Jecho is tied for 10th in rookie scoring with 20 points in 23 games.
Adam Jecho is showing why he is considered a top prospect heading into the 2024 NHL Draft. The Edmonton Oil Kings center is fully healthy and is showing off his two-way game nightly. A potential first-round pick, he is the rare combination of size and skill that teams consistently look to add to their prospect pool come draft time.
After playing in Finland for the last two years, Jecho decided to make the jump to the WHL for his draft season. Drafted third overall by Edmonton in the 2023 import draft, he made the move in part to get used to the North American ice surface and game speed. As he explains, it took some time to adjust, but now he is in a groove and can show off just how talented he is.
"I think the league, in general, is really different," said Jecho. "It's very specific. Obviously, the ice is smaller; everything's quicker, more physical. So, it took some time to adjust, but I feel like I did a pretty good job in that. And now it's just way easier to play each game for me because I've pretty much adapted to that. So yeah, I would say that's the biggest difference."
Coming into the season, it is safe to say expectations were high for Jecho. He was given an "A' rating by NHL Central Scouting, which is reserved for players projected to go in the first round. While he was excited to see the high rating next to his name, he uses the initial projection as motivation throughout the year.
"Yeah, it's pretty cool. That's probably more like a motivation to me. Just the fuel to keep working. It's not just that I was training for no reason. So I think the work that I put in the summer that I'm putting every day on the ice is paying off, so it's mostly just motivation for me to keep going and keep the grade next to my name."
While the draft is still a few months ago, Jecho admits he thinks about it occasionally. This is understandable, as being drafted into the NHL is a dream for most players worldwide. Even though the thought does creep into his mind occasionally, he is more focused on the day-to-day training that will help him achieve his goal of playing at the highest level.
"I would lie if I would say no. I'm trying to think about it as little as possible, trying to keep my mind every day, just trying to keep getting there. At least 1% every day and just enjoy the process."
As mentioned, Jecho decided this year to move halfway across the world at 17 to play in the WHL. While the move was not easy, he felt the move was crucial in taking his game to the next level. As he describes, the decision has paid off so far, as he is getting more exposure and continuing to improve his game with the Oil Kings.
"I think it was going to see if I can level up a little bit quicker. I think that in Finland, I obviously did some good things. I grew as a person, not just on the ice, but especially as a person. I feel like I can take some good things and transfer them to the Canadian Hockey League. I think that I made a pretty good decision so far."
As for playing in Edmonton, that holds some advantages. Not only is there a passionate fan base, but the team often gets the chance to watch players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl practice daily. Watching the work these two put in is not just a learning opportunity for Jecho but a reminder that even the best players in the world are continually working on improving their game.
"It's a hockey city, and everybody's waking up thinking about hockey, so it's very special. The opportunity that we get to play in that rink that we are playing out of, it's amazing. To see all of those professional players, we can see the best player right now in the world like on an everyday basis and just like to see him practice every day and to see that he's trying to get better like us."
Jecho has the potential to be a special player at the NHL level. At 17, he is already listed at 6'5" and understands how to use his size to his advantage. If he can continue to round out his game, he should hear his name called early during the 2024 Draft.
