NY Islanders show Spirit
New York Islanders snagged forward Blade Jenkins from the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League in the fifth round of today’s National Hockey League entry draft.
The speedy, lanky, 2000 birth year skater finished tied for fifth among OHL rookies in scoring in 2017-2018 with 44 points, 20 of which were goals.
A native of Jackson, Michigan, Jenkins became the first Saginaw rookie in eight years to score 20 goals in a season.
Meanwhile, the Islanders took Saginaw draft pick Bode Wilde in the second round of today’s NHL draft.
A big, right-handed shooting defenseman, Wilde was taken by Saginaw in the second round of the 2016 OHL draft after the Spirit had used its first round selection on the aforementioned Jenkins.
Wilde has yet to sign with Saginaw, having opted to play the past two seasons with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program.
PHOTO: Saginaw Spirit forward Blade Jenkins dons a New York Islanders ball cap and jersey.
Really liked the size, skill and moxie of this guy. Accounted of himself well during the playoffs. I think the Islanders got a steal with this pick.