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. I don’t know what happened to me but I went “poll crazy” this week.
2. Based on my article last week “Are The Winnipeg Jets Ready For An Expansion Draft?” If you missed it >>> read here. I was wondering which option most Winnipeg Jets fans would select?
Loading ...3. Last weeks poll question was “Should the NHL season start earlier to avoid games in June?” and 84% voted “Yes” to starting the season earlier.
4. In an interesting move, the Arizona Coyotes have acquired the negotiating rights to pending UFA defenseman Alex Goligoski from the Dallas Stars. The Stars will receive a fifth-round draft choice in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft from the Yotes. The Coyotes own his rights until July 1 and if a new contract isn’t reached the 30-year-old defenseman will become an unrestricted free agent (UFA).
5. Tampa Bay Associate Coach Rick Bowness signed a contract extension this past week with the Lightning and I couldn’t help wondering if there is anybody currently in the NHL that’s been behind the bench longer than him? He started out as an assistant coach in Winnipeg back in the 1984-85 season and for the most part, he has been behind an NHL bench ever since. There were a couple one-year absences but it’s been almost thirty-two years.
6. I find it interesting how Winnipeg Jets fans are so eager to trade Jacob Trouba because he hasn’t signed a new contract and especially when the Jets defence isn’t exactly a position of strength BUT not a word has been uttered about Mark Scheifele, who is in the exact same contract situation. Please explain.
7. This is one of the NHL/NHLPA’s better ideas. The “Free Agent Interview Period”.
From Article 15:
Commencing the day after the NHL Entry Draft (but no later than June 25) until June 30, Unrestricted Free Agents may meet with potential new Clubs, but may not sign a new “Standard Player’s Contract” until the opening of the RFA/UFA signing period on July 1.
8. If or should I say when the NHL expands to Quebec City they will need to ask a team from the Eastern Conference to move to the Western Conference. Do they have the stones to ask Detroit or Columbus to go back to the west? If not, what team makes sense?
9. A lot of Jets fans think they are going to trade their second first round draft pick (#22) for a veteran left-handed defenceman. Do you?
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10. The 2016 NHL Entry Draft is this Friday and I really hope the Winnipeg Jets select Patrik Laine because I don’t know if I can handle the backlash on social media if they don’t. Winnipeggers have made up their minds.
11. In spite of what we’ve been lead to believe and how the experts spin it, IMO, the MTS Centre is too small. I’m not saying Winnipeg needs a 20,000 seat arena but a nice building that holds around 17,000 would be nice.
12. I wonder what’s going on with the hiring of a Jets assistant coach? It has been very quiet and there isn’t even any good rumors floating around out there.
13. Sometimes a tweet says it all.
Ladd on free agency ‘I’ve done the rebuild thing there in #Winnipeg. At this point in my career I want another chance to win a #StanleyCup‘
— NHL EXPERT PICKS (@NHLexpertpicks) June 15, 2016
If the rumored $6,000,000 a season for six years was actually offered by the Jets, it would seem that he was willing to leave some money on the table for a chance to go to a contender. It will be interesting to see what his options are on July 1 and what choice he ultimately makes.
14. I think it’s a foregone conclusion that most Winnipeg Jets fans want Patrik Laine BUT who do you the think the Jets actually draft?
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15. The NHL is expected to announce its intentions to expand to Las Vegas this Wednesday at the BOG meetings with play for the new team beginning in the 2017-18 season.
16. I wonder how many Winnipeg sports fans will have two TVs going on Friday night so they can watch the Bomber game and the NHL Entry Draft?
17. Countdown to the 2016 NHL Entry Draft: 5 days (1st round on June 24th) in Buffalo, N.Y.
18. Countdown to the 2016 World Cup of Hockey: 90 days (Sept. 17) in Toronto, Ont. The final rosters of 20 skaters and 3 goalies are posted here >>> Rosters
19. Countdown to the 2016 Tim Hortons Heritage Classic: 126 days (Oct. 23) in Winnipeg, MB.
20. We are looking a couple of designs for a WHT Podcast t-shirt.
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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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RE: #6
I ofter felt that Trouba, especially last season’s version, was highly over rated. When I see media raising concerns about the Jet’s ability to keep him (at all costs – READ $6M per) I am in total disagreement with them. I understand he is a fine young man and a positive influence in the community. But, he can’t hit the broad side of the barn with his shot and a lot of breakaway passes by the opposition zipped my him while he was cheating and encroaching to far into the offensive zone. We have Buff and Myers playing a lot of offence for the team – do we need more and if so, is Trouba the guy?
My opinion is that number 55’s upside is much better at this stage of their careers.
the conspiracy theorists think that Trouba is asking too much so he can force a trade … I just think that in negotiations you start high knowing you’ll meet somewhere in the middle at the number you were originally going to settle for BUT I could be wrong LOL
Never thought of that “forcing a trade”… but it that’s what he wants, make him happy because we don’t want to pay huge bucks for someone who really doesn’t want to be here. I still like Harmonic and believe he would love to be a Jet. I watched him closely in the playoffs and was impressed with his solid defence. I’m hoping we (Chevie) can pull off a trade to accommodate him and used Trouba to do so. OK.. I admit I’m not a Trouba fan!!
I like a good “hockey trade” if it makes sense.