Random Thoughts On The Winnipeg Jets: Nov. 8

November 8, 2021 by

Mitch Kasprick is the “Motown Curmudgeon” aka “Motown Mitch”

Odds and Ends, Thoughts and Questions, from this past week in hockey –

Just so there’s no confusion when I’m spewing my bias, I am a fan of the Winnipeg Jets, Arizona Coyotes, Manitoba Moose, Winnipeg Ice, and all Team Canada Hockey teams.

I am NOT a fan of Gary Bettman or as I call him, Count Chocula.  I am a big believer in the 7Ps. You’ve been warned. 

1. Jets:  The Winnipeg Jets went 2-1-0 last week and improved their overall record to 6-3-2 on the season.  The Jets still have 4 more games left in their season longest 7-game homestand. 

2. Jets:  The Jets’ streak of gaining points in consecutive games reached 8 after beating Chicago 5-1 on Friday night but ended after losing 2-0 to the Islanders on Saturday night.  Not a bad run considering they played like crap in a couple of those games.   

3. Jets:  As each game goes by it looks more and more like Evgeny Svechnikov is getting comfortable in his role with the Jets.  He was a low-risk/high-reward gamble that looks to be turning into the steal of the UFA season.   

4.  NHL:  Now the NHL has hearings for tripping a guy? 

ARE YOU KIDDING ME? 

I watched the replay of Subban’s “tripping” penalty but it wasn’t any worse than Phillip Danault’s TWO slewfoots against two Jets players vs the LA Kings a couple of weeks ago.  One was called tripping and one was let go.  The Subban slewfoot was a penalty but it wasn’t any worse than Danault’s.  The NHL’s inconsistency never fails to disappoint. 

By the way, PK was fined $15,000 for his bad behaviour.  What a joke.

5. NHL:  I thought that Mark Chipman and Kevin Cheveldayoff handled their presser fairly well and for the most part I believed most of it but they put a lot of spin on their narrative and had the benefit of following that brutal Gary Bettman/Bill Daly presser.  It was staged well, scripted well, and it was conveniently scheduled at 4 pm where it could only last one hour.  They left some satisfied, a lot frustrated, and a lot wanting more.     

6. NHL:  Finally the Jack Eichel trade happened and TSN is more relieved than Buffalo Sabres fans.  Now TSN can spend more time talking about Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.   

7. Jets:  Paul Stastny and Andrew Copp aren’t exactly the fastest guys on the ice but somehow it works.  They leave the skating to Nik Ehlers.   

8. Jets:  Winnipeg Jets fans are now seeing the REAL Pierre-Luc Dubois and he is becoming a fan favourite.  He has a contrasting style to most of the Jets skill forwards but he also does it with speed and skill.  He plays very well in the heavy areas and seems to have found some nice chemistry with Kyle Connor.  Jets fans will never forget Patrik Laine but at least now they see why the Jets made that trade. 

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9. Jets:  Going into camp most Winnipeg Jets fans think this is the biggest talking point.

Will Eric Comrie last the seaon as Jets back-up goalie?

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This thought was written after the Dallas Stars game on Tuesday.

Eric Comrie got his second win of the season against a goal-scoring challenged Dallas team.  He basically did just enough for his team to get the win.  He wasn’t bad but he certainly wasn’t great. (.889 SV%)  Every win the Jets can get with him starting is a bonus but for me, the jury is still out. 

This thought was written after the Chicago Blackhawks game on Friday. 

Eric Comrie got his third win of the season against Chicago in a game where he wasn’t tested a lot but came up big a few times when he had to. 

This thought was written after the New York Islanders game on Saturday.

Eric Comrie was forced to start in back-to-back games on Saturday versus the Islanders with Connor Hellebuyck not available and he was very solid in a 2-0 loss.  Comrie played well enough to keep his team in the game but unfortunately got no support on the scoreboard.  Comrie didn’t lead his team to a win but I thought it was his best effort of the week.  I think he is starting to win the trust of his doubters, myself included with his early-season play. 

10. Jets:  Back to the 11 and 7 talk again.  Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler are both healthy and playing but Paul Maurice still stuck with 11 and 7.  I hate to admit this but I’m starting to dig the 11 and 7.  I like that we are getting to see the Jets’ top players a little more as they rotate them in with the fourth-line guys.          

11. Jets:  When Paul Maurice gets the itch to put Kyle Connor back with 55 and 26 and you know it is just a matter of time I hope that he considers giving Nikolaj Ehlers a shot playing there first.  I would love to see how many goals Ehlers would score playing with an elite center.     

