DALLAS, Texas -Selecting players from the United States Hockey League has worked for the Winnipeg Jets with Kyle Connor (Youngstown, 2015) and Mason Appleton (Tri-City, 2016) being just two of the names that have turned out or look like good pro prospects.
Saturday, the Jets chose Nathan Smith in the third round of the 2018 Draft, and like former Jets prospect Erik Foley (who was traded to St. Louis at the 2018 trade deadline), he played with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. Smith led the team in scoring with 47 points in 51 games in 2017-18.
"He's someone that in talking to our scouts is a late bloomer type of player," said Jets General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff at the end of the draft. "He's come into the USHL, he's put up some good numbers, but we really think there is a strong development path there."
Roller hockey gave 2018 third round pick Smith his start in hockey
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