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Nick Jensen, D |
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| Shoots: R | Height: 6-0 | Weight: 196 |
| Born: 1990-09-21 | Hometown: Rogers, MN, USA | Drafted: 2009 by Detroit Red Wings, 150th overall |
Observations:
September 2017 – Made his NHL debut last season against Tampa Bay on December 20th. Jensen played in 49 games for the Red Wings and tallied four goals and 13 points in 49 games. The Detroit organization values the young defender very highly and not only did he finish the season playing on the top pairing with Danny Dekeyser, but the organization also opted to protect him in the expansion draft over young defenders Ryan Sproul and Xavier Ouellet. What Jensen lacks in size he more than makes up for with his excellent mobility, strong puck moving abilities and his competitive nature. This season Jensen will look to prove that he isn’t just a one year wonder after seemingly leapfrogging other defensive prospects on the depth chart last year. He isn’t likely to see much power play time unless injuries occur but he should see a good amount of penalty kill time and will be given every opportunity to solidify his spot in Detroit. Jameson Ewasiuk
December 2016 – After narrowly missing out on a spot on the Detroit roster in training camp, Jensen has been a continually strong presence on the Grand Rapids blueline and finally the fourth-year pro has been given the chance to don the winged wheel. He looked confident throughout the ice and in no way out of place on a very young Red Wing defense core. His defensive gaps were exceptional, being aggressive on the puck carrier and forcing a move early before they were able to enter the zone. To cap off the night, he added an assist in the lone Detroit goal by jumping into the rush and firing a quality shot on net in the dying seconds of the third that teammate Anthony Mantha finished off. While much work is still needed, Jensen could project as a dependable shutdown D once he improves his defensive positioning and adapts to the speed of the NHL game. Joseph Highgate
May 2015 – Jensen took a big leap forward in 2015 increasing his totals all across the board. It all started with a strong training camp where he was one of the final cuts for the Red Wings. The increase in production likely falls inline with his ability to stay healthy this season as he suited up in 75 regular season games where he came away with six goals, 21 assists and a staggering plus-30 rating. Jensen’s plus-30 mark was tied for the team lead and league lead with rookie Griffin’s forward Tomas Nosek, Rockford’s Stephen John’s and Manchester’s Brian O’Neill. For Jensen his season is still alive as he and his Grand Rapid’s teamates sit and wait to find out their Western Conference finals opponent. The Griffin’s are looking to hoist the Calder Cup for the second time in three seasons and will be looking for a lot of the same stellar play from Jensen displayed to date. Travis Watson
October 2014 – Nick Jensen the former WCHA defenseman of the year is making a strong impression at his first Red Wings camp. His skating ability is what garners all the attention as he rarely puts himself in bad situations as he’s able to skate his way out of the problem or make a smart, crisp quick outlet to get the boys moving forward. This was evident throughout the preseason where he averaged a shade over 19 minutes a game and registered his first professional goal for the red and white. It’s very likely that if Jensen were apart of any other organization he would be held in much higher regard but with powerplay studs like Ryan Sproul and Matthias Backman ahead of him he hasn’t been able to get the increased opportunity to show his full potential. After this training camp though he has certianly asserted himself into the conversation of call-up when the time comes. Look for his stock to rise as the season progresses. Travis Watson
December 2013 – Jensen who was injured (shoulder) in a fight with fellow Red Wings prospect Tyler Bertuzzi at the Wings prospect camp over the summer has finally been deemed healthy and ready to play. Due to the numbers game, he was sent on November 21st to Toledo of the ECHL but it didn’t take long as he was only there three games before being recalled to Grand Rapids on November 30th. Jensen has since laced up in four games for the Griffins and is still trying to work himself back into game shape. He has still yet to register his first professional point but his presence has already helped solidify the Griffins blueline into what is likely the most talented defensive corps in the entire AHL. Due to depth in the system, Jensen isn’t expected in Detroit anytime soon but the way the injuries have been piling up its not completely out of the question as the season progresses. Travis Watson
May 2013 – Nick Jensen signed a two year entry-level contract today with the Red Wings. Look for him to lace em’ up on the point with the Grand Rapid Griffins next season and potentially play his way into a call-up option. Travis Watson
April 2013 – One of Detroit’s prospects you may not have heard much about, but that changed this season as Nick Jensen helped lead St. Cloud State Huskies to their first ever Frozen Four championships. Unfortunately the outcome didn’t turn out as hoped as they were ousted by the number one ranked Quinnipiac Bulldogs in the frozen four semi-finals. However Jensen enjoyed another successful season scoring 4G-27A-31PTS and a plus- 22 rating while also collecting WCHA’s Defensive player of the year, WCHA’s First Team All-Star and NCAA (West) First All-American team. Better make some room for all that hardware.
Smart, agile and capable defender that can contribute with some offence. Potential to be a top four defenceman if he continues his upwards progression.
Footage:
Coach Bob Motzko of the St. Cloud States Huskies talking up Jensen and his leadership abilities:
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