12. Ice:  The Winnipeg ICE won both of their games last week improving their record to 14-1.  The ICE have now moved into the first spot in the CHL’s weekly rankings. (updated Wednesdays)      

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13. Moose:  The Manitoba Moose went 1-1-1 last week in the first 3 games of their 6-game road trip and now have a record of 5-4-1-0.  They have 3 more games on this road trip before returning home for 5 straight in Winnipeg. 

David Gustafsson is the leading scorer with 8 points in 1o games.  Ville Heinola and Johnathan Kovacevic are right behind with 7 and 6 points respectively.  Top prospect Cole Perfetti has 5 points in 7 games.  

I know a lot of Winnipeg Jets fans are waiting for the 2019 1st rounder, Ville Heinola to get his chance with the big club and with injuries in a long NHL season, he will definitely see some action BUT don’t be surprised if 2017 3rd rounder, Johnathan Kovacevic challenges Heinola for a shot at the big club.  Ville Heinola is no longer the default first call-up.

As of this writing, the Moose are in sixth place in the AHL’s Western Conference.

14. Jets:  The 2 goals by Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele in the shootout Tuesday vs Dallas were things of beauty but it still doesn’t change my mind about shootouts.  They are horseshit garbage.  I say keep playing 3 on 3 until there is a winner.  It should not take long and the lame-ass excuses about time constraints are just that …. LAME.  If time is an issue then scrap the anthems.  Funny there’s no time constraints when they have 15-20 minute pre-game ceremonies.  SCRAP THE SHOOTOUTS.      

15. Jets:  My weekly question for Kevin Cheveldayoff and Paul Maurice. 

Why is David Gustafsson still in the AHL?

I’m going to keep asking until they call him up.   

16. Jets:  Attendance:  Winnipeg Jets attendance has never been an issue or a talking point but after a year with no fans, with people still a little hesitant of covid, and maybe some fan backlash toward TNSE/Kevin Cheveldayoff and his role in the Chicago Blackhawks/Kyle Beach scandal the attendance is down and I’m a little concerned.  I’ve gone through the pain of losing an NHL team and once in a lifetime is enough for me.  Yes, we have rich owners but the club still needs to be viable on its own merits.

Vs Dallas Stars – 13,174

Vs Chicago Blackhawks – 13,756 

Vs New York Islanders –  13,424  

17. Jets:  The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly this past week.

  • Good:  Jets PP is is starting to have different looks and not being so predictable.   
  • Bad:  Jets PK is still too passive.         
  • Ugly:  To be honest nothing really ugly this week.     

18. Jets:  Special Teams: Rule of thumb. Have the two red numbers (PK and PP) total at least 100% when added (as your minimum). 

  • PP:  4th at … 28.10% up from 10th at … 25.00 last week.
  • PK:  Last at … 65.70% up from … 63.60 last week.
  • FO:  13th at … 50.90% up from … 50.00 last week.

19. Goaltending:

  • Conner Hellebuyck:  3-2-2 … 3.42 GAA … .899 SV% 
  • Eric Comrie:  3-1-0 … 1.98 GAA … .926 SV%

20. CFL:  The Winnipeg Blue Bombers improved their record to 11-1 by sweeping their seven-game home schedule with a 31-21 victory over Montreal on Saturday night.   They also responded to some early week trash talking by a few Alouettes players that said the Bombers haven’t played anybody tough and they (Als) are better.  Pretty tough talk from a team that has Ottawa on their schedule THREE times. 

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PS:  Winnipeg Hockey Talk needs someone interested in writing about the Winnipeg Ice.  If you are interested contact me (Mitch) at [email protected]

In memory of my friend Darryl Manchulenko.

If you have any questions, please give me a shout. You can use the comment section or use the #ASKWHTPOD hashtag on Twitter.

If you like our new format, let us know in the comment section or hit me on Twitter at WpgSportsTalk or WpgHockTalk

If you are interested in writing for Winnipeg Sports 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, The Winnipeg ICE, Manitoba Bisons, Winnipeg AAA, MJHL, MMJHL, KIJHL, and Winnipeg High School or any sports team in town.

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

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Random Thoughts On The Winnipeg Jets: Nov. 1

November 1, 2021 by

Mitch Kasprick is the “Motown Curmudgeon” aka “Motown Mitch”

Odds and Ends, Thoughts and Questions, from this past week in hockey –

Just so there’s no confusion when I’m spewing my bias, I am a fan of the Winnipeg Jets, Arizona Coyotes, Manitoba Moose, Winnipeg Ice, and all Team Canada Hockey teams.

