Fantasy Summary
With a big frame and an elite shot, could score 30 goals in his best season, but has been slow to develop. Like most prospects, will have to improve on his defense and consistency to make an impact in the NHL.
Observations
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October 2019 – Jensen has not played in North America since the conclusion of the 2016-17 campaign when he spent the majority of the year playing for the Hartford Wolfpack. He will remain on the Ranger’s reserve list until his 27th birthday on March 6, 2020, at which point he will be free to return to North America with the pro team of his choosing. Considering his production in the KHL, and limited NHL upside, it’s unlikely that he makes a meaningful return. Brayden Olafson
September 2018 – Upon fulfillment of his contract in the summer of 2018, Jensen opted to depart for the KHL where he will play with Jokerit Helsinki. According to CapFriendly, The Rangers will retain Jensen’s NHL rights indefinitely, however, no return is imminent or expected. Brayden Olafson
July 2017 — Jensen finished 2016-17 with 32 goals and 23 assists in 70 games with the AHL’s Hartford Wolfpack, which was good for 2nd overall in league scoring. Despite his strong production Jensen skated for the Rangers in only seven games and failed to record a point while averaging just under 10 minutes of ice per game. While Jensen did receive a qualifying offer from the Rangers he opted to sign in July with Helsinki based Jokerit of the KHL for the 2017-18 season. Assuming he returns to North America the Rangers will continue to own his rights. Geoff Kent
January 2017 – Jensen spent all of 2015/16 in the AHL and posted a career-best 37 points (19G, 18A) through 68 games split between Utica and Hartford. After signing a one-year deal with the Rangers during the summer, he has continued his strong play in 2016/17. He leads the Wolfpack in scoring with 24 points (14G, 10A, 0.83PPG) through 29 GP. Jensen’s earned two callups to the Rangers this season, although has been held off the scoresheet through six games while averaging more than nine minutes of ice time per night. In his fifth pro season, the offensive-minded winger will need to find the scoresheet on a regular basis if he is to earn an extended stay with the Blueshirts. Geoff Kent
November 2015 – Finishing last season with just 28 points in 59 games (14,14) was a major disappointment for Jensen. Having skated along side the Sedin’s at the end of 2013-14, Jensen’s decline is quite sharp. Skating in only seven games so far this year for Utica (AHL), the Dane has contributed a pair of goals and assists, most recently lighting the lamp November 13th in his return to the lineup from injury. With all the internal competition and call-ups going on right now, it is more important than ever for Jensen to produce. Bottom line: if he can’t dominate the AHL, he won’t have a chance to prove he can play in the NHL. Mike Barrett
February 2015 – Jensen has been going through a rough patch of late, as he only has eight points in his last 22 games after starting relatively hot with 11 in 15. What’s perhaps even more concerning than his offensive production is his all-around play. He currently stands at a team worst minus-13 (Feb.19th), with the next closest teammate holding a minus-7 rating (Cal O’Reilly) . If he’s not putting the puck in the net , and he isn’t contributing to his team’s success in another way, it makes it very hard to earn a trip back to the NHL. It’s a real shame that Jensen isn’t capitalizing on this opportunity either, because the Canucks could really use a right-winger to replace Zack Kassian, who will be a healthy scratch for a ninth time this season. Mike Barrett
December 2014 – Jensen was called up in November by Vancouver, went scoreless in three games, and was sent back to Utica where he then scored one goal in another trio of matchups (15-6-5-11, plus-1). On November 29th, the Canucks recalled Jensen again due to an injury to Zach Kassian, but has not since dressed in a game. It appears Jensen is one of those prospects who get caught in lineup limbo, as he is obviously a star in the AHL and earned the first call-up, but not quite good enough to make an impact in the NHL every night yet.It’s a tough spot to be in, and can harm a players development and confidence. Hopefully he gets to dress for more than three consecutive games at some point soon, and can get a scoring streak going again. Mike Barrett
November 2014 – On November 8th 2014, the Canucks recalled RW Nicklas Jensen from Utica in the AHL. With injuries to Kassian and Sesisto, Jensen earned the call-up by scoring 4 goals in his last 7 games with Utica. While we have seen Jensen lineup next to the Sedins in the past, expect Jensen to battle for a bottom-six spot as the Canucks hope the young trio of Bo Horvat and Linden Vey can provide some extra offense a little further down the lineup. Michael Barrett
