Dustin Jeffrey is the forgotten draft pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Taken 6 rounds after the Pens selected Angelo Esposito, Jeffrey had a strong camp and earned himself a 3 year entry level deal, which he signed earlier this month. He piled up 92 points in 68 games last season and has added 24 more points in only 10 games this season. At that pace, he will rack up nearly 150 points in a full OHL season.
Jeffrey may just be the steal of the draft. An agitating player to skate against, Jeffrey excels at the physical game and can create space for himself and his linemates. A solid 6’1, 205, Jeffrey may be best suited as a winger in the NHL, especially if he stays in Pittsburgh’s system. Though the Penguins used Jeffrey at both wing and center during both rookie and the main camp, numbers dictate that he may have to convert, which is apparently just fine with him.
Eligible for the 2006 draft, Jeffrey was passed over after a couple of mediocre years at Mississauga and Sault St. Marie. That has changed now as a newly confident Jeffrey is leading an undefeated Greyhounds team and chasing John Tavares for the OHL scoring lead. The 19 year is a good set-up man that doesn’t hurt his team defensively and can play either a finesse or a power game.
