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. The Chicago Blackhawks are not a dynasty.
2. Will RFA Alex Burmistrov still be Winnipeg Jets property on Saturday morning?
3. There were some RFA signings this past week (Anthony Peluso and Ben Chiarot) by the Jets but everyone is waiting for news on the “big 4” (for lack of a better term) of Michael Frolik, Drew Stafford, Lee Stempniak and Juri Tlusty, in that order.
4. Not much talk about UFA Jim Slater. It looks like his time with this franchise is coming to an end.
5. The buzz out there is that Michael Frolik’s “better half” hates Winnipeg and that’s why he hasn’t resigned. Who knows if there is any truth to this rumor but as they say “Happy Wife, Happy Life”?
6. I love Jonathon Toews but forgive me for not getting all warm and fuzzy because the Hawks won the “Cup”. They are still a division rival and “the enemy”. They can go ______ themselves!
7. 2015 NHL Entry Draft countdown: 5 days.
8. Here’s a couple of names I hope are still on the board when the Winnipeg Jets get to their first, first round pick at #17. Evgeny Svechnikov and Nick Merkley.
9. If there was ever any doubt on what style Paul Maurice wants his teams to play, the signing of Anthony Peluso should put that question to rest.
10. The Winnipeg Jets sure signed Ben Chiarot to a nice affordable contract. He did get a nice little raise but the dollars and term tell us the Jets believe he’s still not quite there yet.
I wonder where Josh Morrissey is on the Winnipeg Jets depth chart?
11. Free Agent Frenzy countdown: 10 days
12. Here’s a couple of names I hope are still on the board when the Winnipeg Jets get to their second , first round pick at #25. Thomas Chabot and Jake DeBrusk.
13. I wonder how much cheddar UFA Andrej Sekera is looking for? He’s 29 years old and coming off a 4 year deal worth 11 million (AAV of 2.75m)
14. Winnipeg Jets left-handed defencemen currently under contract are Toby Enstrom, Ben Chiarot, Mark Stuart, Grant Clitsome, and Jay Harrison. Adam Pardy (UFA) and Keaton Ellerby (RFA) are still out there too with Josh Morrissey knocking on the door.
15. Winnipeg Jets right-handed defencemen currently under contract are Dustin Byfuglien, Tyler Myers, and Jacob Trouba. Paul Postma is RFA status and should be resigned.
16. Here’s a couple of players outside of the top five I wouldn’t mind seeing the Winnipeg Jets trade up to draft: Ivan Provorov and Mathew Barzal.
17. TSN insider, Darren Dreger, said talks between the Jets and UFA Drew Stafford are coming along. Whatever that means?
18. The upcoming draft this Friday and the start of free agency on July 1 is actually more exciting for me than the hockey that just finished (sour grapes).
19. It’s too bad we have so many left-handed defencemen under contract as I wouldn’t mind Chevy taking a run at UFA Andrej Sekera. I think he would be an upgrade over most of that crew! (see #14)
20. 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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Hey Mitch totally agree with random thought number 6. I would also like to see the Jets resign Paul Postma.
LOL … you are now knighted as a “Honorary Curmudgeon”!
If the Jets trade Buff, Postma would be the #3 right shooting d-man …. although I’m not big on the right/left thing … play your best 6!
I have a gut feeling that Merkley will be gone by the Jets pick. Watched him lots this year. If he was 2 inches taller I think he might have been a top 10 pick. Solid player though. Plays well with upper level players.
I agree with you Everett, Merkley was a questionable to be available at #17 and after his solid Memorial Cup he probably won’t be there for sure now.
There is a POSSIBILITY that Barzal is still there with their regular 1st round pick. Couldn’t help but feel some people were disappointed with his year in Seattle. Plus he definitely needs some more strength work in the next couple years. Could be an interesting fit for the Jets as they tend to let their prospects mature. I could see this one happpening.
Some NHL scouts think he is the best forward available from the WHL … Barzal would be “grand theft” at #17 … fingers crossed!
Okay, I can understand not snuggling up to the Hawks pillow, and indeed when the Jets play them, they are the challengers. And, at the end of last year, I was speechless when Toews, a hometown boy, potentially thrust a dagger, actually tipped a dagger, into the hearts of Winnipeg’s playoff hopes with less than 30 seconds to play, thus giving the Jets nothing (6 or 7 games left in the season and the Jets needed 8 – 10 points, estimated).
However, Chicago had the most Canadian content. Sorry, I know it is not pc, but I can’t help it. And, related, Toews and Keith and have been incredible in the Olympics bringing home gold.
And, I picked the Hawks to win the Cup prior to playoffs.
Then, there’s the alternative …
Ducks? Living in Vcr. ’88 – 2004, I finally became a Canucks fan (1998 – 2010). It took me a couple of years after the Jets were ripped from the city to start to ‘root’ for them (Canucks).
But, then came the biggest ego and biggest fraud on the hockey scene next to Alan Eagleson: Michael D. Gillis, as he preferred to be called, which brings me to my actual focus of two others that turn my stomach: Alain Vigneault and Ryan Kesler aka Kes-knob. AV was so insulting with his post-games and press times – they were complete wastes of time, so, I’d rather the Hawks than Rangers (speaking of Final 4’s). And, there is not a bigger knob in the NHL than Kes-knob. He speaks in the 3rd person. Seeing him with the Cup might turn me off of hockey all together.
Finally, Tampa? Okay, have to like Jon Cooper and Stamkos but not a lot of Canadians on that squad.
And, once again, the West reigns supreme. The Jets could have beaten anyone in the East, or so I believe.
In summary, if not the Hawks, then who? Well, the Jets, for one, of course.
I’m all Jets and Coyotes ….. BUT I love Jonathon Toews ….. the rest not so much. The reason I couldn’t support the original Moose was my hatred for the Canucks but I love my new and improved Moose!
About Merkley: just read about him in an article by Christopher Ralph for the Hockey Writers and it seems scouts think he will go in the late teens and maybe somewhere from 18-25. All I can say I hope that’s the case because if he’s there at 17 and Jets do not take him I would be shocked. Merkley and Debrusk for the Jets and I’m one happy camper!