I am NOT a fan of Gary Bettman or as I call him, Count Chocula.  I am a big believer in the 7Ps. You’ve been warned. 

1. Jets:  The Winnipeg Jets went 2-0-1 again last week to improve their overall record to 4-2-2 on the season but it wasn’t pretty.  Right now this team is a train wreck in their own zone and the turnovers are piling up like snowbanks in a Winnipeg winter.  On the bright side, the team has points in 6 consecutive games (4-0-2) after losing their first 2 games of the season.    

2. Jets:  John Gibson 1 Connor Hellebuyck 2 …. Helle broke serve and won round #3 of the fight for Team USA’s goal crease in the upcoming Olympics.  It will be an interesting competition for the #1 job but I think Helle is starting to round into form and should win that job but it could be close.  Gibson is a quality goaltender.

3. Jets:  Are fans’ expectations of their team mostly based on an inflated value or evaluation of their team’s players?  I think it is.  Most fan bases including Winnipeg’s think their players are better than they are and I think that is because most fans don’t spend a lot of time watching a lot of other teams play.  Right now I think we could be guilty of this.  The Jets haven’t actually played any of the better teams and although they are 4-2-2 they haven’t looked very good in my opinion.     

4.  NHL:  Watching the Kyle Beach interview was heartbreaking and there is no doubt he was failed by multiple people but for me, the biggest fail was from the NHLPA.  As a “black ace” I’m not sure what his official standing was as it pertains to the NHLPA but since he was practicing as a Chicago Black Hawk he should have been protected by the PA.  The NHLPA’s sole objective is to serve and protect its members.  Donald Fehr has a lot of explaining to do.  Kyle Beach did not deserve this, nobody deserves this.  I commend Kyle’s bravery and hope he gets some sort of closure out of this process.

5. NHL:  I would have liked to have heard more from Chevy but he along with Mark Chipman will be addressing the media this afternoon and I hope our beat writers don’t let them off the hook and ask the tough questions we all want answers to. 

UPDATE: 

Mark Chipman/Kevin Cheveldayoff presser is scheduled today (Tues) at 4 pm MB time.

6. NHL:  Gary Bettman’s statement regarding Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff.  Image

7. Jets:  Evgeny Svechnikov scored his first goal as Winnipeg Jet on a nice feed from PLD on Tuesday in Anaheim.  Svech and PLD are starting to show some of the chemistry they had in junior with Cape Breton in the QMJHL.  

8. Jets:  Nikolaj “don’t call me Nik” Ehlers has played well all season with little to show for it until Tuesday night in Anaheim when with just over a minute to play in the game he scored 2 goals in 19 seconds to steal a 4-3 win over the Ducks.  Nikolaj is an absolute stud. 

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9. Jets:  Going into camp most Winnipeg Jets fans think this is the biggest talking point.

Will Eric Comrie last the seaon as Jets back-up goalie?

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Eric Comrie finally got his first start of the season in his old stomping grounds in LA in front of family and friends and played very well in a 3-2 win.  Like I mentioned last week he should still be in line for a start on Nov. 5 versus Chicago or Nov.6 versus the Islanders.    

10. Jets:  Once again, don’t ask me because I can’t explain Paul Maurice’s decision to dress 11 forwards and 7 defencemen.  I could buy into the reasoning that with the captain and Scheif out of the lineup (Covid 19 protocol) that 11 and 7 were because of salary cap implications but Blake Wheeler was back on Saturday and Paul Maurice still went with 11 forwards and 7 defensemen.  Hopefully, PoMo comes to his senses when Scheif returns this week.        

11. Jets:  I can’t help but think the Jets’ sloppy play is a result of Paul Maurice dressing 11 forwards and 7 defencemen thus not having any consistent lines and rotating 7 defensemen.  This team needs to settle into regular lines and defence pairings to clean up play in their own end if they want to be considered contenders.  Contenders don’t get outplayed and lose to a team with FIVE AHL call-ups.      

12. Ice:  The Winnipeg ICE had their eleven-game winning streak snapped in Edmonton last week but still had a very successful 4-1 road trip.  Their 12-1 record is currently the best in the WHL and they are currently ranked #2 in the CHL.      

UPDATE:

Winnipeg ICE goaltender Daniel Hauser was named the Western Hockey League’s “Goaltender of the Week”.  Congrats Daniel!

