The Chicago Blackhawks waited until Day 2 of this year’s NHL draft to select a center. The Hawks drafted Jake Wise with the No. 69 pick out of the U.S. National Team Development Program. The center missed about half of the 2017-18 season after he broke a collarbone in the second game of the season. But his performance once he returned give reason to be excited about the Boston University freshman.
Position: Center
Birth date: Feb. 28, 2000 (age 18)
Acquired via: 2018 NHL draft — 3rd round (No. 69 overall)
Most recent stop: U.S. National Development Program
Size: 5’10, 190 pounds
Contract: Unsigned
Highest ranking: No. 8
Lowest ranking: No. 13
Last year’s ranking: Unranked
Breakdown
Wise wasn’t suppose to be available for Chicago on Day 2 of the draft. But his smaller size coupled with his lack of playing time due to his injury caused his stock to fall.
Despite missing most of his season, Wise scored nine goals and 28 points in only 18 USHL games for a 1.56 points-per-game average. He also tallied a goal and four assists in seven games at the under-18 World Junior Championship tournament.
Wise is touted for his playmaking ability and a quick, accurate shot that many scouts suggested he should utilize more. He also is not a stranger in the defensive zone, providing strong defensive support in his own end.
Jake Wise shows off some skill as the Blackhawks hold the fourth day of their development camp. pic.twitter.com/XgB39ZoeQx
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) July 19, 2018
In an interview with Scott Powers of The Athletic, USNTDP coach Seth Appert compared Wise to NHL stars Brendan Gallagher of the Montreal Canadiens and Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins. Both Gallagher and Marchand are smaller players at 5-foot-9, play aggressively and have produced multiple 40-point seasons at the NHL level.
What’s next in 2018-19?
Wise will be shipping up to Boston University, where he’ll join fellow Hawks prospect Chad Krys. The two were roommates during Chicago’s prospect camp in July.
#Blackhawks Chad Krys on `18 3rd rdr Jake Wise, who’ll also play at BU: “We’re actually rooming together right now. Really nice kid. Loves hockey. REALLY likes hockey! (laughs). Sometimes I’m like: `You gotta stop!’ “
— Chris Boden (@BodenTweets) July 18, 2018
The Terriers have a new coach in Albie O’Connell, who was appointed to the position after David Quinn left for the same role with the New York Rangers. The coaching change isn’t a big shock for the freshman as O’Connell previously served as the Terriers’ associate head coach since 2015.
Wise, however, probably won’t be on the United States’ roster for the World Junior Championship as he was cut from the team prior to the final World Junior Summer Showcase games earlier this month in British Columbia.