With the 162nd overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, the Red Wings select winger Jack Adams out of the USHL. Adams is a massive 6’5” power-winger who led the USHL in goal-scoring (37) with the Fargo Force last season. He’s committed to Union College. Adams is in his third year of draft eligibility. NOTE: His legal name is John, but he goes by Jack.
Here’s what Future Considerations says about him:
Adams is an interesting player because of his size and skill. His skating is below average, as you would expect from a player his size, but he still gets around well enough and can make up for it with skill and hockey IQ. He uses his size and reach well to protect the puck, but it is obvious he needs to add more strength for board battles. Being more physical could take him a long way. Still, with his puck protection ability and vision, he is able to set up teammates from the corners or behind the net. He frequently creates space for himself, thanks to his quick hands and some nice dekes, allowing him to focus on finding open teammates.
Adams had a pedestrian freshman season in the USHL, but spent much of his offseason getting stronger and quicker. He essentially evolved into a completely different player as he grew – a strong, dominant scorer. Because of that, it propelled the Fargo Force into a high-scoring team, just a year-removed from being one of the lowest-scoring in the league. He’s a bit older, due to not being drafted in years prior. Adams will turn 21 in February.
Interesting pick, but I really like it. Not often you can find scoring like this so late. It will be interesting to see how he does with Union, who is a great program to develop with.
