Saturday, June 21, 2008

Sabers select Jokinen

Minnesota State incoming freshman forward Justin Jokinen was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the fourth round of Saturday's NHL Entry Draft. Jokinen, the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton high school standout was taken 101st overall and is the highest-drafted MSU-affiliated player since David Backes was taken with the 62nd overall choice (second round) in 2003.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Feeling a draft (UPDATED)

The NHL draft starts tonight with a prime-time first round, but Saturday should see at least one Minnesota State player, incoming freshman Justin Jokinen, selected. The Carlton, Minn., native and Cloquet-Esko-Carleton high school standout was ranked 54th in the last Central Scouting Rankings of North American skaters. Throw in European players and goaltenders and who knows where he will land.

One thing's for sure, he seems to be getting some decent publicity along the way. Here is his official scouting report.

Other possibile (late-round) draft picks could be incoming freshman Tyler Thompson, who has also appeared on the CSS rankings, most recently at No. 183. Mavericks defenseman Ben Youds, who is coming off a solid rookie season, could get a sniff, too.

UPDATE: Thanks to Grand Forks hockey scribe Brad Schlossman for tracking down this gem, a seven-round mock draft. Whoever this is has Jokinen going in the third round, No. 90 overall, to the Phoenix Coytoes.

Monday, June 2, 2008

Jackman stays with Islanders

Former Minnesota State forward Tim Jackman inked a one-year contract extension with the New York Islanders, the team announced on Monday.

Jackman played in 36 games with the Islanders this season, scoring a goal and assisting on three others and had 57 penalty minutes.

“Tim proved to be a versatile player for our organization last season," Islanders general manager Garth Snow said in a press release. “He provided toughness and leadership in Bridgeport and served as a great role player with the Islanders when called upon."

The 26-year old Jackman split time between the Islanders and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League last season. In 44 games with Bridgeport, Jackman had 15 goals and 21 assists and 67 penalty minutes.

Since leaving MSU following his sophomore season in 2002, Jackman has appeared in 68 NHL games, tallying two goals and five assists for seven points to go along with 104 penalty minutes. In addition to his NHL career, Jackman has played in 395 AHL games, scoring 89 goals with 92 assists for 181 points along with 577 penalty minutes.