Jake Neighbours Prospect Scouting Report

2018-19 Team: Edmonton Oil Kings (#21)
Date of Birth: March 29, 2002
Place of Birth: Airdrie, Alberta
Ht: 5’11”/180cm Wt:201/91 lbs/kg
Position: LW
Projected Draft Position #40

Jake Neighbours is a versatile winger with a strong two way game and acknowledged leadership skills

A stocky, skilled winger who reminds me a lot of former Oil King teammate Trey Fix-Wolansky (CBJ signee), Neighbours is a player with a wide range of skills that can be utilized and all aspects of the game. While more noted for his offensive skills, his skills range, as well as effort and intelligence, may well be utilized effectively in defensive roles moving forward. In addition, Neighbours is a noted leader, having been the captain of Canada’s Team White World U17 Hockey Challenge team.

While Neighbours all around game and skills package is quite good, questions regarding his development ceiling are abound. These may be quieted with a very productive draft eligible season but, until then, they will persist and make him a borderline first round prospect at best. In addition to increased production, increased deployment on special teams, particularly on the PK, will be a strong indicator of his potential as an NHL prospect. My sense is that he’ll rise to the challenge and cement himself as a first round prospect, but there is much work to be done along the way.

For me, a comparable range would be somewhere between Phillip Danault and Timo Meier.

Size – 4/5
Skating – 4/5
Skills – 3/5
Smarts – 4/5
Stats – 3/5
Stickwork – 3/5
Strength – 4/5