Random Thoughts On The Winnipeg Jets: Oct. 3

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.  Last week I asked, “In contract negotiations is it the GM’s job to negotiate usage?” and 87% of you voted …  No … usage is the coaches decision.

2.  I’m a genius … I just solved the Jacob Trouba situation.  Ready?  I think Chevy should call Kurt Overhardt and tell him that Paul Maurice is promoting Mark Stuart and Jacob Trouba to the second defence pairing and he’ll consider the first pairing if he gets his ass to camp by tomorrow morning.  How hard was that?  

3.  I’m pretty sure the World Cup of Hockey finals had fewer people watching than most NHL pre-season games.  BTW, way to go Team Canada!    

4.  The Winnipeg Jets pre-season games have finally started and after four games it’s abundantly clear that Brandon Tanev wants a job in the NHL.  His motor is set on high.  A lot of the other bubble players should take note because most haven’t even come close to touching his hustle and work ethic.     

5.  Another thing that is abundantly clear is that Brian Strait can’t play.  In the first Calgary game that was played at about an AHL speed, he looked slow and that’s scary.  Bye-Bye, enjoy the Moose.  This is one of Chevy’s worst signings.  

6.  Like I’ve mentioned in the past there is a bit of a sadistic side to me so IF Jacob Trouba does indeed get traded I can hardly wait for the first time he plays on the left side for his new team.  Winnipeg Jets fans will lose their minds on twitter.  Good times.   

7.  Of the two college boys, Kyle Connor has looked a lot better than Jack Roslovic but in fairness to Jackie-boy, he didn’t quite have the upper echelon linemates that Connor’s had.   

8.  The goaltending after four pre-season games is about as clear as mud.    

9.  The Jets have played four pre-season games and still no sign of Logan Stanley.  What’s up?  (cue the haters)  

10.  Poor Paul Postma and before him Zach Redmond … they get stuck on one of the NHL’s freak teams that have an overabundance of RHD ahead of them on the depth chart … that’s why I say SHOT SHOULDN”T MATTER!  (heard in the background “Stop yelling you old curmudgeon”) 

11.  So far, so good for Josh Morrissey.  

12.  I know it’s only pre-season and I’ve seen this “dog and pony show” before BUT the Jets have been teasing us with a decent powerplay.          

13.  I’m interested to see how Andrew Copp does in the faceoff circle when the real games start because I’ve been impressed with him at the dot so far this pre-season.

14.  I’m not going to say this is a make or break training camp for players like Scott Kosmachuk, Nik Petan, Jimmy Lodge, JC Lipon, Chase De Leo, Brendan Kichton etc but every year there are new fresh prospects knocking on the door and now these players are getting closer to becoming career AHLers.  

15.  You would think after all the years Ondrej Pavelec has played in North America he could stop a simple dump-in and tee it up for his defencemen.  He is still way, way, way below average in this extremely important department.    

16.  I like the way the Jets powerplay has been experimenting with Adam Lowry in front of the opposition net.  

17.  I prefer Fenwick over Corsi but I really prefer goals.  

18.  As good as Chase De Leo has looked in pre-season he is still an extreme longshot to get a sniff on opening day but he could make a case to be one of the first choices as a “call-up”. 

19.  Josh Morrissey looks like he could be a younger, grittier, version of Toby Enstrom.  (see #11)   

20.  Winnipeg Jets 2016 countdown:

First regular season game:  11 days vs Carolina (Oct.13)

Countdown to the 2016 Tim Hortons Heritage Classic:  21 days (Oct. 23) in Winnipeg, MB.

Would it be rude if I posted a countdown on how many days are left before Mrs. Curmudgeon and I leave for Arizona?  (shhh 4 days)  

 

Download our new “FREE” Winnipeg Hockey Talk mobile phone app for Android users here >>>> WHT app

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 Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, 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.  We would love to hear your opinions.

Thanks, Mitch 

Use the “Comment Section” below.

*