Winnipeg Jets Reality Check Time
Murat Ates of The Athletic: The Winnipeg Jets hit a brick wall last season. Losing Nikolaj Ehlers illustrated one thing. Teams find ways to win and more good players lends to more success. Improving the roster in a rational way is likely Winnipeg’s best hope for a better 2026-2027.
One of the biggest keys will be the draft held later this month in Buffalo. Winnipeg holds the eighth pick in the draft. Do they use that as an asset to make a deal? This depends on Winnipeg’s plan. Now, the Jets could keep the pick, trade down for multiple firsts, or trade for a roster player. The futures play may be a way to go here to build more depth and potential.
Will the New York Rangers move Trocheck?
Other ways for Winnipeg to help themselves this offseason would include improving from within which is very likely. Hoping Adam Lowry returns to form and Cole Perfetti to make strides is not far-fetched. Giving a middle-six center a chance at an increased role (under the radar acquisition) remains a possibility too. Could Peyton Krebs or Cole Sillinger be worth a look?
The short-term overpayment bridge to a free agent could be an option to weaponize cap space. Mason Marchment comes to mind as the Jets really have no one like him on the roster. Again, the biggest challenge is getting the veterans to flip the script on what happened last season.
Still, that may be easier said than done.
Roman Kantserov and More Questions with Chicago
Scott Powers of The Athletic (mailbag): Yes, the Chicago Blackhawks signed Roman Kantserov but is that their biggest move of the offseason? It depends on who you ask. For one thing, Kantserov is likely to play with Connor Bedard and their skill sets should mesh. After that, Anton Frondell and Nick Lardis should continue to grow as players. There is still the draft to consider too.
Teams will call on Mason McTavish
So, Chicago does need to add a veteran defenseman. The problem is the era of tight caps affecting many teams is more or less over. It is intriguing to note that some media believe Chicago wants to win now or very soon. The question becomes are there pieces and ways to do so. That answer is not so clear-cut.
Finally, how soon is Connor Bedard named the captain? As the leadership set takes shape for the Blackhawks, their core structure should take shape as well.
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