13. Moose:  The Manitoba Moose are off to a decent start this season with a 4-3-0-0 record and now head out on a tough six-game road trip.  I’m not sure where they finish in the Western Conference since we haven’t seen most of these teams for quite some time.

14. Jets:  It hasn’t bared any fruit yet but Kristian Vesakainen’s confidence and play look better and I think/hope it’s just a matter of time before we see some results.  

15. Jets:  Why is David Gustafsson in the AHL?   

16. Jets:  The way the Winnipeg Jets are playing in their own end may Paul Maurice should consider dressing 9 forwards and 9 defencemen.  (see #10)  

17. Jets:  The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly this past week.

  • Good:  Pierre-Luc Dubois.  
  • Bad:  Outside of Dylan DeMelo not one of the other six defencemen has played up to their expectations.  All have had some good moments but are very inconsistent overall at this time.  This needs to be cleaned up if this team wants to be considered serious contenders.        
  • Ugly:  The overall sloppy play and turnovers.   

18. Jets:  Special Teams: Rule of thumb. Have the two red numbers (PK and PP) total at least 100% when added (as your minimum). 

  • PP:  10th at … 25.00% down from … 26.30 last week.
  • PK:  31st at … 63.30% up from … 54.60 last week.
  • FO:  18th at … 50.00% up from … 48.90 last week.

19. Goaltending:

  • Conner Hellebuyck:  3-2-2 … 3.42 GAA … .899 SV% 
  • Eric Comrie:  1-0-0 … 2.00 GAA … .938 SV%

20. CFL:  The Winnipeg Blue Bombers clinched home-field advantage before their bye-week and now have three meaningless games left and it will be interesting to see how Mike O’Shea manages his roster.  Now it’s all about keeping sharp and staying healthy. 

PS:  Winnipeg Hockey Talk needs someone interested in writing about the Winnipeg Ice.  If you are interested contact me (Mitch) at [email protected]

In memory of my friend Darryl Manchulenko.

If you have any questions, please give me a shout. You can use the comment section or use the #ASKWHTPOD hashtag on Twitter.

If you like our new format, let us know in the comment section or hit me on Twitter at WpgSportsTalk or WpgHockTalk

If you are interested in writing for Winnipeg Sports 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, The Winnipeg ICE, Manitoba Bisons, Winnipeg AAA, MJHL, MMJHL, KIJHL, and Winnipeg High School or any sports team in town.

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

Filed Under: Featured, Random Thoughts Tagged With: , , , , ,

Random Thoughts On The Winnipeg Jets: Aug. 23

August 23, 2021 by
Mitch Kasprick is the “Motown Curmudgeon” aka “Motown Mitch”

Odds and Ends, Thoughts and Questions, from this past week in hockey –

Just so there’s no confusion when I’m spewing my bias, I am a fan of the Winnipeg Jets, Arizona Coyotes, Manitoba Moose, Winnipeg Ice, and all Team Canada Hockey teams.

I am NOT a fan of Gary Bettman or as I call him, Count Chocula.  I am a big believer in the 7Ps. You’ve been warned. 

1. Jets:  It was pretty quiet in Jetsville and around the NHL this week but there were a couple minor things to report.   

2. Jets:  Evgeny Svechnikov (the Detroit one) has signed a one-year contract for the 2021-22 season with the Mantoba Moose and will be on a PTO with the Winnipeg Jets.  It is being reported that if he shows up at camp healthy after having off-season surgery he will be signed to a two-way contract with the Jets.  I don’t see a downside to this signing. 

3. Jets:  The Svechnikov signing is an interesting, low risk signing by the Winnipeg Jets.  Svechnikov, who turns 25 on Oct. 31 was one of the younger free agents out there that still had some upside.  He has some familiarity with a friendly face in Winnipeg as he played with centre Pierre-Luc Dubois in junior with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.  Svechkikov is a left shot winger who plays on the right side and at 6’3 and 210 lbs will add some size and skill to whatever line he joins.

4. Jets:  The Winnipeg Jets signed 2021 3rd rounder Dmitry Kuzmin to a three-year, entry-level contract with an average annual value in the NHL of $866,667.  He tallied 12 points (3G, 9A) in 46 games with Dinamo-Molodechno of the Belarus league. He also had five points (1G, 4A) in five games for Belarus at the U18 World Championship.  This upcoming season Kuzmin will be playing defence for the OHL’s Flint Firebirds.

5. NHL:  The NHL sent a memo updating vaccination requirements to its teams:

“Any person whose job, role, position or access entails or entitles them to have personal interactions (within 12 feet) with Club Hockey Operations personnel (including Players) are required to be Fully Vaccinated.”  

