The Jets finished their three-game road trip on Saturday night against the Lightning in a 4-3 OT loss. The team rebounded in a figurative sense compared to their previous two games, both lop-sided losses to Detroit and Florida. It was a good effort and getting the single point can be seen as a small victory but again questions linger after this stretch.

1. Is this stretch simply that, a series of three games where the team simply did not have it's mojo? There's reason to believe that but to confirm that belief the next series of games has to prove this past three was an anomaly.

2. After the first two losses Paul Maurice emphasized the commitment to defence and the adherence to the system the Jets play. Certainly that is an important part of any tactical effort but does it help with fixing what is a problem for the Jets, low event hockey?

3. Dustin Byfuglien left the game against Tampa and did not return. Suspected lower body injury and no update yet. If Buff is out for the game tonight it makes sense that Tucker Poolman slots in but would he move up with Morrissey? There could be some shuffling within the defence.

4. While Andrew Copp scored on Saturday is there reason to think about adjusting that line? The same could be said about the second line too. While there is some success does diversifying the middle six present an opportunity to improve the team?

5. The goal rush of the fourth line appears to have dried up, and if there is reason to shake up the middle six why not the bottom three? Matt Hendricks, while valuable and likeable is also called on for larger minutes while Marko Dano sits and watches. It seems a bit of a waste and adherence to something that may have run it's course. Giving Hendricks a few games rest might give the 36 year-old a much needed rest during this grind for the month of December.


Yesterday Michael Hutchinson was pulled from the lineup of the Manitoba Moose and Philips stepped in to play while the team used an emergency call up from the University of Manitoba Bisons. Immediately speculation ran wild about a possible trade but it was revealed that Hutchinson 'tweaked' something during the shootout the previous game. There certainly ins reason to believe that something was up with a possible trade given Hutch's numbers, and various teams needing goaltending. In this case it was not to be but that does not mean the former Jets goalie won't be moved in the future.

Speaking of trade rumours there are some concerning Jets defence man Jacob Trouba, again. At this time it is not known if the player wants to stay in Winnipeg but he is prepared to keep playing his current role even if it means sacrificing points and personal success. Two sources have presented information that suggests two things are happening behind the scenes with Trouba, his agent and the team.

1- Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is working to make a long-term offer to Trouba to keep him, obviously something that makes logical sense.

2. Cheveldayoff is preparing contingency plans to trade Trouba in the event that no deal can be made. Again a logical decisions given that after this season Trouba has far more control, in his contract as he can play two more years and be a UFA thus decreasing his trade value for the Jets.
b) One source has explained that Trouba has politely told Jets management and ownership that he would like to be elsewhere regardless of money offered.

So let's use this as a segue to the Erik Karlsson news that he may have been asked to present his ten team no-trade list. If, and obviously it's a big 'if', the Jets were to make the cut would they try and make the deal?

Playing armchair GM here's what could be offered: Trouba, Little, prospect and 1-2 draft picks.

Trouba is obviously the carrot here but his inclusion in any deal would be contingent on wanting to be in the city and signing a deal. The Jets would have to trade Little soon if his contract permitted 14 team no-trade list allowed it. Next season it is a full NMC. The likelihood of Little being moved is slim too as it sets a bad precedent to sign a player and then move him when the contract was negotiated under different conditions. Again, armchair GMs are just having fun with guessing and at this point that's all anyone should do?

The other question regarding any Karlsson trade is what has been mandated by ownership for a return, salary stability or cheaper options to reset the franchise? The Jets have prospects but would giving up a Jack Roslovic or Mason Appleton or anyone else be something they would be willing to do to take on Karlsson and his soon-to-be huge contract?

The Jets host the Canucks tonight at Bell MTS Centre. The visitors are coming off a 4-2 loss to Calgary and are without their most diverse player Bo Horvat. The interesting part is former UND team mates Tucker Poolman and Brock Boeser (a leading Calder candidate) could play each other. The Canucks like the Jets, just above .500 in their last 10 games, are looking to get back on track to a series of wins. However, for the home team this game marks the first of five against Western Conference teams with the next four against Central Division opposition.

As of this writing there is no update on Steve Mason's status regarding his return.

Patrik Laine has 15 goals this season and leads the league with 9 on the PP. Of the top 20 goal scorers in the league only Brock Boeser averages less ice time per game 16:09/16:27

There is only one Jets player in the top 30 for TOI per game- Byfuglien at 23:40 per game. That's down by 4 minutes per game as Buff was tops in the league last season.

Join the Discussion: » 71 Comments » Post New Comment

» Who are the Jets and time for me to let go...

» Jets bet Oilers in scoreless but exciting game.

» Digestion Problems: Jets edition

» Laine shines in 5-2 win over Wild

» Hellebuyck, Laine and Defense shine in 4-1 win over Penguins