The WHL’s Portland Winterhawks have announced the signing of forward Jake Gustafson.

Portland added the San Jose native to its protected list in Feb. 2024.

Gustafson adds size to the Winterhawks forward corps. During his 2024-25 season, the 2008-born forward played with Shattuck St. Mary’s 16U AAA team and scored 17 goals and 19 assists for 36 points in 54 games. Gustafson’s development has been on the incline since posting a team-leading 34 goals in 43 games with the San Jose Jr. Sharks’ 15U AAA team two years ago.

“Jake is a player we listed a couple of years ago because of his potential,” said Winterhawks president-GM Mike Johnston. “It was good to see him develop at Shattuck this year into a really solid two-way forward.”

Greg Sampson, Portland’s assistant to the general manager and director of U.S. scouting, added, “Jake’s ability to protect the puck and make intelligent plays is what stands out in his game. A true 200-foot player who’s quick to recover and get above the puck on the back check. He can really move at 6-foot-3 and is a threat to score or facilitate off the rush.”

Jake’s father Jon is the president of the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda.

Gustafson is committed to playing NCAA Division I hockey at Colorado College following his junior career.

Photo/Shattuck-St. Mary’s

— Portland Winterhawks Staff

(May 21, 2025)