The first thought that came to mind was why is everybody involved with the teams required to be vaccinated with the exception of the players?  This makes ZERO sense to me.  Then this got me wondering if I would want to know which players on my team weren’t vaccinated and how I would feel about them if I knew? 

Would you want to know the vaccination status of your favourite teams players and would it change how you feel about them?

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6. Jets:  Evgeny Svechnikov and PLD played together off and on in Cape Breton and put up some big numbers as linemates.  Maybe being reunited can give them both a kick-start next season. (see #3) 

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7. IIHF:  Team Canada is off to a 2-0 start at the 2021 WWC.  This team is still a work in progress and not the official team heading to the Olympics and to me they look a little slow and tentative in the scoring areas but I really like the team’s overall speed.  I’m looking forward to seeing the finished product.    

8. Jets:  Andrew Copp mentioned in an interview last week that he had spent a couple of days with Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler working with Adam Oates.  I wonder what this was all about?  I wonder if they are thinking of making hybrid lines that add a solid defensive presence to a weaker offensive combo OR I am I just reading way too much into this?  Copp/Scheifele/Wheeler would be an interesting line and would allow the Jets to spread their forward depth through all four lines.  I still think Andrew Copp is bottom six forward but Scheif and Wheeler could use some help defensively on the left side and they aren’t going to get that from Kyle Connor.  KC can score but this line line doesn’t score enough at even strength to justify them playing together anymore.  Their 5v5 play has been getting woprse and worse every season for the past four years.

9. NHL:  The Buffalo Sabres 2021 first overall pick, Owen Power, has decided to go hold off turning pro and is going back to Michigan for one more season.  Even though the Sabres are a bit of a tire fire I’m still surprised as not too many first overall picks delay turning pro right after being drafted. 

10. Jets:  Going into camp most Winnipeg Jets fans think this is the biggest talking point.

Will Eric Comrie last the seaon as Jets back-up goalie?

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11. IIHF:  I really enjoy ex-Team Canada defenceman (or is it defencewoman) Tessa Bonhomme’s work on TSN’s women’s hockey broadcasts.  I love analysis from someone who has actually been in the trenches and especially someone that’s gone toe to toe for Canada at this level.      

12. Jets:  Another little tidbit about Evgeny Scechnikov, he was originally drafted by Detroit in the first round (19th overall), two picks after Kyle Connor in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.

13. NHL:  For those of you that like to partake in a little sports betting, single game wagering in Canada starts on Aug 27. 

14. IIHF:  I was looking for information about Team Canada on the TSN website and I must say I was extremely disappointed with their content or lack of content and especially since they are the official network of the World Women’s Hockey Championship.  Hopefully it will get better as the tournament unfolds.

15. CFL:  The Winnipeg Blue Bombers record dropped to 2-1 after stinking the joint out on Saturday afternoon in Toronto.  They were thoroughly outplayed from start to finish and in spite of this they were still in this game with under two minutes to play.  This team is 2-1 and their best football is still ahead of them.  The Blue Bombers kicking game terrifies me.  JUSTIN MEDLOCK …. WHERE ARE YOU?      

 

In memory of my friend Darryl Manchulenko.

If you have any questions, please give me a shout. You can use the comment section or use the #ASKWHTPOD hashtag on Twitter.

If you like our new format, let us know in the comment section or hit me on Twitter at WpgSportsTalk or WpgHockTalk

If you are interested in writing for Winnipeg Sports 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, The Winnipeg ICE, Manitoba Bisons, Winnipeg AAA, MJHL, MMJHL, KIJHL, and Winnipeg High School or any sports team in town.

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

 

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Random Thoughts On The Winnipeg Jets: Aug. 16

August 16, 2021 by
Mitch Kasprick is the “Motown Curmudgeon” aka “Motown Mitch”

Odds and Ends, Thoughts and Questions, from this past week in hockey –

Just so there’s no confusion when I’m spewing my bias, I am a fan of the Winnipeg Jets, Arizona Coyotes, Manitoba Moose, Winnipeg Ice, and all Team Canada Hockey teams.

I am NOT a fan of Gary Bettman or as I call him, Count Chocula.  I am a big believer in the 7Ps. You’ve been warned. 

1. WHT:  Lots of boring but important covid-19 and vaccination thoughts this week.  With all the news that came up this past week about vaccinations and league protocols it must mean we must be getting closer to the start of the 2021-22 season.

