Update at 2:48pm ET: The Chicago Blackhawks investigation on the Brad Aldrich sexual harrassment case has been made public.
On July 22nd, 2021, Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff released the following statements:
"I had no knowledge of any allegations involving Mr. Aldrich until asked if I was aware of anything just prior to the conclusion of his employment with the Chicago Blackhawks." followed by "After confirming that I had no prior knowledge of anything, I had no further involvement. As this is a legal matter before the courts, I will not be making any further comment."
The report released today, resulting in Stan Bowman "stepping aside" as Blackhawks General Manager, confirms that Kevin Cheveldayoff was, in fact, aware of the situation, along with a handful of other names around the league. This is a developing story, and when there is more information I will be releasing an article specifically looking at this.
The Winnipeg Jets are back in action Tuesday night against the Anaheim Ducks. After dropping the first game against the Ducks 4-1, the Jets were able to find their way and defeat them for their first win of the season, 5-1, just 5 days ago. It is somewhat odd to see these two teams play three times in the first 13 days of the season, but the red-hot Kyle Connor will look to put up some big numbers yet again.
Kyle Connor currently sits tied for fourth in league scoring, with 6G, 3A, for a total of 9 points in just 5 games. His performance last week earned him first star of the week with 5 goals and 3 assists. The offensive performance from this team has been nothing short of stellar. Scoring 19 goals in their past four games, the Jets are also carrying an average of 4 goals per game, which is eighth best in the league as it stands. Some of this comes from Pierre-Luc Dubois shooting at 50%, scoring 4 goals on 8 shots so far this season, and the defenseman putting up lots of points as well. With only 8 different players netting a goal so far, the Jets will look for some more depth scoring in the absence of Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler, who are still in the NHL's COVID Protocol.
Another side to this offensive story is Nikolaj Ehlers. The 25 year old winger. coming off of a season in which he was just shy of a point-per-game, has only put up one assist in the first 5 games. Ehlers hasn't looked out of place by any means, but is struggling to put up some points. With the Connor-Dubois-Svechnikov line hot right now, I would expect Ehlers to slot in the LW on the top line alongside Scheifele and Wheeler when they are ready to return. An interesting option, as pointed out by a decent amount of people, is that Head Coach Paul Maurice should have Blake Wheeler on the third line and have a player like Copp, who is having some early season success, on that line. I do think that a change-up like that could add a lot of benefits to the team, I don't see Paul Maurice being too keen on putting Wheeler down the lineup.
On the back end, Nate Schmidt is tied for second on the team in points with Pierre-Luc Dubois, at 6 points. Schmidt has been a pleasent surprise offensively and alongside Josh Morrissey, they have been quite the pair. While not being incredibly responsible defensively, the top pair is getting the job done. Notably, Josh Morrissey currently sits third in the league among defensman in the +/- category at a +7. A very good start to Morrissey's season, as last year was very shaky, and although +/- isn't the most telling statistic, when a player stands out in it, one either end, it gives some insight on how he is playing.
October 26th/Game 6 Projected Lineup
Though nothing has been confirmed, and this is subject to change, I can't see Paul MAurice making much for changes in the lineup following last game.
Stasny-Copp-Ehlers Connor-Dubois-Svechnikov Harkins-Lowry-Vesalainen Toninato-Nash
Morrissey-Schmidt Dillon-Pionk Stanley-Demelo Beaulieu
As for the crease, I would expect Eric Comrie to start one of the games on this 3-game California road trip. I expect Connor Hellebuyck to get the nod to start thhings off in Anaheim after a couple days off.
I have to wonder what the plan is for Cole Perfetti. He has shown he is a capable NHL player, and many have the mindset of "Any NHL experience is a positive in his development, even if it is on the fourth line", while many others think he should be getting top-line minutes for the Manitoba Moose. While I think both situations have their benefits, having him watch from the press-box isn't going to help him. Look to see a decision made after this road trip on more of a plan set in stone for him. If the team feels 11F/7D is working, which it has been on the win column, and with the two stars returning from COVID Protocol, there is sure to be lineup changes.
Let me know what you would like to see when they return, as well as how we are feeling now that the Jets have gained some traction after dropping their first three games. Will Kyle Connor stay hot for a long period? When will Pierre-Luc Dubois shoot at a human-level percentage? Will Cole Perfetti be stuck in the press-box long-term? all questions we will look to get answered in California.
Thank you for reading, and make sure to discuss lots in the comments! I will be active in there until this evening, and will have a look at the rest tomorrow.
Follow me on Twitter @JacobBillingt10, and I will give you a follow as well, as I am looking for some more Jets content daily!
By Jacob Billington