Seventh-round surprise Jacob Cloutier's explosive OHL production hints at a future offensive force, defying draft-day expectations for the Jets.
The Winnipeg Jets may have found an unexpected gem deep in their prospect pipeline.
Jacob Cloutier, a seventh-round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft, is beginning to turn heads with his offensive production in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). The 18-year-old right winger, a native of Gloucester, Ontario, is currently skating in his second full junior season with the Saginaw Spirit and continues to show encouraging signs of growth.
Cloutier is on pace to match his rookie output of 47 points with 21 goals and 24 assists for 45 points in 62 games this season. He is averaging 0.73 points per game and has become a reliable contributor for Saginaw. He is also emerging as a name worth monitoring among Winnipeg’s developing prospects.
Cloutier remains several years away from making the leap to professional hockey and even further from a potential NHL debut. His early trajectory is still a positive indicator. The young forward is continuing to refine his overall game, and his ability to produce at this stage suggests there could be more upside to unlock.
Patience will be important in his development. If Cloutier continues on this path, the Jets may one day look back on their 2025 seventh-round pick as a quietly impactful addition to their system.
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