puck or in less dynamic moments.
Offensive Decision-Making:
Overcomplicates plays by attempting “cute” passes instead of making the simpler, more effective choice.
Must improve his decision making and passing accuracy, currently completing only 84% of his attempts, which reflects taking unnecessary risk in prime scoring areas.
Middle-Lane Attacks:
Often defaults to playing outside the dot-lane; developing confidence in attacking the middle will unlock more offensive potential.
Handling Expectations and Adversity:
His 2024/25 performance could possibly suggest frustration over not securing a full-time SHL role, which may have affected his focus and effort.
Needs to channel adversity into productive energy to elevate his game consistently.
2024 Hlinka-Gretzky Tournament:
May have scored 4 goals in 5 games but he struggled to make a consistent impact, raising concerns about his ability to elevate his play.
2024/25 Season So Far:
Averaging 5 shot attempts per game with 3.5 hitting the net, including 2.2 Grade “A” opportunities per game.
Offensive production has dipped, in our view due to inconsistencies in effort and overcomplication of plays.
Projection
Jakob Ihs-Wozniak has the tools to be a top-six NHL forward who can excel in both offensive and physical roles. His size, puck skills, and shot release make him a dangerous scoring threat, while his physical edge adds an element of grit to his game that National League coaches demand. If he can improve his consistency, simplify his decision-making, and develop the confidence to attack the middle of the ice, Ihs-Wozniak has the potential to be a top-10 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Without these improvements, he risks sliding into the latter half of the first round.
Draft Outlook: Top-10 pick with a strong second half; mid-to-late first round if inconsistencies persist.
Player Comparison: James van Riemsdyk – A big-bodied winger with excellent puck protection, a nose for the net, and the potential to dominate when engaged.
Get to know article published on 8/24/2024: Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, a 6’2″, 185-pound right-shot forward, is a dynamic offensive talent with top-10 potential for the 2025 NHL Draft. His combination of elite playmaking, excellent stick control, and a high hockey IQ makes him a standout prospect. However, there are areas of his game that need improvement as he continues his development, especially as he prepares for the 2024-25 season. Here’s a breakdown of his strengths and areas for growth.
Strengths:
- Playmaking Ability: Jakob is an elite playmaker with excellent vision and creativity. His ability to anticipate the play and find teammates in open ice scoring positions, particularly from the mid-wall on the power play, is a hallmark of his game. His pairing with Anton Frondell (C, L, 6’0″, 199, Djurgardens J20, 05/07/2007) during international tournaments further highlights his ability to elevate the performance of goal-scoring linemates.
- Puck Control and Stickhandling: Jakob’s stickhandling in tight spaces is top-tier, allowing him to maintain control in high-pressure situations while defenders are hanging all over him. He excels in creating offense through his deceptiveness in traffic, making him a dangerous player in possession, especially in the offensive transition game.
- Offensive Instincts: His offensive instincts and ability to find the soft area in defensive zone coverage are elite. Jakob seems to elevate his game when the team needs him or needs a big goal.
- Performance on the International Stage: Jakob performed well at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he finished with four goals in five games and won 57% of his 50/50 puck battles. His ability to find the back of the net, even in a playmaking role, showcases his versatility.
Areas for Improvement:
- Skating: NHL General Managers and Director’s of Scouting will be watching Jakob’s skating. His current skating ability is still above average but it can appear awkward at times, which limits his ability to play at a faster pace. Improving his core strength and power will improve his stride, acceleration, and overall skating mechanics which will be critical for his success at higher levels of play, particularly in the NHL.
- Physical Engagement: Jakob’s physicality is another area for improvement. He tends to rely on his reach and stick checks rather than engaging physically in puck battles or staying low to take away his opponent’s legs. To maximize his offensive potential, NHL eyes will be looking for a more assertive physical presence, showing a willingness to engage in checks and battle for pucks more consistently.
- Consistency in Puck Battles: While he has shown the ability to win 50/50 battles, especially against his own age group, Jakob’s reliance on stick checks instead of using his body allows opponents to escape pressure too easily. Increasing his intensity and tenacity in these situations will be crucial for his transition to the pro level.
- Defensive Play: As he continues his development, Jakob will need to show more commitment to his defensive responsibilities. Improving his play away from the puck, including backchecking with a purpose and defensive zone communication, will round out his game and make him a more complete player.
Conclusion: Jakob Ihs-Wozniak has the skill set and offensive talent to be a top-10 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. His playmaking, puck control, and hockey IQ are standout attributes that make him a high-ceiling prospect. However, to solidify his draft position, he must continue to improve his skating, physical engagement, and defensive play during the 2024-25 season. If he can make strides in these areas, Jakob has the potential to become an impactful player at the NHL level.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images