October 2014 – Jensen had a solid start to camp but couldn’t carry the momentum into making the team. He was assigned to Utica in the AHL and had gone scoreless in 4 games with a minus-3 rating before finally scoring in game five. Jensen tends to rely too heavily on his pure sniping ability and that gets him in ruts as he must return to basics to get his game back on track. This is a common problem with young snipers, so while it is not a major concern at this point, it is why he is not in the NHL at this point. Jensen will have some ups and downs this season as he looks to mature and round out his game but eventually his offensive potential will lock him in as a top-6 winger in Vancouver. Mike Barrett
September 2014 – Jensen has been excellent all camp, offensively and defensively. He is in competition for one of the final roster spots with fellow prospects Hunter Shinkaruk and Bo Horvat. Jensen has a better chance than not to break camp for the Canucks; even if he starts the year in the AHL, he will certainly be one of the first call-ups. If he establishes himself in the top six, he has darkhorse potential to finish near the top of the Calder race. Austin Wallace
March 2014 – Jensen has turned his season around in a big way. The Canucks were in dire need of offence and called Jensen up to score some goals. Since his call-up he has played every shift with either Henrik Sedin or Ryan Kesler, has started most often in the offensive zone and has played 18 minutes per game. In his last three games, he has two goals and six shots. His turnaround has been just as evident at the AHL level. After shooting less than twice a game before the turn of 2014, he has upped that to almost 3 and a half shots per game. Thanks in equal parts to that dominant shooting rate and a terrible Utica team, he has scored three times as many goals as assists in the AHL so far. This could be him acclimatizing to North American hockey, or another streak like the first half of his SHL season.
February 2014 – As I am writing this, Jensen is finishing off a three goal (with a fourth waved off), eight shot performance. This brings him up to five goals in his last four games and he already has 20 shots in February. If that sounds like a dominant performance from a player who might get consideration for a call-up, you are right. On the other hand, he only had 10 points in 36 games before his outburst. To date, his numbers are still fairly miserable, but February could be the turning point for his season. If he continues to score during the Olympic break, look for him to get a look on the big club. Austin Wallace
October 2013 – After a decent showing in the preseason, it was looking like he would start the season in the AHL to get his confidence going. A separated shoulder soon followed, and he is likely to return in a week. He would like to build off a ridiculous early season run in the SEL where he scored at almost a goal per game and led the entire league in scoring as a rookie. After that, his production steadily declined the rest of the season in Sweden, Chicago and Vancouver. Another strong start to the season, this time in the AHL, will do wonders for the confidence of fantasy GMs, the Canucks GM and Jensen himself. Austin Wallace
June 2013 – Jensen had an up and down season developing for the Canucks. He started his season in Sweden where he popped 17 goals (23 points) in 50 games at the conclusion of the season he was re-assigned to Chicago of the AHL where he struggled with only four points in 20 games and a negative 12 rating. Vancouver management decided to give him an audition and played in a pair of games. At 20 years old he still has much growing to do to play and be a dependable North American player, but he remains the organizations best prospect on the right side. He will likely spend the entire year in the AHL next season proving his offensive prowess and proving his worth as a first round selection. Jason Banks
February 2012 – Nicklas Jensen is a big, powerful skater who can also score. Now an OHL sophomore, Jensen has seen his offensive numbers rise significantly since his rookie year. He plays big minutes on the Generals’ top line alongside the feisty Boone Jenner, yet Jensen ranks fourth on the team in points per game. Look for his numbers to continue to improve over the coming years as he grows into his 6 foot 3 frame. Jensen is a skilled offensive player and has the potential to be an impact power forward in the NHL. Brendan Ross
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