Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, and the National Hockey League
Hi, I am Mitch Kasprick, also known as the “Westdale Curmudgeon“, the owner/writer of winnipeghockeytalk.com. WHT has a YouTube channel where he talks hockey with his granddaughter and Host, Harley Friesen.
I am a fan of the Winnipeg Jets, the Manitoba Moose, 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, or is it the 8Ps? You’ve been warned.
Mitch Kasprick is now the “Westdale Curmudgeon.“ Odds and Ends, Thoughts, and Questions from this past week in Hockey
I am a fan of the Winnipeg Jets, the Manitoba Moose, 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, or is it the 8Ps? You’ve been warned.
For a more in-depth look at these Random Thoughts, check out the new WHT YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@WpgHockTalk
Host Harley Friesen and Winnipeg Hockey Talk writer Mitch Kasprick discuss his Random Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, and the National Hockey League.
1. Jets: The Winnipeg Jets went 2-1-1 at home this past week. The boys finally got a few bounces, some secondary scoring, and continued solid play from the top line, improving their record to 17-22-5, nine points out of the playoffs.
2. NHL: The actual NHL trade deadline is March 6, twelve days after the Olympic Games, but there could be some action just before the trade freeze coming during the Olympic break, from Feb. 4 through Feb. 22. Some are calling it the mini-deadline. I wonder how it will affect things?
3. Jets: It took an injury, but he got the call-up.
TRANSACTIONS: The #NHLJets have recalled F – Danny Zhilkin from the Manitoba Moose (AHL). The Jets have also placed D – Haydn Fleury on injured reserve retroactive to Jan. 6.
— Winnipeg Jets PR (@WpgJetsPR) January 7, 2026
4. Jets: From the “Put that in your pipe and smoke it” file.
Some Winnipeg Jets fans think the Jets are bad and should tank to get a lottery pick in June while some Jets fans still cling to the hope of a magical run and making the playoffs. The tankers call the fans still clinging to the hope of a playoff spot delusional. Yes, this team has shown us what rock bottom looks like, but to think they could look that bad for another half of a season and get a lottery pick with players like Helle, Josh, KC, Gabe, Schief, and the captain is just as delusional. There is a very good chance both sides are dreaming so put that in your pipe and smoke it!
5. Jets: This could make things interesting around Jetsville, especially for the haters.
……”(Logan)Stanley is in position to cash in this summer with a contract that could be worth $25 million or more.”
😲😲Imagine reading that sentence in October, 2025! https://t.co/0yj2MhrpiG
— Drew Mindell (@ICdrew) January 8, 2026
6. Jets: Question for Scott Arniel: Can you believe you haven’t been fired?
7. Jets: Scott Arniel looks like he finally has a working, functioning second line. Jonathon Toews, Cole Perfetti, and Gabe Vilardi have breathed new life into this Jets team and will hopefully get even better in the second half of the season. Their early impressions look positive.
8. Jets: The Winnipeg Jets seemingly give up a power-play goal every game and go O-fer on PP quite often, so it’s no wonder they lost so many 1-goal games. You just can’t have both special team units playing like crap, so it is no mystery to me why they were re in last place in the NHL for a while.
Watch the WHT YouTube channel live every Monday at 7:00 pm. Winnipeg Hockey Talk on YouTube
9. Jets: As of Monday morning, the Jets’ chances of making the playoffs are sitting at 8.3%, basically slim and none and slim just left town. As you can see, the percentage fluctuates daily, whether the team plays or not; however, the days following games exhibit larger fluctuations.
10. Things that make me go hmmm: #1 🤔 Some fans and even some media are wondering why Scott Arniel hasn’t split the Mark Scheifele/Kyle Connor pairing?
11. Jets: Special Teams: Rule of thumb. Have the power play and penalty kill (PK and PP) numbers total at least 100% when added (as your minimum).
12. Jets: Goaltending:
13. Jets: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly this past week.
14. Things that make me go hmmm: #2 🤔 The guys from Spittin’ Chicklets posed this question: Are the tough old school Canadian players from blue-collar families getting priced out of hockey in Canada, and it’s now all soft rich kids?!
Are the tough old school Canadian players from blue collard families getting priced out of hockey in Canada and it’s now all soft rich kids?! pic.twitter.com/wGnYIqpYE8
— Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) January 8, 2026
15. Jets: Prospect Update: Winnipeg Jets draft picks Sascha Boumedienne (2025, 1st round) and Alfons Freij (2024, 2nd round) have won gold medals at the U-20 World Hockey Championships. Boumedienne scored the game-winner in the Gold Medal game, and Freij put up seven assists in the tournament, quarterbacking the Swedish power play. Both Jets prospects were integral parts of Team Sweden’s success. Their future looks bright.
