7th year center A.J. Jenks(27) signs his fourth ECHL contract for 2016/2017 and third straight to stay with Toledo Walleye, where he played in a career high 55 games scoring 22 goals and 23 assists for 45 points with an astonishing 211 shots on net.
Originally a Florida Panthers‘ 4th round pick in the 2008 draft (#100 overall), he spent the first year and a half of his career with affiliates before being traded to Carolina Hurricanes.
For the next year and a half of his entry level deal the fairly large 6’2″ 200 lbs. power forward played limited AHL games with Charlotte Checkers and Florida Everblades before being left unqualified.
The former OHL standout for Plymouth Whalers next signed a contract to stay with the Everblades but get loaned for 24 games back up with Charlotte.
Even under his first deal with the Walleye, he was once again called up for 27 more contests with the Checkers.
He was never really able to connect much on the score sheet in the higher league when recalled until last season.
He skated 5 games for Grand Rapids Griffins pocketing 2 goals and 1 assist, one fight with a +1 rating.
It’s a little surprising the still young 26-year old doesn’t play more consistently at a higher level of hockey but 2016/2017 could be that breakthrough campaign if he gets another opportunity.