SUNRISE, FL – Cole Perfetti, Winnipeg Jets: He’s second among rookies with 29 points (seven goals, 22 assists) and 24 even-strength points (six goals) in 46 games. The No. 10 pick in the 2020 NHL Draft is tied for seventh (Jack Quinn, Sabres) among rookie forwards with 17 takeaways and tied for eighth with 21 blocked shots. He plays on a line with center Pierre-Luc Dubois and left wing Kyle Connor, averages 14:57 of ice time, and is good at reading and reacting to how an opponent plays him.
The 21-year-old has rebounded this season after playing just 18 NHL games and 17 American Hockey League games last season because of an upper-body injury.
“Being a good pro is you find a way to succeed and play your game,” Winnipeg coach Rick Bowness said. “He’s done that. He’s growing on the ice and he’s growing off the ice. He sees the ice very well, has a good hockey IQ and knows where people are. He’s getting it away from the defender and giving the receiver of the pass an opportunity to make the next play.”