It's almost like Ground Hog Day for the Winnipeg Jets today as the status of Perreault was revealed as a significant lower body injury that will keep him out until the end of the season. Last year, but much closer to the trade deadline, Mark Scheifele was injured and the Jets playoff hopes took a nose dive as the team could not compensate for the loss of the rookie.
Now, with more time, more assets and more pressure than ever fans will learn how much the Jets and GM Kevin Cheveldayoff want to make the post season.
Karl Klingberg has been recalled and will meet the team in Washington. Maurce has said 'he's playing the best in St. John's as far as he knows' and for many it's high time the forward got a shot with the big club.
The other news is Drew Stafford is day-to-day and Dustin Byfuglien will move up to forward will help out while Perreault, Stafford and utility winger Matt Halischuk are away from the ice. Dustin Byfuglien's agent must be licking his chops each time this happens.
But what about Chevy- what can he do?
Losing Perreault is almost as bad as it gets for Winnipeg and there is no definitive option to replace him that seems readily available.
Below is a table showing Perreault's value in terms of play:
Here are some obvious and speculated options:
Winnik
Stalberg
Tlusty
Bergenheim
While none of the players listed above come close to what Perreault brings to the Jets they do mimic his contributions. The issue becomes whether or not Chevy wants a rental such as Tlusty which will cost more or a player with term such as Stalberg.
While I doubt Stalberg who has been a healthy scratch and recently spent time in the AHL is considered an option he could be an interesting fit if Nashville were to eat some significant salary.
The likely target is Winnik and if Dave Nonis is smart he creates a bidding war for one of his few easily tradable assets. Winnik could fetch a 2nd rounder or more and if Chevy has no intention of keeping him beyond this season is he worth the price?
That's the thing with the Jets and as one person reminded me today the Jets are not simply looking to get to the playoffs, they want to stay there when the do make it. Has that opinion changed, we're going to find out. If it hasn't expect Chevy to do some big game hunting sooner than later, at least this time he has the depth and assets to make the right kind of deal.