One prospect the Ottawa Senators are hoping that grows more in the AHL with the Belleville Senators this season is Jan Jenik. At 24 years old, Jenik hasn't recorded much NHL playing time.
Jenik was the former 65th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft of the then Arizona Coyotes. Since being drafted, Jenik has only played in 24 career NHL games and has recorded six points.
Prior to this season, Jenik joined the Senators. Jenik has only played in two NHL games this season in Ottawa. However, Jenik has shown some progress in Belleville this season. In Belleville's game against Hershey last night, Jenik did something in the win he hadn't done in over three years.
Jenik records Gordie Howe hat trick in win
In Belleville's 6-2 road win last night at Giant Center, Jenik recorded a Gordie Howe hat trick. It was the first Howe hat trick Jenik had recorded in the AHL since January 2022 when he did it as a member Tucson Roadrunners.
Jenik started off the hat trick by picking up the secondary assist on Jeremy Davis' goal in the first period, then he was part of the memorable second period when he was part of one of the two fights that occurred in an eight-second span.
This is the highlight of the second period. Two fights in an eight-second span pic.twitter.com/7bUaTf7DnW
— Jake F (@18Jxxx18) March 6, 2025
Jenik's fight helped give Bellevlle a huge boost of energy as the team scored two goals in a 33-second span to take a 3-0 lead. Belleville led 4-1 heading into the third period where Jenik completed the hat trick.
At 8:10 of the third period, Jenik scored an unassisted goal to cap off the hat trick. Jenik went on to be named the first star following the win.
Last night was a needed performance from Jenik to show Ottawa his development in the AHL after having only playing in just two NHL games this season. Jenik has recorded 15 points in 34 games with Belleville this season.