New Jets Logo Revealed

After a long and much anticipated wait, TNSE finally revealed the brand new logo and colours for the Winnipeg Jets this week. Mark Chipman promised change and did just that! A welcome change from the sometimes too busy text and plane logos of the past, TNSE has gone with a new simple and patriotic look.

The new symbol of hockey in Manitoba is based off the logo for the Royal Canadian Air Force which happens to have a base in Winnipeg (17 Wing). The RFAC logo features a red maple leaf enclosed with a blue circle. TNSE has used that base and stylized the maple leaf while inserting the Canadian air force’s fighter jet the F 18 Hornet in the middle of the maple leaf. The jet wings, nose, and tail form part of the leaf itself. There are a few other hidden things in this logo. The north compass on the top is the symbol of True North Sports and Entertainment. The bottom of the maple leaf is to interpret the fire coming out of the back of a jet.  The final is actually fairly obvious; the jet is centered over the maple leaf to show how Winnipeg is the centre of Canada!

The secondary logo which will be on the shoulders of the jersey features two crossed hockey sticks with the wings pin those in the air force get when officially making it in to the air force. The same stylized maple leaf on the primary logo is centered over the wings. The word mark Winnipeg Jets is also featured on the top and then bottom of this logo. Speaking of word marks, there is a third logo that is a complete word mark which to me seems like a throwback to the three logos used by the original Winnipeg Jets clubs.

One thing to remember about the simple look is most of the league’s most iconic logos are quite simple and are very to the point while also showing some sort of behind the name or city. It is my opinion that at this point the new logo is among the best in the league and time will be seen in the same light as Montreal, Toronto, Boston, and Detroit.

* pictures of the logos are those featured on winnipegjets.com

Jets deal not a Fehr one for Caps

The Winnipeg Jets continued to add to their roster this weekend by making a pair of deals. The first deal saw the Jets sending RW Danick Paquette and a 2012 4^th round draft pick to the Washington Capitals for RW Eric Fehr.  Fehr is a former first round pick, selected 18^th overall in 2003 by the Washington Capitals. He is coming off an injury plagued season where he only appeared in 52 games scoring only 10 goals. It wasn’t the follow up to his 21 goal 39 point break out 2009 season that Fehr may have wanted. His best game last year came in the Winter Classic where he scored two goals including the game winner in Pittsburgh against the Pens.

Eric Fehr has the potential to become a very good second line winger which begs the question, why would the Caps take a fringe prospect and a 4^th round pick who may never see a day in the NHL for Fehr? The answer is simple, the salary cap! Washington added a few fresh faces this month in free agency and was pushed over the 64.3 million dollar limit. While teams stocked up on day one of free agency the Jets sat back and waited. There were those who questioned this plan but it’s very obvious to see what TNSE has meant all along with their quiet approach.  Teams are forced to sell low and guys that get lost in the shuffle such as Fehr can be had for less than market value. In other words, no overpayments here on Winnipeg’s side! The only team that has the potential to lose in this deal is Washington. If Fehr becomes the consistent 25 goal scorer and Washington’s secondary scoring struggles then it is pure win for the Jets. Should Fehr miss a ton of time with injury or never get his scoring touch back then it’s a one year experiment and we move on.  With all the depth featured up front in Washington’s lineup, Fehr wasn’t ever given a shot to show what he can do with top minutes. You can bet Winnipeg will give him every opportunity to play top minutes and seize his top 6 spot. This deal also shows the naysayers that digging in to free agency July 1st isn’t the only way to acquire new talent.

Second Trade:

The Jets made a second deal this weekend sending C Angelo Esposito to Florida for LW Kenndal McArdle. This deal saw a pair of former 20^th overall first round selections swapped for each other in a deal that offers both a fresh start. Esposito was once touted as a top 3 prospect for the 2007 draft however, his stock seemed to plummet and he dropped to the end of the first round. He then started experiencing injury issues that limited him to 35 games during his final QMJHL season. Despite the lack of games Esposito still put up 42 points but the injuries didn’t end there. Esposito has only played 69 games over the last two seasons due to serious knee injuries. In Kenndal McArdle the Jets pick up another rugged grinding winger. McArdle is described as a player who shows a lot of heart and leaves it all on the ice. While he doesn’t fair to well in fights he will still drop the gloves to try and gain some momentum for his team. Last season was his best season as he scored 14 goals and 26 points and 106 penalty minutes for the Rochester Americans of the AHL. He has played a total of 33 NHL games scoring one goal and only three points. McArdle will most likely spend most of this season with St. John’s in the AHL but could develop into a decent 3^rd or 4^th line energy player.

