Post by NHLJets2point0 on Sept 5, 2012 22:40:19 GMT -5
Lukas Sutter
The Winnipeg Jets have made some moves over the summer, and are attempting to make others, which should help to solidify the core of the team five years from now.
This doesn't necessarily mean they should be satisfied with what they have built thus far. What it does mean is that the pieces are starting to come together in the setting of a foundation for a competitive team.
The Jets signed their number one goalie, Ondrej Pavelec, to a five-year $19.5 million deal, ensuring stability in goal as the team develops. This would be assuming Pavelec can avoid any trouble in the future by learning a lesson from his DUI at home in Czechoslovakia this summer.
They followed that up with the signing of their talented offensive defenseman, Toby Enstrom to a long-term deal (thru 2018-19) in July.
They are currently in negotiations with winger Evander Kane in the hopes of locking him up in advance of becoming a restricted free agent after this coming season. Kane has stated again and again that he has not requested a trade and has no wish to go elsewhere. Good news. Kane will be a huge piece for any Winnipeg Jets team hoping to make strides come playoff time.
This year's 1st rounder, Lukas Sutter comes from a great pedigree (yes, those Sutters), has lots of size and grit and showed a lot of improvement this past season playing for the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL. He also had an impactful tournament in the Canada-Russia challenge in August.
In addition, last year's 1st round draft choice Mark Scheifele, has made strides in junior and should fill an important spot at centre this coming year or the next. Also, signing Andrew Ladd long-term should continue to provide some continuity and strong leadership for years.
GM Kevin Cheveldayoff should probably look sign to Zach Bogosian and Blake Wheeler since both will become restricted free agents after the coming season. Bogosian would anchor the defense for several years to come, while Wheeler, who took a big step forward last year, will be a key offensive piece and an important leader the next several seasons.
Not enough to challenge for the Stanley Cup yet, but a good start. Given the Jets have plenty of cap space, look for them to go the free agency road to search for additional pieces to build a cup contending team.
thehockeywriters.com/jets-forming-teams-core-for-2017/