Watch the WHT YouTube channel live every Monday at 7:00 pm. Winnipeg Hockey Talk on YouTube
Click ICON to follow WHT on X 👉👉👉 Follow @WpgHockTalk
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Mitch Kasprick is now the “Westdale Curmudgeon.“ Odds and Ends, Thoughts, and Questions from this past week in Hockey
I am a fan of the Winnipeg Jets, the Manitoba Moose, 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, or is it the 8Ps? You’ve been warned.
For a more in-depth look at these Random Thoughts, check out the new WHT YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@WpgHockTalk
Host Harley Friesen and Winnipeg Hockey Talk writer Mitch Kasprick discuss his Random Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, and the National Hockey League.
1. Jets: The Winnipeg Jets went 0-4-0 this past week and extended their losing streak to nine games. I believe the 6-5 loss in Toronto officially broke them. They have hit rock bottom. Their record is currently 15-21-4.
2. Jets: Can you imagine being the GM of a hockey team and trying to explain to your owner how you missed the playoffs with the best goaltender on the planet? I’d love to be a fly on the wall for that conversation.
3. Jets: It’s not just me, folks.
Remember the good old days when DeMelo was average?
— Jason Bell (@JasonBell1966) January 1, 2026
4. WJHC: From the “Put that in your pipe and smoke it” file.
Ask me if I was impressed with Gavin McKenna’s 3-goal performance in Canada’s 9-1 victory over Denmark? NO, I wasn’t! If you want to impress me, score a couple of goals against a good team like Finland or Team Sweden in a meaningful game. Padding your stats against the weak sisters doesn’t impress me … So Put that in your pipe and smoke it.
5. NHL: Olympics: Team USA announced their roster for the Olympic Games, and to absolutely nobody’s surprise, Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck were named to the team.
6. Jets: Question for Scott Arniel: Why didn’t you pull Comrie … Why didn’t you pull Comrie … Why didn’t you pull Comrie … Why didn’t you pull Comrie … Why didn’t you pull Comrie… WTF is wrong with you? WTF are you waiting for? Your season is circling the drain right in front of you, and you’re going to hang your hat on a guy that can’t stop a beachball? Are you trying to get fired?
7. NHL: Olympics: Hockey Canada released their final roster for the Olympic Games, and I guess I have to eat my words as Mark Scheifele did not make the team, even though he is better than Nick Suzuki, Anthony Cirelli, Brandon Hagel, Brayden Point, and maybe even Bo Horvat. Scheif is still in the Olympic Games’ doping protocol and could end up going if somebody gets injured before the games. The consensus is that he should have been in the original group. I don’t usually give a crap about this type of stuff because it doesn’t affect my life, BUT I genuinely feel bad for Scheif.
8. Jets: The Winnipeg Jets had a guy on their 1st-unit powerplay with 0 goals, and then next game he was a healthy scratch again … I wonder how Brad Lambert would do with that same opportunity?
Watch the WHT YouTube channel live every Monday at 7:00 pm. Winnipeg Hockey Talk on YouTube
9. Jets: As of Monday morning, the Jets’ chances of making the playoffs are sitting at 9.3%, basically slim and none and slim just left town. As you can see, the percentage fluctuates daily, whether the team plays or not; however, the days following games exhibit larger fluctuations.
10. Things that make me go hmmm: #1 🤔 Fans are screaming to call up the kids from the Manitoba Moose, and as I pointed out on one of my “playoff odds updates”, why not call up the 3 best players?
11. Jets: Special Teams: Rule of thumb. Have the power play and penalty kill (PK and PP) numbers total at least 100% when added (as your minimum).
12. Jets: Goaltending:
13. Jets: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly this past week.
14. Things that make me go hmmm: #2 🤔
It’s been about 22 months since that unnamed player from a Western Conference team called the Winnipeg Jets FRAUDS?
“The Winnipeg Jets are the biggest frauds in the league, and they’ll lose in the 1st round.”
An unnamed NHL player has dubbed the Jets as the biggest frauds in the NHL.https://t.co/dCv00oLVdK pic.twitter.com/MbyGlA2vya
— Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) March 2, 2024
15. Jets: Kevin Cheveldayoff held his mid-season presser this morning, and nothing earth-shattering was revealed but at least our media guys did ask some tough questions. If the Jets players could dangle around the ice like Chevy dandles at these pressers, they’d be in 1st place.
Watch the WHT YouTube channel live every Monday at 7:00 pm. Winnipeg Hockey Talk on YouTube
Click ICON to follow WHT on X 👉👉👉 Follow @WpgHockTalk
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Mitch Kasprick is now the “Westdale Curmudgeon.“ Odds and Ends, Thoughts, and Questions from this past week in Hockey
I am a fan of the Winnipeg Jets, the Manitoba Moose, 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, or is it the 8Ps? You’ve been warned.
