Nicklas Jensen signs with Jokerit of KHL
Hartford Wolf Pack standout Nicklas Jensen has signed a contract with Jokerit Helsinki of the KHL. He joins former Ranger Magnus Hellberg as the second Blueshirt asset to take his talents overseas.
#Jokerit and Nicklas Jensen have agreed on a 1-year deal (+option for 2018-19). Jensen was 2nd in goal scoring in the AHL last season. #KHL pic.twitter.com/sucWTlaHY6
— Jokerit Helsinki (@Jokerit_EN) July 12, 2017
At 24 Jensen is a little old to be considered a prospect, but that doesn’t change the fact the Rangers could be losing something special. The Dane finished second in the AHL in goal scoring last season despite playing on a woefully bad Wolf Pack team. Jensen was responsible for about 17 percent of Hartford’s goals last season.
The Rangers originally acquired Jensen and a sixth round pick from the Vancouver Canucks on January 8th in exchange for Emerson Etem in January 2016. Etem, of course, was acquired from the Anaheim Ducks in June 2015 in the Carl Hagelin deal.
Jensen was the 29th overall pick of the 2011 NHL Draft. He’s best known for his quickness and offensive game, but there have long been concerns about his play away from the puck. The KHL could be a great fit for him and his game. Jensen will be playing alongside former Ranger Matt Gilroy on Jokerit.
It’s worth mentioning that the Rangers still retain Jensen’s rights because they gave him a qualifying offer. His KHL contract has an option for the 2018-19 season, but at the moment it is a one-year deal.