Jankowski was a Surprise Contributor to the Bottom Six
Mark Jankowski earned himself a one-year contract extension in March after being one of the surprise contributors to the bottom six in 50 games played.
The biggest outlier of Jankowski’s stat line from 2022-23 is the three shorthanded goals he notched. He was a quality asset on the penalty kill and defensively with 31 blocked shots, good for firth on the team among forwards.
When looking at what the bottom six could shape out to be next season, I have Jankowski as a deserving player for depth but one that could be squeezed out as he plays center. The Predators are back-logged with centers once Ryan Johansen gets back into the mix.
Jankowski isn’t going to steal starting positions at center from Johansen or Colton Sissons, nor is he going to get a promotion into the top six. This in al likelihood means that Jankowski will often be a healthy scratch or be sent to waivers eventually and hope no one claims him so he can remain with the Milwaukee Admirals.
I like a lot about Jankowski’s game, but obviously he as a low ceiling at age 28 and only once surpassing 30 points in a season (2018-19 with Calgary). I admired what he showed most noticeable on the penalty kill down the stretch, which the Predators rallied to finish sixth in the NHL.
Unless injuries occur early in the season, Jankowski will probably start off in Milwaukee and wait for another call-up due to injuries.