Things about the Winnipeg Jets and the NHL that crossed my mind since last Monday —
Some random facts and a few thoughts from this past week about the Winnipeg Jets, the Manitoba Moose and the National Hockey League.
1. Another week has come and gone and there is still no news regarding Andrew Ladd or Dustin Byfuglien but when recently queried Andrew Ladd stated “I’m not worried about it“.
2. The consensus seems to be that an Andrew Ladd deal will get a deal done but Dustin Byfuglien is a different story. Sign? Trade? Whatever? I’m fine with that but I am absolutely sick of this narrative that the Jets can’t afford both.
3. The Calgary Flames signed defenceman Mark Giordano to a 6-year, $40,500,000 contract extension with an AAV of $6,750,000 this past week. Now the plot thickens!
4. In case you missed it the Manitoba Moose have released their 2015-16 AHL schedule >>> 2015-16 schedule
5. Hall of Famer, Al Arbour passed away this past week at the age of 82.
6. I think a 3rd line of Ehlers/Lowry/Burmistrov would have an interesting dynamic. Any thoughts Jets fans?
7. Mark Giordano turns 32 years old this October so he will be 33 years old when his new 6 year contract kicks in.
8. Dustin Byfuglien won’t turn 32 until March of 2017. Silver lining?
9. Is Connor Hellebuyck going into this years training camp with a legitimate chance to make the roster or do you think the Jets are happy to let him develop a little more in the AHL with the Moose?
10. Ditto … Josh Morrissey (see #9)
11. I moved from 987 to 761 on the Winnipeg Jets “Wait List”. Considering they added those loge seats to the MTS Centre I have to admit I was a little disappointed my new position.
12. Mark Giordano and the Calgary Flames have tee’d it up for “Big Buff” and “Chevy”. Have fun boys! (see #3)
13. Connor Hellebuyck, Josh Morrissey, Nic Petan, and Nikolaj Ehlers will be representing the Winnipeg Jets at the 2015-16 NHLPA Rookie Showcase in Toronto this week.
14. Countdowns:
A. 2015 Young Stars Classic: 11 days (in Penticton, BC) >>> info and schedule
B. Jets 1st pre-season game: 22 days (vs Minnesota)
C. Jets 1st regular season game: 38 days (at Boston)
D. 2016 World Cup: 382 days (Sept. 17-Oct. 1 in Toronto)
15. I wonder how the Calgary Flames will feel about a 38-year-old defenceman pulling in $6,750,000 per season. (see #7)
16. 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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I like your idea of a productive 3rd line in item #6. I think it would be very sound defensively while adding a strong element of offence for a bargain price.
I also think Morrissey should be given the opportunity to play himself off the team this fall replacing Buff (trade) or perhaps Enstrom if there is a logistical way to do that. I don’t like all the long term (6 years plus) contracts being doled out and we are already seeing how many of them are coming back to bite the GM’s that have been negligent in how they spend their team’s salaries.
I like point 6. I could see that line in action and it makes sense. Hellebuyck is a real talent and it would be interesting to see what Maurice’s decision would be if he plays better than Pavelec and Hutchinson.
Treliving is swinging for the fences with limited cap space going forward. They better do well now and in the future. He hasn’t much money to sign their younger players a few years down the road. Some of these players on long term contracts could be problematic for GM’s if they get badly injured or their play drops off significantly.
Mitch are you familiar with Mark Hillier named head scout replacing Comeau?