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It was a little bit of a head scratcher when the Penguins re-signed the restricted free agent in summer. Not because Jeffrey doesn't have any talent, but because he often served as a healthy scratch in the regular season and never suited up for any of Pittsburgh's 15 playoff games. At 25, the forward has showed the ability to score at the AHL level and during spurts in the NHL. A knee injury slowed him down a couple seasons ago. It's possible Pittsburgh believes he's finally past the ailment and can put his plus-speed back to work. Jeffrey scored just six points (3G, 3A) in 25 contests in 2012-13. For the sake of his career, Jeffrey needs to find a place where he can skate regular shifts -- whether that's with the Penguins or another team.
Jeffrey attempted to come back from right knee surgery on two separate occasions during the 2011-12 season with little success. The speedy winger/center registered only four goals and six points in 26 games for Pittsburgh after compiling 12 points (7G, 5A) in 25 contests the previous season. If he can get out of coach Dan Bylsma's doghouse and play like he did two years ago then he could provide a fantasy surprise. Otherwise, there's a good chance Pittsburgh looks to move Jeffrey in a trade.
Jefrrey will likely miss the first month of the season after undergoing knee surgery in the spring. The 23-year-old forward tasted his first bit of NHL success in 2010-11 after struggling the first couple go-arounds. Jeffrey scored seven goals and 12 points in 25 games, most of those after the Pens lost Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin to injury. He doesn't have a top-six spot on the team, but could work his way into the mix if the team has some injuries. Jeffrey is the most NHL-ready forward with a chance to produce consistent points in 2011-12, but he will need to get healthy first.
Jeffrey excelled in AHL action last season with 71 points (24, 47) in 77 contests. He's had two brief looks with the Penguins, totaling three points in 15 NHL games. Heading into the 2010-11 campaign, Jeffrey will find it difficult to crack the Opening Night lineup following the acquisitions of Arron Asham and Mike Comrie. At some point, however, Jeffrey will see time with Pittsburgh and have a chance to make his mark. The 22-year-old forward has the making of a deep sleeper and a keeper for the future.
Jeffrey, 21, got his first taste of the NHL last season, coming away with three points in 14 games. Eric Tangradi and Luca Caputi have garnered much of the rookie hype in Pittsburgh, letting Jeffrey fly under the radar the second time around. He scored 92 points in 68 games with in the OHL in 2006-07 and then followed that season up with 97 points in just 56 contests. He doesn't come with the flash of the other top Pittsburgh prospects, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him finish with 15-20 points in 35-45 games with the Pens in 2009-10.
Jeffery, 20, figures to find himself playing for Wilkes-Barre after signing his first pro contract in the spring. Jeffery produced in the OHL, scoring 34 and 38 goals, respectively, his last two years. The organization is excited with Jeffery's prospects and injuries on the big club could lead to his recall during the 2008-09 NHL campaign.