Detroit Red Wings: A.J. Jenks provides valuable organizational depth
By Tyler Samson
A.J. Jenks has been in the Detroit Red Wings organization for five seasons and he has played a crucial part to the team’s development and minor league success.
When people think of players in the Detroit Red Wings organization, they usually think of established NHL players or prospects. What people do not think of are the veteran minor league players who play a crucial part in the organizations’ success and player development. It is players like A.J. Jenks who provide a heartbeat to an organization and helping ensure success within.
Jenks is not a household name to many, but he has been playing for the Toledo Walleye in the ECHL for five seasons and has been dominant in all five seasons. The 28-year-old forward has never had less than 25 points in his five seasons with the Walleye.
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Although Jenks has never cracked the NHL, he has played a handful of seasons in the AHL. He has spent time with the Iowa Wild, Grand Rapids Griffins, Rochester Americans, San Antonio Rampage and Charlotte Checkers.
With each team in the AHL, Jenks played decently, but he really excelled in the ECHL where he has put up All-Star caliber seasons.
Knowing that his role would be to provide leadership and offensive support in the ECHL, Jenks has developed himself to be one of the best current ECHL players. By developing himself, he has found his calling as a leader and star for the Toledo Walleye.
In the 2018-19 season with Toledo, Jenks has scored 19 goals, tallied 18 assists and clocked 59 penalty minutes in just 46 games played. These numbers are outstanding for Jenks who has helped the Walleye to win 35 games in 62 games played.
The Walleye are bound to clinch a playoff spot in the coming days and getting to the playoffs has a large part to do with Jenks play and leadership.
Next. Every Team's Mount Rushmore. dark
1For the past five seasons, Jenks has been nothing short of phenomenal as a member of the Toledo Walleye. Jenks has helped the Walleye through numerous great regular seasons and countless playoff runs. Hopefully, he will be spending many more years with the Red Wings organization providing experience and outstanding play on the ice.