Jakob Ihs-Wozniak

September 2025 – Sportsnet and DailyFaceoff both had Wozniak in their top 20 in their 2025 rankings this time last year. Vegas took a player who had fallen down the boards throughout his draft year with their first pick, and they had every reason to catch the falling star. He posted 1.39 points per game in his D-1 year in the J20 league, and only improved to 1.43 the following year. Still, Wozniak asserted himself in the J20 league in Sweden, scoring over half a goal per game and nearly an assist per game.

His length gives him an advantage that he exploits for offense, using it to take deceptive shots in stride or maintain possession. What separates Wozniak’s shot from the rest is his consistent ability to get it off in traffic, in stride — even bouncers look easily corralled into a scoring chance. It is an elite shot among his peers, already one of the strongest shots in his class — and if he can add a bit more strength to his frame, it could reach the next level.

Without the puck, Wozniak never looks lost. He is in position to support the play, facilitate, or insulate the defense. While he is not the most physical player, he does not shy away from contact — often inviting players to take the body on him in order to advance the play. His defensive engagement has steadily improved over the year, catching up to his defensive awareness.

Wozniak’s short 13-game stint in the SHL showed a few question marks in his game. Namely, his skating was at least two steps behind the pro competition. He lost more battles than he won. The typical trademark of his game — consistent awareness — was rarely present. Next year, Wozniak is expected to play in Sweden’s pro leagues, and the Knights hope to see him take a step forward to realize his ceiling as a top-six impact forward. Arden McLeod

June 2025 – Selected 55th overall, Jakob Ihs-Wozniak is now a member of the Vegas Golden Knights. Mark Henry

Final Rankings – A skilled power-winger boasting a wicked release, Jakob Ihs-Wozniak combines his size and reach with a soft touch on the puck to be able to score in a variety of ways.—Ethan Lindley