2. Jets:  The Winnipeg Jets and Neal Pionk have agreed on a four-year contract with an average annual value of $5,875,000 per season.  Now with the Pionk signing the Winnipeg Jets top five defencemen are set.  I would expect to see Logan Stanley, Ville Heinola, Nate Beaulieu, Dylan Samberg, and maybe even Sami Niku get some time in the 6th spot.    

3. Jets:  The Winnipeg Jets and Andrew Copp avoided arbitration and agreed on a one-year contract with an average annual value of $3,640,000.   Copp gets a good one-year deal with the ability to work on longer term deal after Jan.1 or he can wait and test the free agaent market on July 1st.  Andrew Copp did say in his presser that he was looking for a 4-5 year deal but realized it wasn’t possible with the team’s lack of cap space.  

4. Jets:  No sooner had I written this and boom.

With the 2021-22 season only a few weeks away I can’t help wonder what the health orders will be for attending Winnipeg Jets games?  I’m sure there are thousands of season ticket holders wondering as well.  If Manitoba is only allowing fully vaccinated fans for outdoor Blue Bomber games I can’t see them allowing unvaccinated fans indoors.  Stay tuned.

TNSE dropped this nugget on the sports world being the first NHL team to do so.

True North Sports + Entertainment would like to confirm that our entertainment venues will be selling to full capacity, and that we will require all employees, event staff, and guests to provide proof of full vaccination. The majority of our season seat holders have shared with us that having a proof of COVID-19 vaccination policy for Canada Life Centre and Burton Cummings Theatre is important to them.

5. NHL:  The NHL sent a memo updating vaccination requirements to its teams:

“Any person whose job, role, position or access entails or entitles them to have personal interactions (within 12 feet) with Club Hockey Operations personnel (including Players) are required to be Fully Vaccinated.”  

The first thought that came to mind was why is everybody involved with the teams required to be vaccinated with the exception of the players?  This makes ZERO sense to me.  Then this got me wondering if I would want to know which players on my team weren’t vaccinated and how I would feel about them if I knew? 

Would you want to know the vaccination status of your favourite teams players and would it change how you feel about them?

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6. Jets:  Not to be overlooked, the Winnipeg Jets signed  defenceman Johnathan Kovacevic to a one-year, two-way contract with an average annual value in the NHL of $750,000.  Kovacevic has made a nice slow rise in the organisation’s defenceman depth chart to the point he could actually see some NHL minutes in the not to distant future.   

7. Jets:  There are a lot of happy Jets fans after the announcement that the Heritage Blue jerseys will become the official third jersey of the Winnipeg Jets and will make their debut Nov. 9 vs. St. Louis and will be worn a total of 14 times throughout the season.

See the source image

8. Jets:  Anybody that spends any time on Twitter knows you will be exposed to all kinds of bad takes and that is what kind of makes it fun.  I can deal with a lot of horse shit on Twitter but there was an IDIOT this past week that kept harping and droning on how awful Blake Wheeler was and for some reason this really set me off.  I have been critical of the captain at times in the past but this guy took it to a completely different level.  Is Wheeler on the back nine of his career?  Yes.  Is he a first line winger now?  Probably not but Paul Maurice thinks he is.  Is he now overpaid?  Yes.  The truth is he should be on the second line now but he is still an elite passer and can still run the top powerplay unit.  He played hurt for a good portion of the season and it was very obvious.  He was not very good at times but he still managed to put up 15 goals and 31 assists for 46 points in 50 games.  That is a long way from being awful.  This little shit stain on Twitter obviously doesn’t like Blake Wheeler and took it too far.  Based on his other tweets I think you could fit his hockey knowledge into a thimble.     

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9. NHL:  This past week NHL players were strongly encouraged by the NHL Players’ Association to get fully vaccinated and warned about potential loss of pay during the upcoming season if they do not do so.  The NHLPA discussed the potential for teams to withhold paychecks should an unvaccinated player contract COVID-19 or if an unvaccinated player can’t accompany his team on road trips where local or federal authorities require vaccinations to enter.  

10. Jets:  Going into camp most Winnipeg Jets fans think this is the biggest talking point.

Will Eric Comrie last the seaon as Jets back-up goalie?

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11. IIHF:  If the NHL comes to an agreement with the IOC and goes to the Olympics, Hockey Canada has announced the coaching staff that will lead Canada’s Men’s Olympic Team in Beijing, China.

Jon Cooper (Prince George, B.C./Tampa Bay, NHL) has been named head coach. He will be joined by assistant coaches Bruce Cassidy (Ottawa, Ont./Boston, NHL), Peter DeBoer (Dunnville, Ont./Vegas, NHL) and Barry Trotz (Dauphin, Man./New York Islanders, NHL).