For a more in-depth look at these Random Thoughts, check out the Winnipeg Hockey Talk YouTube channel LIVE every Monday at 7 PM where host Harley Friesen and Winnipeg Hockey Talk writer Mitch Kasprick discuss his Random Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, and the National Hockey League.
1. Jets: The Winnipeg Jets only had 1 game last week, but once again, the NHL’s incompetence reared its ugly head again and turned what should have been a hard-earned Jets win into an excruciating OT loss. Their record now sits at 15-17-4.
2. Jets: The Jets got royally screwed on Saturday night by referees Pierre Lambert and Peter McDougal, and it all happened in the last 30 seconds of the 3rd period. Josh Morrissey was brutally cross-checked from behind and both referees chose not to call the penalty and to make matters worse Josh Morrissey was injured. He didn’t practice on Sunday and is considered day to day and probably a gametime decision.
Can’t blame this one on the Jets. Absolute disaster by the refs as Morrissey got drilled dangerously from behind. Terrible officiating.
— Scott Billeck (@ScottBilleck) December 28, 2025
No call on a clear check from behind but retaliatory cross check is called. #NHL still has an overall officiating problem. Do the job right & call the first one, what happens? If something, then call the cross check as well. Do the job. #NHLJets #MNWild.
— Jim Toth (@JimTothSports) December 28, 2025
3. NHL: I think the National Hockey League not having games on Boxing Day is a huge mistake. Growing up, it was one of my favourite games of the season with Jets 1.0.
4. Jets: From the “Put that in your pipe and smoke it” file.
With the Olympics fast approaching and the World Juniors currently going on, it’s just not the same without the Russians being there. Don’t get me wrong, the tournaments are still great, but the Gold Medals will be slightly tarnished. That just one man’s opinion, so … Put that in your pipe and smoke it.
5. Jets: Wednesday night is a big night for Mark Scheifele and Josh Morrissey as Canada’s Olympic Hockey Team will officially be announced. It is expected that both Jets will make the team.
6. Jets: Question for Scott Arniel: WTF is wrong with you and your assistants? You had Morgan Barron, who was 1 for 6 (17%), taking the defensive zone faceoff while short-handed in the dying seconds of a 3-2 game, while Jonathon Toews, who was 10 for 13 (77%) and Adam Lowry, at 11 for 16 (69%), were available. Is there a suit behind that Jets’ bench that understands faceoff percentages? WHY WHY WHY? UN-F’N-BELIEVABLE.
7. Jets: Two top Jets prospects to keep an eye on at the U20 WHC.
Alfons Freij, LD (Swe), #20 … Jets comparable … Josh Morrissey
Sascha Boumedienne, LD (Swe), #5 … Jets comparable … Dylan Samberg
8. Jets: This week’s updated playoff odds from Money Puck.
On Sunday morning, after gaining 1 point versus Minnesota on Saturday night, the Jets’ chances of making the playoffs increased to 28.7% and ended the week at 27.3%. As you can see, the percentage fluctuates daily, whether the team plays or not; however, the days following games exhibit larger fluctuations.
9. Things that make me go hmmm: #1 🤔
How long before the National Hockey League joins the NFL and NBA with 2-3 games on Christmas Day?
10. WJHC: Team Canada World Juniors 2026 Schedule
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL
Watch the WHT YouTube channel LIVE every Monday at 7:00 pm. Winnipeg Hockey Talk on YouTube
Click ICON to follow WHT on X 👉👉👉 Follow @WpgHockTalk
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Mitch Kasprick is now the “Westdale Curmudgeon.“ Odds and Ends, Thoughts, and Questions from this past week in Hockey
I am a fan of the Winnipeg Jets, the Manitoba Moose, 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, or is it the 8Ps? You’ve been warned.
For a more in-depth look at these Random Thoughts, check out the new WHT YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@WpgHockTalk
Host Harley Friesen and Winnipeg Hockey Talk writer Mitch Kasprick discuss his Random Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, and the National Hockey League.
1. Jets: The Winnipeg Jets went 1-2 this past week, but the team did play well enough to win all 3 games but to be blunt, they did not get NHL goaltending. Their record sits at 15-15-1 and they are 4 points out of the last wildcard position. They have over half a season left to get their act together, but catching Minny for 3rd place in the Central Division is probably out of the question, so right now the goal is to win some games and see where you are when the dust settles.
2. Jets: Some good news and some bad news.
Connor Hellebuyck is back and leads his team to a 5-1 win in his first game back on Saturday night. Helle in net sure was a sight for sore eyes.
