Jake Pilon (G, L, 6’4″, 210, Kelowna Rockets, 10/12/2006)
Jake Pilon is a 6’4”, 210-pound left-catching goaltender playing for the Kelowna Rockets in the WHL. Over 38 appearances in the 2024/25 season, Pilon recorded a 4.05 goals-against average, .883 save percentage, and 1 shutout, with a win-loss-tie record of 9-18-5. Despite playing behind one of the WHL’s weaker defensive teams, Pilon faced consistent high-danger shot volume, including an average of 13 scoring-area shots per game, where he maintained a .810 save percentage. He averaged 2.7 saves on expected goals per game — an indicator of his individual impact beyond team play.
Technically, Pilon plays a controlled, efficient style. His size is a natural asset, but his ability to square up and track pucks through traffic allows him to maximize that frame. He shows good lateral movement for his size and manages his crease well, particularly when clearing rebounds or recovering after initial saves. His glove hand and poise in breakaway situations have been highlights in Neutral Zone’s live viewings.
Why Pilon Should Be Drafted
1) Pro-Level Size and Net Coverage
At 6’4”, 210 pounds, Pilon fits the modern NHL size profile for goaltenders. He fills the net effectively, limiting clean shooting lanes, and doesn’t require overaggressive positioning to challenge shooters. His frame allows him to play deeper in the crease while still maintaining visual lanes and angle control.
2) High-Danger Resilience
His .810 scoring-area save percentage and 2.7 xG saves per game reflect above-average ability to make difficult saves. Pilon routinely faces breakaways, odd-man rushes, and net-front scrambles, yet maintains calm and control. His performance on shorthanded breakaways and backdoor chances shows strong play tracking, lateral explosiveness and composure.
3) Simple, Repeatable Technique
There is minimal wasted movement in his game. He reads the play well, squares up early, and maintains balance through his saves. He plays a low-risk technical style that doesn’t rely on desperation, which gives him a developmental base to build upon at higher levels.
4) Mental Toughness and Compete Level
Despite playing behind a porous defensive group, Pilon remains engaged and competes hard in the blue paint. He battles for loose pucks and stays composed during second-chance opportunities, rarely allowing goals through him. His willingness to stay calm under pressure is an underrated trait, especially when facing repeated high-danger scenarios.
Why Pilon May Not Be Drafted
1) Below-Average Stat Line
A 4.05 GAA and .883 SV% are well below draftable benchmarks for CHL goaltenders. While context (team strength) matters, these numbers can’t be ignored and reflect difficulty tracking through traffic or occasional lapses in rebound control consistency.
2) Rebound Placement and Recovery Timing
Although his rebound control is generally reliable, he occasionally kicks out pucks into dangerous areas when fatigued — particularly off point shots. These secondary chances have led to goals against when recovery depth or push timing is off, and NHL shooters will punish those rebounds with greater frequency.
3) Limited Athleticism at Pace
Pilon’s size allows him to play composed in slower situations, but when the pace accelerates or pucks are moved laterally through the royal road with speed, his post-to-post movement can be exposed. His mechanics remain sound, but increased explosiveness and edge efficiency are needed to handle NHL-level puck movement.
4) Questionable Track Record of Development
As a September 2006 birthday goaltender without major upward statistical trends across his two WHL seasons, there’s some concern that his growth curve may flatten unless he earns consistent starts in a more structured environment. His raw tools are evident, but developmental urgency and long-term ceiling remain uncertain.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: NHL backup or AHL starter with spot-duty upside; long-term project with pro-size foundation
Development Track: One more WHL season in a starting role with a focus on conditioning, rebound placement or control, and short-space lateral explosiveness. Two season in an NCAA environment focusing on off-ice training. Target ECHL/AHL entry in 3 years with a goaltending development coach overseeing mechanical refinement.
Draft Range: 7th Round
Verdict: Pilon is a size-profile goalie with solid base mechanics and high-danger resilience that make him a worthwhile late-round selection. The raw tools are present, but success at the next level will depend on whether he can improve his quickness, rebound efficiency, and consistency under pressure. He fits the mold of a long-term development project with NHL backup potential.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images