CFL Central Columns

The Jets and the Deadline

February 20th, 2012

The Winnipeg Jets are back in 2011-2012, and I’m loving every minute of it.
I had thought my interest in the NHL faded because it was a childhood fad which had run it’s course… however, it is now apparent it was solely due to the Jets leaving town for cactus country.
Now I am following the Jets and the NHL this year as much if not more closely than the years preceding the Jets’ departure.
And by the way – that’s not a bad thing in my books.

So, let me offer my “now educated” opinion on the Jets as they currently stand – a week prior to their first trade deadline.
Goal: Ondrej Pavelec and Chris Mason.
IceCaps Depth: former NHL’er David Aebischer.
This is the best tandem the Jets have ever had… sorry Pokey and the Bandit weren’t even close to the current pair.
If these two can both be kept happy, the Jets are in really good shape.
OPINION: leave the goalies alone if you can.
Pavelec is a restricted free agent and isn’t going anywhere, but Mason is an unrestricted and may want to try to find a starting job next year.

Defence: Dustin Byfuglien, Zach Bogosian, Toby Enstrom, Ron Hainsey, Johnny Oduya, Mark Stuart, Randy Jones, Mark Flood.
IceCaps Depth: Derek Meech (UFA), Paul Postma, Arturs Kulda, Brett Festerling.
The Jets are deep in NHL caliber defencemen both in Winnipeg and St. John’s.
None of the 12 defence listed above have looked out of place when they have appeared in Jets uniforms this year.
In fact, this depth has created a problem for one player in particular, that being Mark Flood – who the Jets can’t send down without losing him to waivers… but haven’t got a steady opening for him in Winnipeg either.
OPINION: Byfuglien, Bogosian and Enstrom are “untouchables” – beyond that, the Jets may be looking to deal from their strength to find a scoring forward.
Oduya, Jones and Flood are all unrestricted free agents this year as well.

Forwards: Not going anywhere – Bryan Little, Blake Wheeler, Evander Kane, Alexander Burmistrov, Andrew Ladd, Chris Thorburn.
Available due to free agency – Kyle Wellwood, Jim Slater, Tanner Glass, Tim Stapleton.
Available – Nik Antropov, Eric Fehr, Antti Miettinen.
IceCaps Depth: Jason Jaffray (UFA), Patrice Cormier, Aaron Gagnon, Spencer Machacek.
No doubt the Jets don’t want to give up or lose any of their potential free agent forwards, especially 2/3 of the GST line.
Fehr and Miettinen are disappointments, and not likely to garner alot of value or interest… but Antropov, who is a journeyman rental player anyway, may get a few passing glances.
OPINION: the Jets will probably be sellers, but to what extent is the big question.
Unlikely is the Jets packaging a successful deal for a big name scoring forward… even though that is the fans’ best wishes.

The Winnipeg Jets aren’t likely to make a huge splash before the trade deadline – but it sure is fun playing the guessing game.
Jets management have been content to build from the draft and system depth so far… but does any of this change with the team being within striking distance of a playoff appearance in their first season?
Perhaps the strategy shifts slightly for the right price.

dave@cflcentral.net

Entry Filed under: NHL Hockey