Things about the Winnipeg Jets and the NHL that crossed my mind —
Some random facts and a few thoughts from this past week about the Winnipeg Jets, the Manitoba Moose, and the National Hockey League.
Happy 4th of July to all of our American readers.
This was a week with some interesting trades and a whole lot of money being spent on UFAs!
1. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the Taylor Hall for Adam Larsson trade. I find it hard to believe that Larsson was the best defenceman Peter Chiarelli could get for Hall.
2. If the Taylor Hall/Adam Larsson trade wasn’t enough, moments later another head-shaker was announced … PK Subban for Shea Weber! WHAT THE WHAT?
3. Moments after the two big trades were announced the Tampa Bay Lightning lightning announce they have signed Steven Stamkos to an 8-year contract. I was only mildly surprised by this but Toronto fans were not amused.
The above three transactions all occurred within 23 minutes on Wednesday.
4. Last weeks poll question was “What are your thoughts on the Logan Stanley selection?” and I found the results quite interesting … 55% liked it … 31% didn’t like that the Jets traded up to get him … 15% said they knew nothing about him … BUT not one vote for “I hate it”.
5. It looks like Evander Kane has already worn out his welcome in Buffalo.
6. I don’t know about you but I’m confused.
Sunday:
Alexander Radulov could not find an NHL team willing to pay his asking price. He has signed with KHL Salavat.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 26, 2016
Friday:
The Canadiens have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Alexander Radulov. https://t.co/oLhnZ20aMB pic.twitter.com/XhkqbiY9jx
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) July 1, 2016
7. It looks like the Winnipeg Jets are serious about creating some competition for the 3rd and 4th lines. I’m okay with this.
The #NHLJets have agreed to terms with forward Shawn Matthias on a two-year contract with an AAV of $2.125M. pic.twitter.com/HL8Q2Rbflo
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) July 1, 2016
8. Brian Strait? Really Chevy? I think I saw him in an ad for “Pylons r Us”. I thought the idea was to find somebody better than Stu, not worse. Man, I hope Josh is ready this season.
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9. The Jets have finally hired an assistant coach. His name is Jamie Kompon. Kompon has been the GM and Head Coach for the Portland WinterHawks for the past two seasons and he has eight seasons of experience as an NHL assistant coach. He spent six seasons with the Los Angeles Kings (2006-11) and two seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks (2012-14). Kompon won the Stanley Cup in 2012 with Los Angeles and 2013 with Chicago.
10. It was nice to see the Jets take a chance on a local product like Quinton Howden. I watched Howden play a lot of hockey in his WHL draft year and I really liked him. He had a decent WHL career with Moose Jaw and he will get a shot to continue his pro career with the Manitoba Moose.
11. Since the Toronto Maple Leafs didn’t get their “2016 homeboy” do we have to listen to the Toronto media speculate about the Leafs signing of “2018 homeboy”, John Tavares, for the next two seasons. JT becomes a UFA on July 1 of 2018? (see #3)
12. The Patrik Laine lovefest has officially started at Day 1 of Development Camp in Winnipeg. Laine was very busy signing autographs and taking pictures with fans. I guess that beats doing boring drills. From the day the Winnipeg Jets won the draft lottery he was the overwhelming unanimous choice by Winnipeggers. I have to admit that I still have a pretty big smile on my face. Maybe that’s why nobody got too bent out of shape by the Logan Stanley pick. (see #4)
Editors note:
Patrik Laine is officially signed, sealed, and delivered after signing his ELC on Day 1 of the Jets “Development Camp”. His three-year entry-level contract carries an AAV of $3, 575, 000, which includes $2,650,000 in bonuses.
13. So, the Habs traded PK Subban because of alleged “character” issues? When did enjoying the game, being a good teammate, donating millions of dollars to charity and being a pillar in the community represent bad character
14. I wonder if it’s a foregone conclusion that Jack Roslovic will be playing in the OHL this season for the London Knights? I don’t believe anything is official yet.
15. I had to laugh when the TSN panel said the Toronto Maple Leafs might have slightly overpaid for Dave Clarkson in 2013.
16. July 1, Canada Day, AKA the day that NHL GMs lose their minds. They actually weren’t too bad this year. A little too much term in most cases but sometimes that’s the only way you can make a deal.
17. If it came down to Max Pacioretty versus PK Subban in the Montreal dressing room, I think Mark Bergevin may have shipped out the wrong guy. I would take Pernell Karl all day long over Mad Max!
18. Winnipeg Jets are holding their annual summer development camp at the MTS IcePlex all this week. Roster and schedule >>>> here.
19. Countdown to the 2016 World Cup of Hockey: 76 days (Sept. 17) in Toronto, Ont. The final rosters of 20 skaters and 3 goalies are posted here >>> Rosters
20. Countdown to the 2016 Tim Hortons Heritage Classic: 112 days (Oct. 23) in Winnipeg, MB.
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Thanks, Mitch
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RE #1 – so during the past season when Travis Harmonic was the buzz-word I boldly stepped up and proposed a 3 way trade on twitter.. It received no response (positive or negative) but now it sounds fairly sane when comparing to what actually happened… went like this:
Jets trade Trouba to Edmonton.. Edmonton trades a forward (in this case Hall ) to the Isles and Hamonic goes to Winnipeg. Tell True North I’m available – Ass GM 🙂
Then again, I may be way out to lunch but I still like it – Happy Independence Day!
LOL … yes that 3-way works BUT what do the Jets get out of it? Edm gets what they want, the Isles get Hall … Although I really like Hamonic he’s not a top 3-4 LD … that’s what the Jets need.
Yeah.. that’s too bad.. perhaps we could have asked for Harmonic and Adam Larsson. … Ahhh.. never mind!
LOL
What happens with Thorburn this year?
Interested to see what the opening day line-up is.
Paul Maurice loves Thorburn so I predict he’s on the 23-man roster …. how much he dresses and actually plays is another question … injuries will have some bearing on that.