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. My take on the interview Chevy gave during the Young Stars Classic was that he is very committed to getting Andrew Ladd signed but I thought he was very evasive in regards to Dustin Byfuglien.
2. Just so I can cut down on my key strokes I will refer to the Young Stars Classic as the YSC for the rest of these thoughts.
3. Should we be concerned that the Winnipeg Jets best and brightest prospects were only able to muster one goal in each of their first two games in Penticton?
4. Peter Chiarelli on why Connor McDavid is only playing ONE out of THREE games in the YSC.
“Relatively early on I made that decision. He’s going to play a lot of hockey, and it gives us a chance to see some of the other players in these two games”.
I’m sure the hockey fans in Penticton thank you Peter!
5. Jets play the Oilers tonight in their final game of the YSC. To view the Winnipeg Jets YSC roster click here >>> Jets roster.
6. I thought Ryan Olsen was one of the better Jets after the first two games of the YSC but I haven’t quite decided if that’s a good thing or not!
7. I wonder if Lee Stempniak and Juri Tlusty are staying close to their phones? (see #3)
8. The Winnipeg Jets have announced that their 2015 Training Camp will open on Friday, Sept. 18 at MTS Iceplex >>> schedule
9. Connor Hellebuyck not playing in any pre-season games during last years training camp makes me wonder if Eric Comrie gets the same treatment this season?
10. Dustin Byfuglien has his warts but I truly believe the Winnipeg Jets are a better team with him than they would be without him.
11. Mark Scheifele – 55 points. Over or Under
12. IMHO, Brendan Lemieux will be the best player the Jets received in the Evander Kane trade.
13. Who is the Jets best RD? Buff … Trouba … Myers?
14. Countdowns:
A. Jets 1st pre-season game: 8 days (vs Minnesota)
B. Jets 1st regular season game: 23 days (at Boston)
C. 2016 World Cup: 368 days (Sept. 17-Oct. 1 in Toronto)
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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10. The Buff issue I see in the big picture only, so, ‘Yes’ better team with him in the line-up, but so many other factors. IMO.
11. Personally, not a Scheifele fan. So, will go for the under. I do wonder, however, what his points would be if he actually hit the net! (Okay, hyperbole…hit the net more often)
13. Myers. IMO. Granted, I give way to others in terms of hockey knowledge, and sophomore jinx aside, Trouba was often a liability after Christmas last year (okay, more hyperbole). He needs to respect the quality of the opposition relative to his own skill i.e. trying to beat a forechecker with zip for support behind is a bad idea ‘irregardless’ (just kidding) of the situation.
14. Thank you for the update.
Hey previous commenter Todd Leroux. Are you Todd, from Wpg, living in Tokyo? If so, we should re-connect. Follow me on twitter @bradystrachan
Hello Brady!!!
So great to hear from you. Are you well?
Will follow though I don’t use fb or twitter very much (i.e. not at all). Will try my best.
I haven’t forgotten the work opp. you gave me here. Thank you always for that.
BTW, nice column as always Mitch.
6. Ryan Olsen played with energy and looked much better than when I saw him the previous years. He doesn’t have the hands though. Copp impressed me (had some chemistry with Ehlers), as did Lemieux in the 2 games he played. I would have liked to see him in the 3rd game with the rest of the team was clicking. My main take away… Ehlers is a small forward…smaller than I’d imagined. Amazing talent, but he got thrown around a lot out there. Might be tough playing against men in the pro levels.
11. I think Schiffs will be under 55pts. We are in the low scoring days of the NHL again. 55pts would be a pretty amazing season for a young no. 2 centre.
Hey Brady, I agree with your Ehlers thoughts & I felt the same way until I saw Johnny Gaudreau play but it’s a different game now and playing with the men on the Jets will definitely insulate him.