Winnipeg Jets 3/4 Mark Report Card: Forwards

Winnipeg Jets grades for the forwards –

The third quarter saw a major change in the Winnipeg Jets roster with G.M. Kevin Cheveldayoff pulling off a blockbuster trade with The Buffalo Sabres. Evander Kane (season ending surgery) and Zach Bogosian were replaced by Drew Stafford and Tyler Myers.

The Winnipeg Jets top line of Ladd/Little/Wheeler has remained the most consistent line. They play the hardest minutes and get the toughest match-ups on a nightly basis. Bryan Little actually elevated his game in the third quarter while I thought Blake Wheeler’s play dropped a bit but overall they are still the heartbeat of this team.

Mathieu Perreault was having a career season before his injury

Mathieu Perreault was on his way to a “career season” when he was derailed by an injury that will probably keep him out of the line-up until the playoffs.

Big-time kudos to Dustin Byfuglien for pitching in on the forward line when needed. He has been very good as a forward and as a defenceman. Where would the Jets be without him this season?

Third and Fourth Lines:

The Winnipeg Jets third line has been a revolving door of Adam Lowry and whoever is healthy. Adam Lowry is becoming an effective center in the Western Conference and is only going to get better. The fourth line contributes next to nothing on the scoreboard on a nightly basis although Jim Slater does a decent job on the PK and is pretty good in the face-off circle.

If I were to grade Anthony Peluso strictly on his ability to be an enforcer, he would get an “A”. He is one of the toughest guys in the league but in today’s NHL your 4th liners need to contribute 7-8 meaningful minutes and this is where Peluso fall short of the mark.

At the time of this “Report Card”, the Winnipeg Jets record was 30-20-11 and IMO these grades reflect their play.

Please feel free to add your grades or opinions on any player/players you feel I have over-rated or short-changed. Remember, this is only my opinion and mine alone and it does not reflect the opinion or opinions of the other writers here at Winnipeg Hockey Talk.

I assign two grades: first (hockey grade) is just strictly what you see is what you get and the second (ROI) is weighed against salary or “bang for your buck”.