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A highly touted prospect a couple of years ago, Jake Wise has not quite lived up to the lofty projections of being a potential top-ten pick. However, he is still an excellent prospect. The second line centre for the US National Team Development Program, Wise scored 11 goals and 31 assists for 42 points in 36 games this season. Now playing in the IIHF Under-18 World Championships, Wise has helped the US advance to the gold medal game. He has five points in six games in the tournament. Wise also played at last year’s Under-17 World Hockey Challenge, putting up four points in five games in that tournament.
Wise was drafted by the Halifax Mooseheads in the 2016 QMJHL Draft. Right now though, he is committed to play for the Boston University Terriers next season.
Jake Wise Scouting Report
Centre — shoots Left
Born February 28th, 2000 — North Andover, Massachusetts
Height 5’10” — Weight 189 lbs [178 cm/86 kg]
Skating
Wise is a very good skater. His speed and acceleration are very good. They may not be the best in the draft class but are still well above average and a big asset. He can create problems for defenders by changing speeds when carrying the puck. His quick feet, good agility, and excellent edgework all work to make Wise dangerous in one-on-one situations. He can open up passing and shooting lanes through quick changes of speed or direction. Wise could stand to improve his lower-body strength though. He can get pushed off the puck in the corners and in front of the net. An improvement in his balance would help take his game to the next level.
Offensive Game
Wise has outstanding hands. His stickhandling and puck control are both excellent. He can beat defenders one-on-one. Wise protects the puck well in the cycle game and buys time for teammates to get open in the offensive zone. His passing skills and vision are also very good, and he can make a tape-to-tape pass once a linemate does find some space. He is a very smart player, who moves the puck efficiently finds the open man.
Wise pairs his playmaking ability with some scoring skills. His wrist shot and snapshot feature quick releases. They are also accurate. He gets good, but not great, power on his shots, but it is the release that is his best weapon. Wise needs some work on his slap shot and one-timer though. He has a knack for finding open space in the offensive zone when he does not have the puck. However, he could stand to shoot the puck more. Wise can become a bit too predictable as a pass-first player at times. He also can put on more strength and muscle to be more effective in front of the net and on the boards. Size is a bit of an issue.
Defensive Game
Wise works hard every shift, and his feet never stop moving. He is willing and committed to backchecking, applying back-pressure against the rush, and support down low against the cycle game. Size and strength can be an issue, as he can have trouble containing big and powerful forwards. His anticipation and positioning is strong though, and he creates turnovers as a result. Once there is a turnover, he transitions quickly to offence. Wise is a good penalty killer, and also a shorthanded threat.
Projection and Comparison
Wise has the potential to be a two-way, top-six centre at the NHL level. He will need some time to develop, and going the NCAA route will give him plenty of time to add muscle and strength in the weight room. He also can work to shoot a bit more and be less predictable in his game. Wise has shown the determination to work on his game and improve, as well as to have a strong draft year despite battling injury. He could be a coach’s favourite with his work ethic and two-way game. Wise’s game is reminiscent of Travis Konecny of the Philadelphia Flyers, but this is a style comparison only and not one based on ability or potential
Highlights
The following is a compilation of some of the many highlight packages of Wise that are available on youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the next prospect on our draft board.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 16: Jake Wise #12 of the USA Nationals skates up ice with the puck against the Russian Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 16, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. USA defeated Russia 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
