Jett Lajoie (LW, R, 6’0″, 180, Prince George Cougars, 02/05/2007)
Jett Lajoie is a right-shot right wing who plays a competitive, straight-line game for the Prince George Cougars in the WHL. At 6’0″, 180 pounds, Lajoie has slightly below average size for his position, and consistently contributed secondary offense this season with 14 goals and 35 points in 67 games, ranking sixth on a strong Prince George team where nearly all players ahead of him were NHL draft picks. Averaging 15:15 TOI per game, Lajoie was used in a limited special teams role (1:24 PP, 0:19 PK) but was trusted at even strength, finishing with a solid +7 rating.
Statistically, Lajoie’s game is built around consistency and effort. He generated 3.1 shot attempts per game, 2.6 takeaways per game, and was reliable on puck retrievals (1.82/game). However, deficiencies in puck management (79% pass completion rate), puck battle success (47%), and face-off ability (43% win rate in limited attempts) highlight necessary areas for further development if he is to earn a pro opportunity.
Why Lajoie Should Be Drafted
1) Competitive, Consistent Secondary Scorer on a Strong Team
Despite limited special teams usage, Lajoie finished sixth in team scoring (35 points) behind five NHL-affiliated players. His ability to consistently produce while playing behind top players shows offensive upside and the ability to adapt in a supporting role.
2) Responsible Even-Strength Play
Lajoie’s +7 plus/minus on a strong team, despite middle-six deployment, reflects responsible two-way play. He consistently maintained defensive positioning and limited mistakes in his own zone.
3) Strong Work Rate and Puck Pursuit
His 2.6 takeaways per game and strong puck retrieval numbers (1.82/game) highlight his competitiveness, motor, and commitment to tracking and hunting pucks — traits that translate well into bottom-six energy roles at the professional level.
4) Flashes of Goal-Scoring Ability
With 14 goals, a 12% scoring chance conversion rate, and frequent shot generation (3.1 attempts/game), Lajoie shows he can finish chances when given opportunities, particularly in straight-line, north-south offensive play.
Why Lajoie May Not Be Drafted
1) Below-Average Puck Skills and Playmaking
His 79% pass completion rate and low pre-shot pass numbers (0.65/game) are clear indicators puck management struggles. Lajoie can move the puck adequately in simple sequences but lacks creativity and efficiency under pressure.
2) Puck Battle and Physicality Deficiencies
Despite reasonable size, Lajoie wins just 47% of his puck battles and averages 1.31 hits per game — numbers that clearly say he is not afraid of contact but currently lacks the strength to win 50/50 pucks. NHL bottom-six roles often demand stronger puck battle efficiency and physical presence.
3) Limited Special Teams Impact
Lajoie’s minimal role on the penalty kill (0:19/game) and secondary power play usage (1:24/game) — he has not yet carved out a specialty role at the junior level, limiting his projection as a utility player without further development in his puck skills and overall strength.
4) Skating and Transition Play
While not a glaring weakness, his average skating mechanics — particularly acceleration and lateral agility — need improvement to succeed against faster, tighter pro-level checking.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: Bottom-six energy forward; depth scoring winger
Development Track: One more WHL season focused on building strength, puck management skills, and improving physical play, followed by two to three years in NCAA hockey to round out his game, particularly special teams contributions and skating explosiveness.
Draft Range: 7th Round
Verdict: Lajoie is a viable late-round or priority free agent option for organizations seeking hardworking, responsible wingers who can generate secondary offense and provide energy. His development path will hinge on improving physical engagement, puck battle effectiveness, and sharpening puck decisions under pressure. If improvements are made, he projects as a depth, straight-line winger who can contribute in match-up and penalty kill roles.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images