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.
1. The Winnipeg Jets have added another assistant coach to Paul Maurice’s staff. His name is Todd Woodcroft. The 43-year-old Woodcroft has spent the last three seasons with the Calgary Flames as the team’s scouting director and professional scout.
2. If I hear the name Jimmy Vesey once more I think I’m going to puke. I can’t stand the hype over an unsigned draft pick (Nashville) that magically gets UFA status because of a loophole. CHL players go back into the draft if they are unsigned but these college prima donnas get treated like rock stars and that’s horse crap! The NHL and the NHLPA need to fix this ridiculous loophole NOW!
3. I think I’m the only Jets fan in this city that believes Kyle Connor and Jack Roslovic start their professional careers in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose. It’s a big jump from the pond hockey they play in the NCAA to the grind of the NHL’s Western Conference. I could be wrong but I doubt it.
4. I would have added Matt Carle ($700,000) to the Winnipeg Jets blueline in a heartbeat over that pylon Chevy signed earlier this summer.
5. HEY CHEVY … what’s going on with Trouba? Hello … are you there?
6. There must be lots of seats still available for the Heritage Classic because I’m receiving second ticket buying requests on my Winnipeg Jets account and on my wait list account. I wonder if they’ve been offered to Oiler’s season ticket holders?
7. Looking at new Jets assistant Todd Woodcroft’s resume I don’t see a lot of time behind the bench. I wonder what his duties will actually be? (see #2)
8. If I was in Jacob Trouba’s camp, I think getting a contract done before the World Cup of Hockey would be a priority. Wouldn’t it be smart to have an insured contract in your back pocket?
9. Calling that crappy field hockey they play in the Olympics hockey is blasphemy. You can only use one side of the stick, you can’t check, you can’t block shots … it’s painful to watch and it’s NOT hockey!
10. I have to admit that I’m intrigued by “Team Europe” and “Team North America” in next month’s World Cup of Hockey but I’m not sure you can call this NHL/NHLPA cash grab a true World Cup. That doesn’t mean I won’t be watching it, I’m actually really looking forward to it.
11. Canada’s amazing run at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament (U18) is over after a less than stellar fifth place finish last week. Oh well, it was a nice run.
12. Countdown to the 2016 World Cup of Hockey: 34 days (Sept. 17) in Toronto, Ont. The final rosters of 20 skaters and 3 goalies are posted here >>> Rosters
13. Countdown to the 2016 Tim Hortons Heritage Classic: 70 days (Oct. 23) in Winnipeg, MB.
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Thanks, Mitch
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Hi Mitch.
I agree totally with your assessment of #8, Jacob Trouba. What happens if Trouba has a poor World Cup. Certainly not going to help his bargaining power. I see it as a situation where he can only hurt himself, without any upside.
The Jets already know he’s a good player so I don’t see an upside to waiting either.