The San Jose Sharks announced that they have signed defenseman Jake Furlong to a three-year entry-level contract. Jake Furlong was selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft from the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL. Furlong scored four goals and 38 points in 67 games in his draft year. He also tallied four assists in five playoff games. Last season, Furlong continued to grow with seven goals and 43 assists in 67 games for the Mooseheads. Halifax made it to the QMJHL finals last year, where Furlong scored 11 points in 21 games as the Mooseheads fell to the eventual Memorial Cup Champions, the Quebec Remparts.
From Elite Prospects 2022 Draft Guide, “Furlong has all the basic components that an NHL team looks for in a defenseman. The mobility and handling skills to break out pucks, and the physical ability to play as an effective defender at the next level.” The 6’1″ left-handed defenseman has the tools to be a good defenseman, but his ceiling is limited compared to other defensemen because of a lack of creativity in his game.
Jake Furlong was named the Captain of the Halifax Mooseheads this offseason. Halifax is looking to make an extended postseason run this season, as they are currently ranked sixth in the CHL polls. If bounced early, Furlong could be an addition to the Barracuda roster in a playoff run of their own. Furlong, 19, is still eligible to return to the CHL next season, and if he can crack the San Jose Barracuda roster next year could be one of the underlying stories of the summer.
