Jesse Blacker

Age: 20
Position: Defense
Height: 6'1
Weight: 190lbs
Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2009, 2nd Round 58th Overall Pick.
Currently playing with Toronto Marlies (AHL)

The Summary
Jesse Blacker is a solid defenseman who is positionally sound and has great offensive instincts.  He is a very strong skater and he likes to rush the puck up the ice. I was at the Marlies game last Friday and I witnessed Jesse scoring his first goal in the AHL.  He used his skating ability and speed to get up the ice and fired an accurate wrister past the goalie.  Overall, he is an all around reliable and solid defenseman who can contribute both defensively and offensively.  He is also mobile and willing to throw hits around. 

The Now
Jesse Blacker is in his first full season in the AHL with the Marlies. At training camp, Jesse made a big case for himself by showing Leafs management his skating ability and intelligence with puck.  He caught the attention of Leafs management along with another rookie, Jake Gardiner, who has remained with the Leafs all season. He is slowly adjusting to the pro game after playing 4 years in the OHL.  Jesse has played in 46 games this season and has 1 goal and 13 assists.  His point totals are considered low compared to the success he had in the last season of the OHL with 54 points in 62 games.  Throughout the season, Jesse's been adjusting to the speed and the size of the players in the AHL and he is steadily developing and gaining more confidence. 

The Coming Soon
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a strong pool of defensive prospects and Jesse Blacker is one of the top 3.  He will take some time to develop and get stronger in the AHL but it shouldn't be too long before we see him with the Leafs.  He fits in perfectly with the Leafs playing style right now which is speed, speed and more speed. The Leafs blue line is looking really good in the next couple of years, with a good mix of speed, size and grit.  Jesse Blacker has the potential to be a top 4 defender for the Leafs in the next 3 or 4 years and he will definitely be quartering the power play.