Kraken Prospects Firkus, Rehkopf Lead Their Leagues In Goals & Points

A pair of teenage Seattle Kraken forward prospects currently lead scoring in two different major junior leagues.

Jagger Firkus of the Moose Jaw Warriors (#57 in the above photo) is leading the Western Hockey League in goals (22) and points (43). He's been named WHL player of the week twice in October alone.

Carson Rehkopf of the Kitchener Rangers is leading the Ontario Hockey League in goals (24) and points (39). Of the 35 forwards drafted this summer and playing in the OHL, none of the rest have more than 17 goals.

Carol Schram, co-host of THN's On The Dub podcast: "All Jagger Firkus does these days is score, and score, and score."

Co-host Adam Kierszenblat: "'The Firkus Circus' is in full swing. He's scoring power play goals, he scored a shorthanded goal."

Kierszenblat also quoted Firkus' linemate, Moose Jaw assistant captain Brayden Yager: "He has developed the ability to pickpocket opposing players on the forecheck. 

"He can go in the corner, come out with the puck. Not only is he winning those battles, he knows where all his teammates are on the ice. He's able to create fast strike opportunities."

Firkus' second hat trick of the season already came Oct. 29 in a 5-4 victory over Prince Albert. From the WHL: "His third goal of the night went on to stand as the game-winner. He was named first star of the contest."

"Firkus shows excellent power and accuracy with his wrist shot and snapshot," writes Ben Kerr at LastWordOnSports.com. "With his soft hands, he can make a quick move to create a shooting lane and get off his shot. He can even score with his backhand." 

At 5-foot-11, 160 pounds, "He has issues in winning battles on the boards and in getting to the dirty areas of the ice. Firkus is competitive and is not afraid to play in these areas, but the lack of size and strength is a bit of a liability."

So far, though, the liability has belonged to Jagger's opponents.

"Rehkopf dictates play when he's on the ice, a welcome change from last year when he was very much a passenger," writes THN's Tony Ferrari. "He was the OHL player of the week after back-to-back four-point performances" early in the season.

The Kitchener website especially notes "his tenacious work ethic, heavy-hitting size (6-2, 193), and wicked wrist shot."

Adds Ferrari, "The Seattle Kraken drafted Rehkopf in the second round this past June because of his raw tools and physical traits, and he has put it all together this season.

"He's always been a lethal shooter, but Rehkopf has improved his ability as a true playmaker, showing better vision and precise passing to start this season. With this newfound playmaking prowess, Rehkopf can take his goal-scoring ability to the next level as well, as opponents will be forced to respect his passing."

The offensive prowess of the two Kraken prospects has led to notable success for their teams.

Rehkoph's Rangers have the best record in the 20-team OHL at 16-5, and are riding a seven game winning streak. At 13-9-0-1, Firkus' Warriors sit 4th in the 11-team WHL Eastern Conference, and they have the conference's best power play.