Jets Sign Chase De Leo to Entry Level Contract

Chase De Leo #18 of Team United States puts on the breaks in front of Ivan Provorov #29 of Team Russia in a quarterfinal round during the 2015 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships at the Bell Centre on January 2, 2015 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

(Jan. 1, 2015 – Source: Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images North America)

The Winnipeg Jets announced Thursday afternoon that the team has signed prospect Chase De Leo to a 3-year entry level contract. De Leo was drafted in the 4th round of the 2014 NHL Draft.

De Leo has impressed many since being drafted by the Jets. He scored 361 points in 279 WHL career games with the Portland Winterhawks.

At 5’10” and 182 lbs, Chase De Leo is a smaller forward, but he has a lot of bite in his game. He is a true competitor and always pushes himself on the ice. He may not out-size his competitors, which may prove to be a problem in the professional leagues, but he uses elusiveness and quick hands to evade defenders. He also has a pretty good shot.

De Leo played with Team USA during the World Juniors this year, and had some pretty good games to boot.

Via @myregularface

This was Chase De Leo’s shootout goal during an opening game against Finland.

Future Considerations also offers this description of the California native.

"De Leo is a quick, darting skater that plays a creative offensive game. He possesses very quick hands and strong puck skills that allow him to easily gain the offensive zone. He counts on his instincts and positioning in both zones to help him have a positive effect in the game. Size and limited strength are a concern."