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. TSN Insider, Darren Dreger, had this to say about Andrew Ladd contract talks when questioned on twitter.
Last I checked (Monday). Close on term. Not as close on $.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) September 16, 2015
2. In their final game at the YSC, the Winnipeg Jets youngsters salvaged a less than scintillating weekend with a nice 5-4 OT win over the baby Oilers in Pentiction and most of the big names played very well.
3. Juri Tlusty signed a 1-year, $800,000 deal with the N.J. Devils and Lee Stempniak will be attending the Devils camp on a PTO … very interesting!
4. The Winnipeg Jets have the potential to have a very interesting “bottom 6” forwards this season and a couple of veterans could find themselves with the Manitoba Moose.
5. I think Matt Larkin from The Hockey News is a little premature in saying that by seasons end Mark Scheifele will overtake Bryan Little as the Jets #1 center. I’m a huge Scheifele supporter and I’m sure he’ll get there but he needs to be a competent, 50-55 point, #2 center for now.
6. Nikolaj “don’t call me Nik” Ehlers had three assists in the final game of the YSC and looked very dangerous doing it. I’m sure the “these games don’t mean anything” crowd was quite relieved. (see #2)
7. Thorburn/Peluso BOTH in the line-up: 15 games … Over or Under?
8. I find it quite interesting that there is this perception being perpetrated in Winnipeg that Dustin Byfuglien re-signing or being offered a contract extension hinges on Andrew Ladd’s contract negotiations. WHY? To me it seems like the Winnipeg Jets have an abundance of prospects at the forward position BUT the same can’t be said for their blue-line. If this is true, and I believe it is, wouldn’t it be easier for the Jets to deal with losing Andrew Ladd versus Big Buff? Just saying. I’m not advocating for either but somebody started this narrative and everybody seems to have jumped on board. I’m just questioning this logic.
Could Bryan Little find himself on the wing this season?
9. Is there any chance Josh Morrissey could force the Jets to trade or waiver wire one of the extra “bottom wrung” defencemen or does management just make the safe move and send him to the Moose just because they can?
10. Pomo is toying with the idea of moving one of his center-men to the wing BUT only if they can play and score at their current levels. This could possibly make room for the likes of Copp, Petan and Burmi. They say it’s always easier for a center to play on the wing than vice-versa.
11. I’m still asking this question: Mark Scheifele – 55 points … Over or Under?
12. During training camp this weekend PoMo experimented with Adam Lowry centering a line with Andrew Ladd and Bryan Little. The 3 L’s. (see #10) and had line of Burmi, Perreault, and Ehlers.
13. Forwards Out: Frolik, Stempniak, Tlusty, and Slater. Forwards In: Burmi and ??? Who is your top 3? I think Copp and Ehlers will be two of them BUT I think PoMo is going to throw us curveball on the third. The big question is “who will be that curveball”?
14. Countdowns:
A. Jets 1st pre-season game: 1 day (vs Minnesota)
B. Jets 1st regular season game: 16 days (at Boston)
C. 2016 World Cup: 361 days (Sept. 17-Oct. 1 in Toronto)
15. To nobody’s surprise, defenceman Grant Clitsome failed his training camp medical and will be on the shelf a little longer.
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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Hey Mitch. Good points as usual. I think Lemieux if he continues to play at the level he has will be a tough choice for Maurice. Either way I see him being a nice addition with the team.
A big drop in salary for Tlusty. 2.9 million to 800k. I guess he’s glad someone signed him. I read were Slater was offered a contract July 1st and turned it down. Now it could be Europe for him.
Is Clitsome’s contract counted towards the salary cap if he’s on injured reserve?
In regards to Clitsome … the definition of long-term injury is: An injury causing a player to miss a minimum of 10 games and 24 days. They can then be placed on the Long Term Injury Reserve (LTIR), which can be used to receive cap relief.
Thanks Mitch!
I saw on Twitter you wanted comments on number 8. I agree with your statement. You had made an earlier comment in random thoughts that Byfuglien with all his warts was worth signing or something to that effect. In the past I thought i would be happy if they traded him, now I’m not so sure. He gives the Jets a little bit of an edge that not all teams have.
1. DD must speak cricket.
5. Can’t see it. Nor can I see Scheifele ever being a No. 1 center. Further, what are his strengths? I must be missing the boat on this guy’s upside (wouldn’t be the first time).
9, 10, 12. I wonder if training camp might actually mean something this year. For the last few years, training camps have reminded of Japanese business meetings: lots of talk but nothing changes because decisions were made meeting prior. Hopefully, there will be some notable changes that come out of left field-ish.
14. Excitement building.
You are right! Camp will be interesting for a change …. maybe?
I’ll be the optimist and say Scheif over 55.
without seeing him play yet (don’t expect any drastic change) but I don’t see Peluso seeing more than 15 games unless serious injury occur. Thorburn yes over 15.
I completely agree on Buff/Ladd. I know a Ladd’s the captain and their number 1 guy, but your right, there is not a lot of depth for defense coming up the pipe at this point. Good depth on the big team right now, maybe too much? I’m sure Morrissey thinks so lol
Top 3 kids to make it, I’ll go with Copp, Ehlers, and Armia