12. Jets:  Mark Chipman and the Winnipeg Jets announce tribute to Hawerchuk on 40th anniversary of first contract.  Details  👉👉👉👉 here. 

13. NHL:  For those of you that like to partake in a little sports betting single game wagering in Canada starts on Aug 27. 

14. Jets:  After getting Andrew Copp, Logan Stanley, and Neal Pionk signed and squeezed in under the salary cap, Kevin Cheveldayoff has never had an approval rating as high as it is right now in his eleven years as Jets GM.   

15. CFL:  The Winnipeg Blue Bomber improved their record to 2-0 with a solid 20-7 win on Friday night.  They have only given up one touchdown in each of their first two games.   

 

In memory of my friend Darryl Manchulenko.

If you have any questions, please give me a shout. You can use the comment section or use the #ASKWHTPOD hashtag on Twitter.

If you like our new format, let us know in the comment section or hit me on Twitter at WpgSportsTalk or WpgHockTalk

If you are interested in writing for Winnipeg Sports 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, The Winnipeg ICE, Manitoba Bisons, Winnipeg AAA, MJHL, MMJHL, KIJHL, and Winnipeg High School or any sports team in town.

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Filed Under: Featured, Random Thoughts Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Random Thoughts On The Winnipeg Jets: Aug. 2

August 2, 2021 by
Mitch Kasprick is the “Motown Curmudgeon” aka “Motown Mitch”

Odds and Ends, Thoughts and Questions, from this past week in hockey –

Just so there’s no confusion when I’m spewing my bias, I am a fan of the Winnipeg Jets, Arizona Coyotes, Manitoba Moose, Winnipeg Ice, and all Team Canada Hockey teams.

I am NOT a fan of Gary Bettman or as I call him, Count Chocula.  I am a big believer in the 7Ps. You’ve been warned. 

1. Jets:  I’ve been hearing about this mythical season called “The Summer of Chevy” for a few years now and I think it has finally arrived.  Winnipeg Jets GM, Keven Cheveldayoff had a very productive few days last week. 

  • Monday:  Paul Stastny has agreed to a one-year deal worth $3,750,000.
  • Monday:  The Winnipeg Jets trade a second-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft and a second-round pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft for defenceman Brenden Dillon from the Washington Capitals. 
  • Tuesday:  Jets Acquire defenceman Nate Schmidt from the Vancouver Canucks for a third-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. 
  • Saturday:  Jets sign serviceable bottom-six C/RW Riley Nash to a 1-year, $750,000 deal.   

Kevin Cheveldayoff really changed the look of the Jets blueline with the additions of Brenden Dillon and Nate Schmidt and the best thing is it didn’t cost him anything off the NHL roster and bringing back Paul Stastny on a one-year deal was a no-brainer.  

After seeing what other GMs were paying for UFA defencemen Chevy definitely went in the right direction.

2. NHL:  Enjoy that six year $5,500,000 per season Philip Danault contract LA Kings.  Free Agent Frenzy, where NHL GMs lose touch with reality.  

3. Jets:  Does anyody actually think that Eric Comrie will last the season as Connor Hellebuyck’s back-up in goal?

Will Eric Comrie last the seaon as Jets back-up goalie?

View Results

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4. NHL:  It is officially RFA offer sheet season.  I won’t hold my breath because there are actually more Loch Ness Monster sightings than there are NHL offer sheets but if there is the compensation is listed below.

FYI – Offer Sheet (AAV) Compensation:

  • $1,395,053 or below: None
  • Over $1,395,053 to $2,113,716: 3rd round pick
  • Over $2,113,716 to $4,227,437: 2nd round pick
  • Over $4,227,437 to $6,341,152: 1st, 3rd round picks
  • Over $6,341,152 to $8,454,871: 1st, 2nd, 3rd round picks
  • Over $8,454,871 to $10,568,589: (2) 1st, 2nd, 3rd round picks
  • Over $10,568,589: (4) 1st round picks

5. Jets:  Based on Chevy’s signings last week I’m sure even PoMo can’t screw this up, so the microscope is definitely on Mr. Maurice. Paul, you are on the clock.      

6. NHL:  I have a feeling there may be hockey without fans again in some NHL cities.  I don’t like what’s going on down south with covid 19 and also here in Canada (Alberta).  I sure hope I’m wrong.

