Random Thoughts On The Winnipeg Jets: Mar. 28

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 ended up going 2-1-0 on the week and are 31-38-6 overall. They are doing their best for a top three pick.

2.  I have come 360 degrees on Dustin Byfuglien since years one and two.  I cannot imagine NOT having Buff patrol our blueline.      

3.  Jets prospect Tucker Poolman and his UND Fighting Hawks have punched their ticket to the NCAA’s Final Four in Tampa, Florida.                    

4.  Based on what I witnessed at Gila River Arena on Saturday night, I would be amazed if Flyers defenceman Radko Gudas is in the lineup versus the Winnipeg Jets tonight.  He should be looking at a hearing and suspension for his hit on Coyotes captain Shane Doan. 

Update:  So much for player safety …. Shane Doan and Claude Giroux were both concussed by hits from behind in this game with no supplementary discipline from the league.  Well done Gary.  

AND 

So much for concussion protocol … Shane Doan was woozy after taking his hit and did not play on Monday while Claude Giroux was out cold on the ice but yet played on Monday night versus the Jets.  The NHL is a joke.     

5.  What the heck is going on with the Wheaties in their opening round WHL playoff series?              

6.  Tyler Myers surgeries should probably keep him out of any Travis Hamonic trade talks or rumours.               

7.  While everybody in Winnipeg is salivating over the arrival of Kyle Connor, I’m really looking forward to seeing Pavel Kraskovsky this fall in camp.        

8.  Paul Maurice said earlier this week that he expects the Winnipeg Jets to be even younger next season so, who’s in and who’s out is would be the obvious question?                     

9.  The UND hockey team will always be the “Fighting Sioux” to me.  If the Sioux Nation has no problem with the name, who the hell are all these politically correct ass-wipes to stick their noses where it doesn’t belong.  PISS OFF ALREADY!

Update: Thanks to one of our regular readers I was informed that there was a process that was ignored and hence the name change.  Thanks to Greg Polinchuk for the info linked here >>> UND name change.   

10.  Kyle Connor ended his season and possibly his college career on a 27-game point streak.  Not bad.     

11.  I could see the Jets not rushing Kyle Connor into the lineup next season and especially with a potential expansion draft in the near future.               

12.  Lemieux, Connor, Petan, Lipon, Armia, Dano, De Leo, and Kosmachuk are just a few of the names being bandied about for roster spots on next season’s Winnipeg Jets but there is probably only room for two, maybe three maximum, so who makes it?    

13.  I really like Nikolaj Ehlers!

14.  I like a lot of things Joel Armia does on the ice BUT at this stage in his development, his skillset and production don’t seem to be meshing although it’s still early. 

15.  Fans that don’t want to see players like Stuart, Thorburn, or Peluso on the Jets should probably not be supporters of Paul Maurice because he likes those guys.    

16.  Things that make you go hmmm?:  In the last year, the Jets have traded Kane, Bogosian, and Ladd.  That is a lot of “team toughness” and “grit” out of the lineup that hasn’t been replaced and to all our “new age” hockey fans that don’t think this means anything, you’re all fools.     

17.  Winnipeg Jets Special teams update: 

PK:  25th at 78.5% up from 26th at 78.3 % last week.

PP:  30th at 14.3% down from 29th at 14.8% last week.  ROCK BOTTOM … Sorry, but it’s time to replace the assistant coaches

18.  Lottery standings update: 

19.  Countdown to the 2016 World Cup:  174 days (Sept. 17-Oct. 1 in Toronto)  Final rosters to be posted on June 1.    

20.  BTW, Kyle Connor finished his freshman season with 35 goals and 36 assists for 71 points.  This was the second-highest point total by a freshman since Paul Kariya in the 1992-93 season.  Jack Eichel posted the same total last season as well.

Connor was named the Top Player and Top Freshman in the Big 10 Hockey Conference after leading the nation in scoring.  He was also a unanimous All-Freshman Team selection and First Team All-Star.

Editor’s Note:

Even though it’s behind a paywall you should go check out our own Scott Campbell’s articles in the Winnipeg Free press every Thursday evening (online) or Friday morning (in print).  Like I always stated, there’s nothing better than the thoughts and opinions from somebody that has actually been there and done that.  

If you are interested in writing for Winnipeg Hockey Talk or if you know somebody interested, please contact us at:

[email protected]  

We are looking for writers to cover the Manitoba Bisons, Winnipeg AAA, MJHL, MMJHL, KIJHL and Winnipeg High School.

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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