Welcome back to The Win Column Calgary Flames Prospect Rankings. Coming in at number seven this year is the Flames’ 2019 first round pick Jakob Pelletier. After a tough 2023–24 season ruined by a major injury, Pelletier’s upcoming season may be his final chance to prove he deserves a spot as one of the Flames top prospects.
Pelletier’s development so far
After being selected in 2019, Pelletier dominated the QMJHL with 125 points in 85 games between 2019 and 2021. He also tagged on 23 points in 15 games during the 2020–21 QMJHL playoffs, finishing third in the league for playoff scoring as his Vald’Or squad lost in the QMJHL final.
After completing his final QMJHL season, Pelletier made the jump to the AHL and immediately made an impact. As a rookie in 2021–22 Pelletier put up 62 points in 66 games, finishing second on the Heat in scoring while also leading all AHL rookies in goals. His season earned him a spot on the AHL’s 2021–22 All-Rookie team.
The following season Pelletier made his NHL debut, posting seven points in 24 games on a floundering Flames roster. He also added on 37 points in 35 AHL games that season, showing that his 2021–22 production was far from a fluke. Pelletier would close off the year with 10 points in nine AHL playoff games, leading the Wranglers in scoring.
As mentioned, this previous season was a struggle for Pelletier. In what should’ve been his first full NHL season, he suffered a major shoulder injury in pre-season and didn’t even get into his first game of the season until February. Upon his return, he struggled to get up to speed, posting just three points in 13 NHL games before being returned to the AHL to close out the season. He also failed to match his previous heights in the AHL with only 12 points in 18 games, as well as three points in six playoff games.
Pelletier’s strengths and weaknesses
Pelletier’s biggest strength is arguably his versatility. He’s a well-rounded player who can play on both sides of the ice, can play on a power play, and can chip in on the penalty kill. He’s able to adapt to whatever role is needed of him, which makes him a coaches favourite.
Another major factor in Pelletier’s game is his motor and drive. He’s a buzzsaw out there when he’s moving his feet and playing his game. Despite his smaller stature, Pelletier is relentless on the forecheck and constantly getting into opponents faces. He’s the type of player opponents hate to play against because he never takes a shift off.
His energy and motor was a major factor in his success in the NHL in 2022–23, and it’s something that was missing from his 2023–24 season. In order for Pelletier to be successful, he needs to be full engaged at both ends of the ice, and the hope is with full health he can find that aspect of his game again in 2024–25.
His first ever NHL goal is a great example of what he’s capable of, flying up the ice to remain in the play offensively before putting home a nice finish at speed.
On top of on-ice aspects, Pelletier is just a flat out fun guy to have on your team and on your bench. His short stint in 2022–23 made a lasting impact on the teams locker room and fanbase. Pelletier provided a boost of energy every time he suited up for the Flames and that’s something that can be incredibly important for a rebuilding roster.
Pelletier’s weaknesses are quite clear. He’s not the greatest skater, doesn’t offer great size, and isn’t really truly great in any one aspect of the game. Sure he’s well-rounded, but he doesn’t possess high end skill or talent in one area. As well, the fact that Pelletier is not only smaller in stature but also not a great skater has always raised doubts on his NHL potential. In 2022–23 he was able to overcome these weaknesses, in 2023–24 they very much held him back and were increasingly present.
Pelletier’s next steps
The 2024-25 season is very much a make or break season for Pelletier. After a tough 2023–24 season that saw him demoted back to the AHL to close out the season, Pelletier is at risk of being pushed too far down the Flames depth chart to climb his way back out. He’ll be given every opportunity to make the Flames roster out of training camp, but with a crowded depth chart on the wing and some new names in the mix, Pelletier is no longer a surefire bet to make the NHL roster.
The hope of course is that he gets back to full health and re-discovers his 2022–23 form that saw him play an important role in the Flames lineup at just 22 years old when given a chance. It’s now up to Pelletier to prove the doubters wrong and earn a spot in the NHL. The skillset and potential is there, it all comes down to Pelletier showing that it isn’t too late to earn an NHL job in Calgary. At 23 years old, time is running out for the 2019 first-rounder to show he belongs with the big club.
Calgary Flames 2024 Top 15 Prospects
Honourable Mentions | #15 William Stromgren | #14 Jacob Battaglia | #13 Aydar Suniev | #12 Luke Misa | #11 Etienne Morin | #10 Henry Mews | #9 Samuel Honzek | #8 Matvei Gridin | #7 Jakob Pelletier | #6 Andrew Basha | #5 Jeremie Poirier | #4 Hunter Brzustewicz | #3 Matt Coronato | #2 Dustin Wolf | #1 Zayne Parekh