7. Jets:  In my very humble opinion I believe in time David Gustafsson can match and exceed what Andrew Copp brings to the table for the Winnipeg Jets.  He just needs a couple seasons under his belt.  If Kurt Overhardt wants to be unreasonable and play hardball then trade Copp’s ass.  If he is willing to do something in the range of Adam Lowry’s contract then welcome back.  If not, take Copp’s money and invest it elsewhere.    

8. Jets:  So long and farewell to Mathieu Perreault.  MP is heading to La belle province to play for the Habs.  I would have liked him re-signing in Winnipeg but who can blame a French-Canadian kid for wanting to play in his home province.  Good luck MP, you were a beauty.

Embed from Getty Images

9. NHL:  Based on some of the trades made last week it is quite apparent that cap space is a bigger commodity than actual players right now.

Shayne Gostisbehere to Arizona for nothing.

Marc-Andre Fluery to Chicago for nothing.

Tyler Johnson to Chicago for nothing. 

Nate Schmidt to Winnipeg for a 3rd rounder. 

and on and on.

Embed from Getty Images

 

10. Jets:  This 👇

Morrissey/Schmidt

Dillon/Pionk

Stanley/DeMelo

sure looks better than this 👇 

Morrissey/DeMelo

Forbort/Pionk

Stanley/Poolman

11. Jets:  The Winnipeg Jets have signed Riley Nash to a one-year deal and I beleive he should add a solid defensive presence to the Jets bottom six.  His numbers were brutal in Columbus last season but then who’s weren’t.  Nash is just 3 years removed from a 15 goal, 41 point season with Boston in 76 games.  If Nash can replicate half of that he will be a huge upgrade over Trevor Lewis or Nate Thompson.    

12. IIHF:  I bet everybody probably forgot but the Women’s World Hockey Championships start in Calgary in 3 weeks.  I’m totally down for some August hockey. 

13. Jets:  THE POLL RESULTS ARE IN

Are Paul Maurice’s or Kevin Cheveldayoff’s jobs in jeopardy?

Yes … Paul Maurice should be let go. (49%, 159 Votes)
Yes … Paul Maurice and Kevin Cheveldayoff should be let go. (20%, 63Votes)
No … I’m happy with the team’s leadership and direction. (17%, 56 Votes)
No … Sweeping the Oilers bought everybody some time. (14%, 45 Votes)

14. NHL:  Evander … what are you doing?  Evander Kane was one of my favourite Winnipeg Jets, I loved everything about his game although his alledged off-ice antics were getting tiresome.  Now he is being investigated for betting on NHL games and games he was playing in.  Now, these are accusations from his soon-to-be ex-wife so take this with a grain of salt but with Evander it always seems where there’s smoke there’s fire.  These are serious accusations and I sure hope they are false.

15. Jets:  Before all of GM, Kevin Cheveldayoff’s trades and UFA signings this past week the Winnipeg Jets odds to win the Stanley Cup were +4000 according to  https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/nhl/stanley-cup-odds/ but I wonder what they are now?  Stay tuned.

16. NHL:  Even with a flat cap it looks like the top players are still getting paid while the bottom of the roster players are forced to settle for the scraps if you can call $750,000 scraps.  

17. Jets:  My preference would be to use Mark Scheifele, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Paul Stastny, and Adam Lowry as our four centers and work from there.  I’m sure Paul Maurice could move Stastny into the top six when he needs to shorten the bench.

18. NHL:  I mentioned last week that I find outsiders that don’t watch your team on a nightly basis really overrate or underrate certain players.  The lastest is Oliver-Ekman Larsson.  Vancouver thinks they are getting OEL from 3-4 years ago but he hasn’t been right for quite some time and the Canucks moved out Nate Schmidt to make room for him.  I’m glad they did because I’d rather have Schmidt.  

19: Jets:  Andrew Copp and Neal Pionk have both elected to file for salary arbitration but both players can continue to negotiate with the team until their arbitration date.  The arbitration hearings will take place between August 11-26.

20: Jets:  Kevin Cheveldayoffs fan approval rating has never been as high as it is right now.  (see #1 and #13)

 

In memory of my friend Darryl Manchulenko.

If you have any questions, please give me a shout. You can use the comment section or use the #ASKWHTPOD hashtag on Twitter.

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[email protected]

We are looking for writers to cover the Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, The Winnipeg ICE, Manitoba Bisons, Winnipeg AAA, MJHL, MMJHL, KIJHL, and Winnipeg High School or any sports team in town.

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

 

Filed Under: Featured, Random Thoughts Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

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