Jets Draft 2013: J.C. Lipon 91st Overall

Looks like I’ll have to tone down the Cheveldayoff hate. With a Draft haul at this point already consisting of Josh Morrissey, Nic Petan, Eric Comrie, and Jimmy Lodge, the Jets go out and drafted Wolrd Junior Team Canada alumnus, and overager, JC Lipon with the 91st overall pick of the draft. Not too shabby.

Lipon, you see, has been passed in two previous NHL Drafts. Nobody thought he was up to snuff. Except Lipon. He came on like a bull this year, going from 19 to 36 goals. That’s a not insignifigant jump. He also made Team Canada’s entry at The World Junior Championships, where he, amongst other things,  got himself suspended in what some called "a boneheaded play". No matter. What’s key is Lipon stepped up with his physical brand of Hockey, and he was been kindly rewarded by being selected by the Winnipeg Jets. 

Check out a comprehensive look at Lipon in this prospect preview article from our Brother site FlamesNation. Corey Pronman had this to say:

"118. JC Lipon, Right Wing, Kamloops-WHL "

Jets fans should be excited. In his first draft year, Lipon was a tiny 5’9", since adding three inches and showing that he is, indeed, a late bloomer. At this stage, J.C. Lipon appears to be an Energy guy with finish – something a winning team can’t get enough of. He claims to model his game after TJ Oshie, and is known to make other teams uncomfortable. With strong but not elite skating, the ability to hit and grind, and some finishing ability, he projects along the path of the undrafted, undersized Chris Kunitz. How far he goes along that path is the question. Still, given the fact that, at 20 years old, he might be Pro Ready now, I’ll give Cheveldayoff an ‘A’ for this pick.