Things about the Winnipeg Jets and the NHL that crossed my mind over the weekend —
Some random facts and a few thoughts from this past week about the Winnipeg Jets, the Manitoba Moose and the National Hockey League.
1. I’m leaving this line open in case there is some last-minute news on an Andrew Ladd signing ___________________________________________________.
2. The big news this week from TNSE is that the club has a new ECHL affiliate. The Jets #2 farm team will now be the Tulsa Oilers.
3. In case you were wondering … the Jets former ECHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign, are now the Los Angeles Kings #1 farm team and will be playing in the AHL’s new Pacific Division.
4. By the way, for those of you that are scratching your heads right now, the Ontario Reign are located in Ontario, California and not in the province due east of us.
5. Is it just me or do you have a feeling that a Dustin Byfuglien extension hinges on whether Andrew Ladd re-signs or doesn’t re-sign?
6. There is a little bit of rumbling out there in the hockey world that the Boston Bruins are kicking the tires on Dustin Byfuglien.
7. Former Chicago Wolves Assistant Coach and most recently the Ontario Reign’s Head Coach, Jason Christie, was introduced as the new Head Coach of the Tulsa Oilers. (see#1)
8. Winnipeg Jets prospects Kyle Connor (17th overall), Jack Roslovic (25th) and Erik Foley (78th) were invited to USA Hockey’s National Junior Team Evaluation Camp. (Aug. 1-8 in Lake Placid, New York)
9. Countdown to the 2015 Young Stars Classic: 39 days (in Penticton, BC)
10. Countdown to the Jets 1st pre-season game: 50 days (vs Minnesota)
11. Countdown to the Jets 1st regular season game: 66 days (at Boston)
12. Did you know that from 1979-1982, the Tulsa Oilers were the Jets 1.0 number one minor league affiliate?
13. Question for you Winnipeg Jets fans: If the Jets can only afford to re-sign one player, Andrew Ladd or Dustin Byfuglien, who is your choice? Think hard and post your reasons in the comment section. Hint: There is no wrong answer. (see #5)
14. Winnipeg Jets “wait list” updates should be out within a couple of weeks. I started at 1606, then 1191, then 1055 and I’m currently at 947. How about you? By the time I actually get my seats I will probably have paid for them in FULL with these yearly fees!
15. Winnipeg Hockey Talk is looking for Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose writers AND we would love somebody to cover the Manitoba Bisons as well. If you or somebody you know is interested, please contact us at:
If you have any thoughts on any of these comments or questions, please let me know. I would love to hear your opinions.
Thanks, Mitch
Use the “Comment Section” below.
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LOL number 14. I can see what you are saying! Number 13 a tough one. I would resign Buff. The reason is Wheeler would be my choice to captain the team. Lots of variables in this move and probably not a popular choice.
Another scenario: Keep both and move Enstrom. I know Maurice likes him but just a thought.
in that scenario which RD moves to the left side?
Good point Mitch. You are always a step ahead of me! I haven’t thought this through.
Iike Buff better but I know his body type won’t last. I think resigning Ladd is the better option of the 2 but from following the Jets for 4 seasons and tons of time at the iceplex I think Ladd isn’t our best option for a captain. IMHO
a lot of fans share your opinion Dale … on Ladd & Buff
Well, IMO, it is best to sign Andrew Ladd. For one reason, DB could bring more in return via a trade.
Further, AL, IMO, would sign for a bit less than market because (again, IMO) where else could he be 1st line on a team with “potential potential” aka playoffs, aka shot at a Cup (but this time as ‘the man’ as opposed to ‘a supporting cast’)? I’d like to see a list.
On the other hand, DB could have a starring role on any team with enough cap space, IMO.
Finally, I don’t think that these two deals are mutually exclusive, but then again, they may be given that Chevy must have a threshold (as learned from this ‘blog’).
Hence, AL will sign, DB will be gone.
I HAVE SPOKEN! (just kidding)
the internal cap puzzles me in the sense that we are perceived to “need to overpay” for UFA’s, even our own … time to to become a “cap team” if we want to piss with the tall dogs … we have the richest owner in the NHL, time to start showing it!
I feel the same way. We are in an arms race and we can’t be a budget team on the cheap or we will lose out!
Over the past few years, we have seen the creation of a multitude of methods to rate players based on scenarios that I never new existed – most of them are probably quite accurate assessments, although boring as hell and of no interest to me (read James Mirtle).
I prefer to listen and watch closely, while creating my own gut feeling about players. Using that scientific method, I’d say Buff will not be with the Jets this coming season (his preference) and Ladd will be back –
with a contract that’s a bit richer than he deserves and about 2 years too long. I’m usually wrong!
I’m okay with Ladd for 5-6 years but certainly not 8 … those 2-3 extra years can be negotiated then.
#6. Whether Jets Buff fans like it or not there seems to be more than a little bit of rumbling about a Byfuglien move. When Sports Illustrated(!) bothers to mention Winnipeg, never mind doing a whole think-piece about Buff, it’s a big deal. (I especially like the conjecture about whether Red Wings or Ducks may throw some juicy prospects at the Jets.)
http://www.si.com/nhl/2015/08/.....ton-bruins
LOL … Sports Illustrated finally ventured into the “Great White North” …. I’d prefer Buff to Detroit if they were going to move him.
I say trade Ladd. Reasoning is he’s not really a first liner on a championship team and by the time the Jets are real contenders (if ever) he will be an expensive third liner.
I like the “if ever” part ….. but Ladd is our best LW until somebody knocks him off his perch.
That’s true but that can be remedied through a trade…of Ladd!
re-sign. Not resign.
missed it … thanks