Jets All Out Top 25: #25 Paul Postma

#60 Paul Postma, 22, D, 6’3, 184 lbs
Last Year's Rating: N/A This Year's Rating: #25 Difference: N/A

The Thrashers took Paul Postma 205th overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft and thought the former Swift Current Bronco and Calgary Hitmen defenseman could become a great offensive defenseman as he was in the WHL.

Postma started his junior career with the Swift Current Broncos of the WHL. He played only four games in 2004-05 before becoming a full-time defenseman in 2005-06 where he collected 11 points in 58 games. His point production increased in his second season with the Broncos when he netted 24 points in 70 games.

In the 2007-08 season, a offensively starved Postma was dealt to the Calgary Hitmen only two games into the season. He flourished in Calgary, as he finished his third season in the WHL with 42 points in 66 games with the Hitmen. In the post-season, Postma chipped in with 10 points in 16 games as the Hitmen went deep in the playoffs before bowing out to Lethbridge in the Conference Finals.

In his final year of junior in 2008-09, Postma posted his best junior numbers collecting 84 points in 70 games, including 13 points in 18 playoff games as the Hitmen bowed out to the Kelowna Rockets in the WHL Final.

In 2009-10, Postma made the jump to pro where he debuted with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves and finished the season as the highest scoring defenseman on the team with 29 points in 63 games with 24 penalty minutes and a plus five rating. The Wolves would bow out in the second round and Postma would only play in seven games, collecting two assists.

Last season, Postma played most of the season with the Wolves, again leading all defense in scoring with 45 points (12 goals, 33 assists) in 69 games. He would finish off the season with the Thrashers, playing one game and seeing limited time.

Postma gives the Jets a large presence on the blueline on both sides of the puck. His youth, at only 22, also gives the Jets another valuable young asset if they were to use him or trade him.

Coming in at #25 on the top current roster Jets, Postma made the cut because of his potential and the fact that he has been successful at the junior and minor-pro levels. He may be ready to step into a sixth or seventh defenseman position if he can beat out the stiff competition and make that next step.