Background and Development
Jagger Firkus was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the second round of the 2022 NHL Draft, 35th overall. Prior to being drafted, he made a name for himself as a standout player in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Moose Jaw Warriors. Firkus enjoyed a highly productive junior career, consistently ranking among the league's top scorers. His offensive prowess, creativity, and ability to make plays in all situations earned him widespread recognition as one of the top prospects in his draft class.
Throughout his junior career, Firkus demonstrated significant growth, evolving from a solid playmaker into a lethal offensive weapon. His impressive performances in the WHL and at international events have placed him firmly on the Kraken's radar as a potential top-six forward. He spent time with Team Canada at the 2023 World Junior Championship, showcasing his skill on a larger stage and proving he could excel at the international level.
Firkus is currently developing his game in the AHL, getting accustomed to the professional level and continuing to refine his skills before making a full-time jump to the NHL.
Playing Style and Strengths
Jagger Firkus is an electrifying, highly skilled forward known for his offensive creativity and playmaking ability. At 5'10" and 175 pounds, he may not be the biggest player on the ice, but he more than makes up for his size with his exceptional skating and high hockey IQ. Firkus has the ability to change the game with his quickness, agility, and vision.
Key Strengths:
- Skating: One of Firkus' standout features is his speed and agility. He has excellent acceleration and the ability to weave through defenders with ease. His edge work and ability to maintain puck possession while skating at full speed make him difficult to defend against in transition.
- Playmaking: Firkus is an outstanding playmaker with excellent vision. He can survey the ice and make precise passes to his teammates, creating scoring chances from nearly any position. His ability to find open players in high-danger areas is a hallmark of his game.
- Shot: While known for his playmaking, Firkus also possesses a deadly shot. He has a quick release and can score from a variety of angles. His accuracy and ability to pick corners make him a dual threat in the offensive zone.
- Hockey IQ: Firkus has a strong understanding of the game. His awareness of space, timing of his passes, and ability to read the play are all well beyond his years. He understands when to distribute the puck and when to take matters into his own hands.
Areas for Development
While Firkus has a very refined skill set, there are areas in which he needs to improve to succeed at the NHL level:
- Strength and Physicality: At 175 pounds, Firkus is on the smaller side for an NHL forward, and he will need to continue building strength to compete against bigger, more physical players. Adding muscle to his frame will help him protect the puck and withstand the physicality of professional hockey.
- Consistency: While Firkus is capable of spectacular plays, he needs to maintain a higher level of consistency in his play, especially at the professional level. At times, his creativity can lead to turnovers or overly ambitious plays, so refining his decision-making in tighter situations will be crucial.
- Defensive Responsibility: While Firkus is primarily an offensive force, he will need to work on his defensive game to secure a top-six role in the NHL. His ability to backcheck and manage puck possession in the defensive zone will be key for him to succeed at the next level.
Role with the Kraken and Future Outlook
Firkus' role with the Kraken in the near future will likely be that of a top-six forward who contributes heavily to the team’s offense. Given his skill set, he could find himself on the power play, where his vision and passing ability would be well-utilized. He will likely spend time in the AHL to further develop his game and adjust to the professional level, but his ultimate goal will be to secure a top-six position with the Kraken in the coming years.
As the Kraken continue to build their forward depth, Firkus has the potential to become a key piece in the team’s offensive core. If he can continue to develop physically and refine his overall game, he could eventually become one of the team’s primary offensive catalysts, capable of putting up points on a consistent basis.
NHL Projection
Firkus is projected to be a high-impact top-six forward at the NHL level. His offensive skill set and creativity make him a potential playmaker and scoring threat in the NHL. If he continues to develop physically and becomes more consistent, Firkus could emerge as a key contributor for the Kraken, possibly on a top-line role or as a strong second-line winger. His versatility as both a playmaker and scorer could make him a valuable asset in a variety of situations, including power play and 5-on-5 play.
Comparables
Firkus’ playing style is often compared to Brayden Point and Nick Schmaltz—smaller, skilled forwards with excellent hands, vision, and creativity. Like these players, Firkus excels in transition, makes plays in tight spaces, and is a dual threat both as a playmaker and a scorer. He has the potential to provide the same type of high-end offensive production while carving out a significant role in the Kraken's top six.
Final Takeaway
Jagger Firkus is an exciting prospect for the Kraken, with a skill set that could eventually make him a cornerstone piece of Seattle’s forward group. While there are areas for development, particularly in his physicality and defensive game, Firkus’ offensive ability, creativity, and hockey IQ make him a player to watch closely. His future in the NHL is bright, and if he continues to grow, he could become a dynamic top-six forward with the Kraken in the coming years.