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. Winnipeg Jets Development Camp wrapped up last week and although Patrik Laine didn’t participate most Jets fans were quite pleased with the rest of the prospects.
2. I found it very amusing that, depending on which side of the fence they were on, the reviews for Logan Stanley were quite mixed.
3. Based on the lack of AHL signings by the Manitoba Moose, they are going to sink or swim with the kids again this year. The good news is that Petan, De Leo, Comrie, etc, will be a year older.
4. I don’t think Brendan Lemieux has much of a chance to make the Winnipeg Jets this season BUT in my opinion, he is closer than a lot of the Jets more highly touted prospects.
5. Mathieu Perreault has decided to call Winnipeg home for an additional four years (five including next season) after signing a 4-year contract extension worth an AAV of $4,125,000 per season starting in 2017-18. Perreault was a solid UFA signing two years ago and he is a solid extension this summer. Matty P is an easy player to like.
6. Should Jets fans be concerned that RFA Jacob Trouba is hanging out with ex-Jet and ex-roommate Zack Bogosian in New York City at a Garth Brooks concert? For those of you out there that have heard the whispers and rumors you know where I’m going with this. For those of you that haven’t, don’t ask.
7. I am admittedly a huge Mark Scheifele fan. He is my favorite Winnipeg Jets player BUT I’m not 100% sure he is the defacto #1 center this upcoming season. Bryan Little is still a very good player that plays tough minutes and I do not underestimate his value to this team. It is a nice 1A/1B combo though, isn’t it?
8. Last week’s poll questions was “Who was your favorite Jets UFA signing on July 1st?” …. Shawn Matthias was the leader with 68% …. next was Quinton Howden at 29% and to nobody’s surprise Brian Strait brought up the rear with 2% of the vote.
9. An interesting UFA signing last week was Jordan Tootoo by the Chicago Blackhawks. I’m not sure what to make of this. I must admit I’ve always had a soft spot for him since his days with the OCN Blizzard and then the Brandon Wheat Kings.
10. RFA center Mark Scheifele signed a monster eight-year contract with an AAV of $6,125,000 per season this past week with the Winnipeg Jets. Is Trouba next or is he playing hardball?
11. I have to admit I like the Teddy Purcell signing by the LA Kings. I’ve always thought he was an underrated player.
12. I’m not thrilled about that goof Jared Boll being in the Western Conference. Nice signing Anaheim! Really?
13. I am very surprised the Jets only signed Brenden Kichton to a one-year deal. It is a two-way contract with an AAV of $600,000. You would think they would want to wrap up the Manitoba Moose’s leading scorer for more that one year?
14. The Leafs are now in the market for a veteran back-up goalie after trading away Jonathon Bernier. I’m sure Toronto was thrilled to get out of the last year of his $4,150,000 contract. Sound familiar Chevy?
15. Although Kyle Connor received most of the attention last season it was Jack Roslovic that actually stole the show at development camp last week. (see #1)
16. Besides Jacob Trouba, the other notable RFAs still left to be signed by the Jets are Joel Armia, Adam Lowry, Brandon Tanev, and JC Lipon. I don’t see any major problems there.
17. It looks like the Jets are going to have some tough choices for their roster at forward this fall with the influx of youth knocking on the door. Not counting Nic Petan and Joel Armia, which Jets forwards do you think are traded, waived, or sent to the AHL?
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18. If the Jets aren’t in contention for a playoff spot this season, I could see Drew Stafford (UFA) being moved at the trade deadline. I’m not sure if he figures into the Jets plans beyond this season. (see #17)
19. Countdown to the 2016 World Cup of Hockey: 69 days (Sept. 17) in Toronto, Ont. The final rosters of 20 skaters and 3 goalies are posted here >>> Rosters
20. Countdown to the 2016 Tim Hortons Heritage Classic: 105 days (Oct. 23) in Winnipeg, MB.
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Thanks, Mitch
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17. Thorburn and Peluso should be. But they won’t be.
I think Peluso will end up in the AHL … I’m not so sure about Thor … PoMo likes him.
Hi Mitch!!
If i am the GM, I think I trade JT, or hope like heck someone offer sheets him. I too have heard the rumors, and the supposed lack of off season commitment. Maybe, make a deal with NYI, allow them to speak with JT, and get TH.
I, like many others am super excited about the upcoming seasons. The influx of skilled youth will surely give us all much to cheer about. and, some to moan about. Go Jets Go!!
I agree Wayne … with youth comes peaks and valleys … The Jets need to make a major move with their LD … if they have to use Trouba to accomplish this, so be it