Jamie Oleksiak

History

2008-09: Oleksiak played for the Little Ceasar's Minor Midget team, scoring 3 goals and adding 7 assists for 10 points in 30 games for that club. Oleksiak also played for the Chicago Steel of the USHL, picking up 4 assists and 47 penalty minutes in those games.

2009-10: Oleksiak began the season with the Chicago Steel, playing in 29 games for that team. He picked up 10 assists and 43 penalty minutes in those games. He was traded to the Sioux Falls Stampede, playing in 24 games for that club. He scored 2 goals and added 2 assists for 4 points to go along with 32 penalty minutes. Oleksiak also played in 3 playoff games for the Stampede, registering 2 penalty minutes.

2010-11: Oleksiak played his freshman season at Northeastern University, playing in 38 games for that school. He scored 4 goals and added 9 assists for 13 points while adding 57 penalty minutes.

2011-12: Oleksiak signed a contract with the OHL's Saginaw Spirit in July 2011, foregoing his final three year of college hockey. He skated in 31 games for Saginaw before being traded to Niagara at the trade deadline in January – while he was playing for Canada at the 2012 U20 World Junior Championship. Oleksiak was plus-31 with 12 goals and 20 assists in 59 OHL games between Saginaw and Niagara and had 47 penalty minutes. Niagara reached the OHL Finals after finishing first in the Central Division. Oleksiak was plus-two with 4 assists and 4 penalty minutes in 20 playoff games. Playing for bronze medal-winning Canada at the WJC he was plus-four with no points and 2 penalty minutes in six games. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with Dallas in October 2011.

 

Talent Analysis

Oleksiak is a defenseman that possesses a really nice blend of size, physicality and outstanding puck skills. While much has been said of his size and physical side, what is most impressive about Oleksiak is his superb agility and athleticism. He moves remarkably well for such a big man, skating with long, fluid strides. He also maintains very good balance on his skates as well. As good as Oleksiak was in the first half of the season, he was even better in the second half. An area where his progress was especially noticeable was the effective use of his enormous frame in defending against opposing players. Oleksiak thrived in Northeastern's tight-checking system where the physical side of his game became more apparent. The one area where Oleksiak will need to continue to improve is his footwork, particularly his turns and pivots.

He could show a little bit more vigor and truculence in his game given his size.  It’s a little bit tough to get a rise out of him most of the time.  Potential: #2 defenseman, like Victor Hedman.

 

Future

Will play for the Texas Stars in 2012-13.