Please join host Harley Friesen and Winnipeg Hockey Talk owner/writer Mitch Kasprick for a more in-depth discussion of these Random Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, and the National Hockey League on our new WHT YouTube channel here >>>> https://www.youtube.com/@WpgHockTalk  LIVE every Monday at 7:00 pm.  

This week’s YouTube show

Join Harley and Mitch on YouTube for the June 29 Random Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets.

Listen to a more detailed version of the Curmudgeon’s thoughts.

1. NHL:  The 2026 NHL Entry Draft has come and gone, with the most famous line on draft day being,

“I can’t believe he was still available with our pick”. 

That’s how I felt, along with thousands of Winnipeg Jets fans, when Gary Bettman announced the Jets had selected Viggo Bjorck.

2. Jets:  The next date of importance is this Wednesday, July 1st, when free agency opens.  Most teams have a lot of extra money to spend, and there will be a lot of competition for players in this slim UFA class, but there are some interesting players available that shouldn’t break the bank.

3. Jets:  The votes are in on whether Kevin Cheveldayoff should use the 8th overall pick in this year’s draft or trade it for a second-line center.

 

4. Jets:  I said Helle wouldn’t get traded, and I was right, but I’ve done a complete 360 and now think there’s a 60/40 chance he does get moved.

5. Jets:  I’m very interested to see what type of goaltender the Jets look at when free agency opens on Wednesday.  It could indicate how they feel about the long-term status of Connor Hellebuyck and the short-term status of Thomas Milic and Domenic DiVincentiis.

6. Jets:  I started following and watching Viggo Bjorck quite closely when his name started popping up as a player that should be on the Winnipeg  Jets radar based on the different draft rankings and mock drafts.  TBH, I never thought he’d be around for us at #8.  This kid has been playing with older and bigger players in the SHL and holding his own, and I realize it’s not the NHL or the AHL, nor is it the KHL, but it is men’s hockey.  He was dominant at the U20 level, and a catalyst for Sweden’s “Gold Medal” team at the WJHC, but what closed the deal for me was his play at the Men’s World Championship in Switzerland last month.  Bjorck centered Sweden’s top line, battled head-to-head with some of the best players in the world, and was a beast at the faceoff dot.  I’ve heard some interesting comparables, but I think this kid is Thomas Steen lite”. 

Questions for the show:

From Andy:
1. What do you think of our picks?
2. Why in blue blazing hell would the Jets trade Helle?
3. Do you think Chevy offers Logan Stanley a contract?

From Ben:
How much are NMCs (no movement clauses) hindering Chevy’s ability to make a trade?

From Sparky:
1. Do you think Viggo Bjorck has a shot at making this year’s roster? There have been players to make it first year.
2. Would the Jets have to pay his Swedish men’s team to release him from a contract?

Check out the video version with Harley and Mitch on YouTube for a much more detailed look >>> https://youtube.com/live/CIb4dcZXTOo with the answers to the questions above.

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