As The Season Goes On, Alex Jefferies Grows Inevitable
The Bridgeport Islanders (B-Isles) continue to struggle this season, much like in 2023-24. These issues largely stem from the Islanders’ lack of impactful prospects on their AHL roster. Despite this, one prospect has excelled and emerged as one of the team’s best players.
Alex Jefferies honed his game at Merrimack College in the Hockey East (NCAA). The Islanders selected him in the fourth round (121st overall) of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. While Merrimack struggled as a team, Jefferies thrived. In 105 collegiate games, he recorded 97 points and became a point-per-game player in his final two seasons (2022-23, 2023-24).
After completing his NCAA career, Jefferies turned professional last season. The 22-year-old rookie made an immediate impact, scoring four goals and adding three assists in 12 games. This season, the B-Isles raised their expectations, and Jefferies has delivered. Now 23, he has increased his production. Despite missing several games in November due to injury, he has tallied 18 points in 22 games, maintaining a 0.82 points-per-game pace.
WHAT A SHOT #GoneFishin | @FloHockey pic.twitter.com/1nUud9TofO
— Bridgeport Islanders (@AHLIslanders) December 14, 2024
His consistent production ranks him among the AHL’s top rookies. With 18 points, Jefferies is in the top 10 for all AHL rookies and ranks seventh in points per game among those with at least 20 games played. His 12 assists place him tenth among rookies in that category. On the B-Isles, Jefferies is third in team scoring behind AHL veterans Chris Terry and Brian Pinho, despite playing four fewer games.
Sustaining this pace will likely earn Jefferies an NHL call-up. His performance is hard to ignore. For comparison, Islanders captain Anders Lee averaged 0.76 points per game across 59 AHL games, while Brock Nelson averaged 0.75 over 70 games. Jefferies currently holds a 0.77 average through 30 AHL contests.
Head Coach Rick Kowalsky has rewarded Jefferies by expanding his role. He now serves as the B-Isles’ first-line winger and sees significant power play time. Although Jefferies lacks a standout skill, such as Nelson’s wrist shot or Lee’s net-front presence, his ability to make plays consistently sets him apart.
Scouts frequently highlight Jefferies’ well-rounded, two-way performance, making flaws in his game difficult to find. Michael Ostrower summed it up best in a recent scouting report, noting, “The reality with Jefferies is there are not many concerns.”
Jefferies has successfully transitioned at every level of hockey he has faced. Now, he appears ready to make the jump from the AHL to the NHL. The Islanders need more production from their bottom six, and Jefferies could provide an affordable solution. General Manager Lou Lamoriello may wait a little longer, but if Jefferies maintains this pace, his NHL debut seems inevitable.
Joey McAuliffe is a passionate Islander fan pursuing a Masters of Accounting in Buffalo, NY. His favorite player of all time is Jordan Eberle. He has followed the team closely since 2014, but he began regularly attending games during the 2006 season. Outside of hockey, Joey loves music and the Buffalo Bills.