The bad news is Helle hasn’t played for a month, so temper your expectations as this Jets free fall started long before his surgery.
3. Jets: Even though I said I was going to stop ragging on Dylan DeMelo, it hasn’t stopped others.
Nice 3 turnovers by demelo leads to a dallas goal in 40 seconds lol #NHLJets
Demelo has hit the age cliff and he aint coming back— jetsburner (@nhlburnerboi) December 10, 2025
4. Jets: From the “Put that in your pipe and smoke it” file.
I’m old school, and I have no issue with fighting in the NHL, but I need someone to explain to me the purpose of the fight between Jets Luke Schenn and Bruins Mark Kastelic 3 seconds after the puck dropped on Thursday night. The only thing more embarrassing than the fight was listening to TSN’s Kevin Sawyer trying to justify it. The NHL needs to put an end to those meaningless tilts by giving the players automatic game misconducts because they’re a joke, so put that in your pipe and smoke it.
5. Jets: The Eric Comrie rollercoaster ride mercifully ended on Thursday last week after losses to Dallas (4-3) and to Boston (6-3 en). The only thing plummeting faster than the mercury in a thermometer in Manitoba is Comrie’s save percentage.
— Winnipeg Hockey Talk (@WpgHockTalk) December 10, 2025
6. Jets: Question for Scott Arniel: Hey, coach, does this make sense?
If you’re going to juggle the forward lines, why wouldn’t you juggle the defence pairings too? Based on what we have IMHO this is the best option.
Morrissey … Solamonsson
Samberg … Pionk
Fleury/Stanley … DeMelo
Yes or No— Winnipeg Hockey Talk (@WpgHockTalk) December 12, 2025
7. Jets: I’m not saying Hadyn Fleury is the answer, but he’s got to be better than Logan Stanley or Luke Schenn based just on his skating ability alone. Wouldn’t it be nice if he were a late, late bloomer, as this former 1st-rounder was such a stud in junior.
8. Moose: The Manitoba Moose went 1-1 last week, making their record 14-10-2-0. The Moose are in 2nd in the Central Division and are in a tie for 3rd in the 17-team Western Conference. The boys still have 4 more in a row at home to finish off the month of December. The Jets prospects have done didily-squat in the past 2 weekend series versus a very weak Iowa team, and that is very concerning. Dom DiVincentiis has been sent back down to the Moose with the return of Connor Hellebuyck.
Watch the WHT YouTube channel live every Monday … we’ll be starting our live show at 6:30 tonight … Winnipeg Hockey Talk on YouTube
9. Jets: I don’t usually do Money Puck’s playoff percentage odds until the midway point of the season, but I’ve already had requests, so let’s give the readers what they want.
As of Wednesday morning, before the Boston game, the Jets’ chances of making the playoffs were at 35.2%. As you can see, the percentage fluctuates daily, whether the team plays or not; however, the days following games exhibit larger fluctuations. After beating Washington on Saturday night, they were at 36.1% and after Sunday’s games settled in at 36.5%.
10. Jets: I see a lot of belly-aching about Logan Stanley on X and in some chat rooms, and I am by no means a Stanley cheerleader, but someone who hasn’t had a problem with him all year. I look at my expectations of him, how much money he makes, and what he contributes to this team, and the fact that he is still learning and hopefully improving. Stan is easily earning his $1,250,000, and I’d be way more worried about the ROI (return on investment) the Jets are getting from #2 ($4,900,000) and #4 ($7,000,000). The Jets’ problem isn’t their #6 defenceman, it’s a little higher up the depth chart.
11. Jets: Special Teams: Rule of thumb. Have the power play and penalty kill (PK and PP) numbers total at least 100% when added (as your minimum).
Special teams cost the Jets a win vs Dallas going 0-4 on the PP and 2-4 on the PK. A huge fail.
— Winnipeg Hockey Talk (@WpgHockTalk) December 10, 2025
12. Jets: Goaltending:
13. Jets: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly this past week.
14. Jets: Congrats to Nino on 1000 games in the NHL, the 1st Swiss-born player to do so. He is one of my favourite Jets.
15. Things that make me go hmmm:🤔 Josh Morrissey is a virtual lock for the Canadian Olympic Team, and Mark Scheifele is a frontrunner for a spot, but there are a few late contenders that could make it interesting.
Team Canada (men’s hockey) will be revealed New Year’s Eve
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 14, 2025
Watch the WHT YouTube channel live every Monday … we’ll be starting our live show at 6:30 tonight … Winnipeg Hockey Talk on YouTube
Click ICON to follow WHT on X 👉👉👉 Follow @WpgHockTalk
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