Random Thoughts On The Winnipeg Jets: Aug. 1

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.

A little news on Canada’s U17, U18 and U20 teams.

1. Hockey Canada held their U17 Development Camp (111 players) in Calgary last week for players born in 2000. There were 9 Manitobans invited to attend; goaltenders Duncan McGovern (Winnipeg), Matthew Thiessen (Altona), defencemen Calen Addison (Brandon), Dawson Barteaux (Foxwarren), Jett Woo (Winnipeg) and forwards Rylan Bettens (Winnipeg), Caiden Daley (Winnipeg), Koby Morrisseau (Grandview), Riley Stotts (Winnipeg). Good Luck boys and hopefully you can make to the 2016 World U17 Hockey Challenge in Sault Ste. Marie (Oct. 30-Nov.5).

2. Hockey Canada also held their U18 Development Camp (44 players) in Calgary last week for players born in 1999. There were 4 Manitobans invited to attend; defenceman Josh Brook from Roblin (Moose Jaw WHL) and forwards Brett Davis from Oakbank (Lethbridge WHL), Cody Glass from Winnipeg (Portland WHL), and Stelio Mattheos from Winnipeg (Brandon WHL). The next stop for these hopefuls is the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament in the Czech Republic from Aug. 6-13. Good Luck boys.

3. As of this morning, the Winnipeg Jets have 43 players under contract. Each NHL team is allowed a 50 man roster. Assuming they get Jacob Trouba and JC Lipon signed one of these days they will have 5 spots left on their 50-man roster. The Jets currently have approximately 7.5 mil in available cap space.

4. I’m not sure where Corey Pronman is getting his information from but as of right now Jack Roslovic has NOT signed an OHL contract to play in London. It could still happen but it hasn’t yet.

Roslovic-WPG playing center today in between Foley-WPG and Fischer-ARI. Have seen him mostly as a W, but London expects him to be a C.

— Corey Pronman (@coreypronman) July 30, 2016

5. There are still 41 players vying for a spot on Team Canada’s U20 team. The U20 Development Camp started yesterday (Sunday) and will continue today before the team heads to Plymouth, Michigan for the World Junior Summer Showcase. There are no Winnipeg Jets prospects in this camp BUT there is still 3 Manitobans: forwards Brett Howden from Oakbank (Moose Jaw, WHL and drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning), Keegan Kolesar from Winnipeg (Seattle, WHL and drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets), and Nolan Patrick from Winnipeg (Brandon, WHL and draft eligible in 2017).

6. I have to admit I was a little surprised by this announcement although it’s not official yet.

Further to reports, I expect Kelly McCrimmon will be named to Las Vegas management team by mid-week. Great hire.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 30, 2016

7. The overwhelming consensus is that Winnipegger and Brandon Wheat Kings center Nolan Patrick will be the #1 selection in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. My question for you Jets fans is would you have rather had Patrick Laine this year or Nolan Patrick next year?

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8. Canada’s National U20 Junior Team will be participating in a summer series against Finland, Sweden, and the United States from August 3 to August 6 in Plymouth, Michigan that can be seen live on TSN. (see #5)

9. Winnipegger, Michael Stone avoided salary arbitration with the Arizona Coyotes and signed a one-year contract last week but I can’t help but wonder if the term has anything to do with his season-ending knee injury last year. One year? Luke Schenn gets two?

10. Tyson Barrie just signed a four-year, $22,000,000 contract ($5,500,000 AAV) with the Colorado Avalanche and a lot of Winnipeg Jets fans were using this as a comparable for Jacob Trouba. Maybe, maybe not. I think that because of Barrie’s age and length of service this really isn’t a good comparable. It’s a matter of opinion as to where Trouba fits in on this list but here are a couple of recent deals that I think could be used; Morgan Rielly (6 yrs, $5,000,000 AAV), Matt Dumba (2 yrs, $2,550,000 AAV), Dougie Hamilton (6 yrs, $5,750,000 AAV), and Jonas Brodin (6 yrs, $4,166,666 AAV). The other player the Jets will be keeping an eye on is RFA, Hampus Lindholm. Stay tuned.

11. Countdown to the 2016 World Cup of Hockey: 48 days (Sept. 17) in Toronto, Ont. The final rosters of 20 skaters and 3 goalies are posted here >>> Rosters

12. Countdown to the 2016 Tim Hortons Heritage Classic: 84 days (Oct. 23) in Winnipeg, MB.

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