Vitals

Position: Right Wing

Shoots: Right

Born: February 5, 1997 (22 years old)

Birthplace: Boston, MA

Height/Weight: 6’5” / 204 lbs

Acquired: Drafted, 2017 Round 6 (#162 Overall)

Last Year’s List: #25

Stats

Strengths

For a late round draft pick, Adams has shown soft hands and an ability to get to the dirty areas in front of the net. Here is what Kyle had to say about Adams the day Detroit drafted him. Aside from his skills with the puck, Jack has shown some good hockey sense and personality both on and off the ice. The below interview from the development camp shows the off-ice portion as he handles the media questions well and even offers observations on some of the Red Wings other prospects.

During the development camp, 3-on-3 tournament and Red/White game Adams showed well by scoring goals, digging in the corners and showing some willingness to mix it up when needed.

Weaknesses

As is generally the case with big forwards, skating was his biggest weakness coming out of the draft (where he was already an overage pick at 20 years old).

Watching the 3-on-3 tournament I was specifically looking to watch Adams to see if the things being said about him in the drills would translate to a game type situation. His first shift on the ice he showed why there is promise in him as he got onto the ice, maneuvered into position and finished a fantastic play and pass from Taro Hirose. The line stayed out for the face-off and Jack showed off the improvements he has made in his skating with some nice movement in the defensive zone before going into the corner and using his size and positioning to take the puck away before getting it quickly up ice to Taro for another quality shot on goal.

As the tournament wore on, I did notice there are times where he is still a too upright with his stance and it causes him to lose some of the drive from his legs. If he can clean that up a little more as well as continue to add strength to his frame, he would be better able to maximize his hands and smarts. The shift I referenced starts at 23:42 below, but if you have time enjoy the entire 3-on-3 tournament.

Outlook

If he can continue to progress his skating and strength while also further honing his work around the net and his understanding of the game of hockey, Jack can put himself into the competition for one of the bottom six spots down the road for the Red Wings. He brings a lot of skills the Red Wings covet in their prospects and could prove to be one of those sneaky glue guys in the bottom of the lineup that the really good teams always seem to find. That said, it is going to be tough for him to break through anytime soon so look for him to spend this season and the next finishing up his collegiate career at Union College before signing with Detroit and pushing for a spot.

Prediction for 2019-20 season

A junior at Union College, look for Jack to continue his development and build upon the offensive numbers he put up last season and take himself from overage, late round draft pick to legit NHL prospect.