Jaxon Cover, the 32nd overall selection in this year’s NHL Draft by the Ottawa Senators, has wasted no time turning heads, racking up three goals and four assists across two games at the Prospect Challenge in Gatineau, Que. The London Knights forward’s standout performance includes a dynamic two-goal, two-helper effort during a hard-fought 5-4 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday night.
How Jaxon Cover and the Ottawa Senators Reclaimed the 32nd Pick
The Senators secured the 32nd overall selection back in this year’s draft after the franchise was originally docked its selection due to the botched Evgenii Dadonov trade in 2022.
https://x.com/Senators/status/2099272247022178327
The punitive ruling was officially levied on Nov. 1, 2023, dictating that the Senators would forfeit a first-round choice in either 2024, 2025, or 2026. In the immediate wake of that penalty, newly installed owner Michael Andlauer dismissed then-general manager Pierre Dorion that very day, elevating Steve Staios into the role to steer the front office forward.
Going into this, I wasn’t really thinking about points,
Cover stated regarding his early-camp mindset. Just trying to play my game and keep it simple.
The puck kept finding my stick and was just trying to capitalize on my chances and show I can score goals.
Positional Versatility and Elusive Skill on Display in Gatineau
Coaching staff took note of the teenager’s adaptability over the weekend set. After lining up at his usual right-wing spot on Saturday, the Senators coaching staff shifted Cover to centre for Sunday’s matchup against Montreal.
He was impressive again. He’s obviously pretty dynamic, as we saw the last two games,
Belleville Senators coach Andrew Campbell observed of the young forward’s weekend trajectory.
He’s so smart, so he doesn’t put himself in compromising positions,
Campbell explained. He knows where he is on the ice.
He makes his way around, he’s elusive, he’s shifty, he’s fast.
He doesn’t get hit all that often.
An Unconventional Development Path to the Ontario Hockey League
Raised in the Cayman Islands, the 18-year-old did not actually lace up for organized ice hockey until the age of 13, having spent his early youth playing roller hockey instead.
That transition to the ice has accelerated dramatically since joining the junior ranks. During the most recent Ontario Hockey League campaign with the London Knights, Cover led his club with 20 goals while finishing second in team scoring with 52 points across 67 regular-season appearances.
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.