On the Winnipeg Jets …
Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: The Jets have a couple of things they’ve been looking at, and GM Kevin Cheveldayoff knows the prices are high.
“Traditionally, prices are always going to be high, but whenever you’re looking at something, you factor those (prices) into the equation,” Cheveldayoff said in a telephone interview on Tuesday afternoon. “You’re always looking to improve your team, but anytime you get close to a deadline, things get more heightened and more focused. It just comes down to fit. It has to fit a purpose. There are always players that are available, but they may not be the right fit for a variety of different reasons. That’s really what it comes down to.”
The Jets are battling the Predators for first place in the Central and have been battling injuries as well.
The Jets have the assets – a deep prospect pool and draft picks – to make a big move if they want.
“We’ve got lots of assets at our disposal. Some of them will be non-starters with me and some of them certainly will be in play,” said Cheveldayoff. “That will be for me and the GM on the other side of the phone to discuss.”
They aren’t likely wanting to deal Kyle Connor, Jack Roslovic, and Kristian Vesalainen.
The Jets will have about $5.6 million in cap space, but they are on pace for about $4.6 million bonus overages. That would give about $1 million in salary cap space or a $2.6 million player at the deadline.
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: The Jets have a lot of prospects and all of their draft picks, and could add a piece or two. Some of their prospects are off limits though.
“We have assets within the organization that we’re willing to use and we have assets within the organization that I will not use,” Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff told The Athletic on Monday evening. “That’s just the simple truth. If a team wants to use something that I will not use, then I won’t have a deal in place. But if it fits both ways, then maybe a deal comes into place. At the end of the day, it’s not about not wanting to spend assets.’’
What could see the Jets looking to add at the right price: A top-six forward that has playoff experience, a bottom-six forward with ‘jam,’ and a left-handed defenseman.
Names that have been speculated include Derick Brassard, Patrick Maroon and Rick Nash.