Winnipeg Jets prospect Jacob Julien is taking an unorthodox path to the NHL

Jacob Julien’s road to the OHL, let alone the NHL, has been anomalous.

The London, Ontario native spent part of the 2022-23 season with the GOJHL’s London Nationals while also going to school for engineering.

But all along, he wanted to make hockey work. It was his competitive level and tenacity that got the attention of Knights head coach Mark Hunter, who called Julien one afternoon to let him know that the Knights were watching. London took Julien No. 43 overall in the 2021 OHL U-18 draft, a process that gives undrafted prospects a second chance.

“I was playing for the Nats last year and going to school for engineering when Mark gave me a call,” Julien told Daily Faceoff. “He just said that they liked what I was doing and that I was being called up, so I was balancing Junior B, OHL and engineering school at the same time.”

Julien finished his draft season with 14 points in 47 OHL games, with his pure persistence being a selling point in helping him earn some attention from NHL scouts.

“He’s a big part of our team,” said. “He’s getting better every time. That’s what we look for from players, that they keep getting better every year, he’s definitely done that.”

Getting to play for the Knights was special for Julien. He grew up watching the Knights, with a big highlight coming when he witnessed the 2015-16 team win the Memorial Cup with Mitch Marner, Evan Bouchard, Matthew Tkachuk, and more future NHLers.

“I remember for the 2016 one I was with my Dad and a couple of his buddies on a big screen TV,” Julien told Daily Faceoff. “Everyone was just jumping and cheering every time they scored and it was very exciting when they (London) won it.”

Earlier this year, Julien got to experience a moment that many junior hockey players don’t get to live out – winning a championship with their hometown team. The Knights swept the Oshawa Generals in four games, with Julien finishing the postseason with 18 points in 19 games.

“Being from London and winning the championship this year was a dream come true,” Julien said. “You never expect that and to have all the fans support us was great.”

The Winnipeg Jets selected Julien in the fifth round, No. 146 overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. Julien admits he didn’t watch the NHL Draft last year – it was actually Knights forward Easton Cowan who broke the news to him.

“I was playing cards with my family that night,” Julien said. “Cowan texted me saying, ‘Hey congrats bro,’ and I said, ‘Oh, for what?’ and Cowan said “You got drafted” and I was just like “oh cool, thanks, bro.”

The 19-year-old’s offense exploded this season, nothing 29 goals and 49 assists for 78 points. Getting “bigger, stronger, faster” was the message sent from the Jets brass, and it seemed to work out.

“Yeah, I just wanted to get quicker and faster. Stick speed, getting out of the zone, just stuff like that,” Julien said. “Playing with those two (Denver Barkey and Cowan), they’re fantastic and great players, they’re smart, and it makes it easy to work with them on the ice.”

Cowan was quick to acknowledge the complete 200-foot game that Julien has to offer.

“He’s come so far over these last two years with us,” Barkey said. “The big thing with him is how smart he is. I think we read off each other really well. He always makes high-IQ passes and plays, and makes my job easy sometimes. Super fortunate to have him on my line.”

Julien is well aware of his hockey IQ and his size. He’s one of the most tenacious players on the ice, and someone who will hound you for the puck. One OHL scout said he’s, “A guy you want on your team, but hate to play against.”

AJulien attested that playing other sports growing up really helped him become a better overall athlete, allowing him to think the game at a higher level.

“I grew up playing different sports,” Julien said. “So I think finding ways to move the ball around or puck around in different situations helped me be a team player and get the job done.”

One OHL scout said, “He reminds me a lot of Adam Lowry.” But Julien, like a lot of kids growing, he’s a Sidney Crosby fan. And while Julien probably won’t be a Sidney Crosby-esque player, the Jets prospect has all the tools in the bag to carve out a potentially long NHL career. He’ll be counted on as a leader next year as the Knights look to challenge for another Memorial Cup before embarking on the next stage of his career with the Jets sooner rather than later.