Maple Leaf scouting report: Jesse Blacker

As a Junior, Jesse Blacker played for Own Sound Attack and was the leading scorer among defensemen in his final season.  Owen Sound competed in the Memorial Cup twice in the three years. In 2010-11, he scored 10 goals with 44 assists and was +17 in 62 regular season games and was named to the OHL’s Third All-Star team. Blacker was +9 in 22 playoff games and scored 5 goals with 11 assists for the Attack. Blacker, who won a Memorial Cup championship with Windsor in 2009, had 1 assist with an even plus/minus in four 2011 Memorial Cup games with Owen Sound (1-3).

Blacker's puck moving ability made him a 2nd round pick in the 2009 Draft and his experience allowed him to make his transition to professional hockey without significant pressure. Playing on a Marlies team that featured a significant number of veteran pros, Marlies coach Dallas Eakins could afford to use Blacker as necessary to maximize his chances. Blacker responded with a workmanlike campaign, accumulating 16 points in 58 games.  He played on the Marlies' second defensive unit.

His strength is his skating ability but likely behind other prospects like Jake Gardner and Morgan Reilly.  Still he has the potential to be a top 4 defenseman.