Message to Jets fans . . . CHILL!!!!

Free agency is only in its third day and some Jets fans are already up in arms as to why we haven’t signed any “big names” yet. I’m here to tell you to sit back, crack open a beer, and CHILL! Those that boycotted the AHL should need to understand how TNSE runs their hockey team. Bringing in just anybody will not happen! In the past, they have turned down NHL players such as Sean Avery, Nathan Paetsch, and Andrew Peters due to character issues. There was once an old story that goes back to the old IHL days when Keith Tkachuk was in a contract holdout with the Phoenix Coyotes. He showed up to the old Winnipeg Arena during Moose training camp and asked to join the team while he was holding out and was told no! Now while I don’t know the exact details, it is apparent and has been from the beginning on how Mark Chipman runs his business.

One can only look at the overpaid deals signed this weekend and can tell why we didn’t bring anybody in. Ask yourself; is Joel Ward really worth $12 million over 4 years? Does Maxime Talbot deserve a 5 year contract? Are these players any better than Rick Rypien in playing the 3^rd/fourth line grinder role TNSE would ask them to play? These questions can be disputed but the fact is players will not be overpaid by this management! Guys who just want to collect a pay check and spend their time partying are not the type Jets management want. As evidence to this look no further than the Jets first draft pick Mark Schiefele. From the TSN interview alone, you can tell this kid has great character, is willing to work hard, and is well educated on the city itself.

Great character, hard working, and leadership is what will mould this team in the present and the future. The casual fan will look at these and ask what the plan is or if there is even a plan. Its not that hard to look at this and realize what the plan is, build right from the bottom up. A competitive AHL team and depth will only lead to wins. Our prospects learning to win at the AHL level will bring that experience to the big club and in turn later mentor the new crop of players. Need more evidence? Well look no further than the Vancouver Canucks. Their Stanley Cup roster featured many former Moose (Schneider, Bieksa, Edler, Rome, Tanev, Kesler, Burrows, Raymond, Hanson, Hodgson, Tambellini, and Bolduc) and that’s not counting the few others who were called up during the season. Still need more evidence? Well Burrows wasn’t on any NHL team’s radar and twice tried to make the Moose before finally getting on fulltime and then earning his AHL deal. Alex Bolduc was a late round draft of the Blues who wasn’t signed, not re-drafted, and went all the way back to the ECHL before netting himself a deal with the Moose and then Canucks.

So people CHILL!!!! This team has done very well to develop NHL ready players, develop a winning environment, and surround the younger players with the right leaders and character guys to be successful. Be patient because mark my words in time all will see just how great a job the Jets have done on team development and using cap management to keep or bring in the right pieces to build a winner.

Jets sign Jones, Rypien, and Flood

The Winnipeg Jets continued to add to their depth today by signing NHL veteran defenseman Randy Jones, former Vancouver Canuck and Manitoba Moose forward Rick Rypien and former Moose defenseman Mark Flood to 1 year contracts.

Randy Jones becomes only the third member of this roster at 30 years old and over (Turns 30 on July 23). He will be relied upon to provide a veteran presence on the team both on and off the ice.  He has spent 7 years in the NHL with Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and last season with Tampa Bay. While he isn’t an offensive defenseman, Jones is a steady stay at home player who will top out as a #6/#7 guy on the team. His best season offensively came in 07/08 with the Flyers were he scored a career high 5 goals and 31 points in a career high 71 games played.

Forward Rick Rypien returns to the ownership group that gave him his first pro contract. Originally an undrafted forward out of the Regina Pats, Rypien came to the Manitoba Moose in 04/05 and instantly became a fan favourite. Not too long into the next hockey season he was signed to his first NHL deal with Vancouver and later made his NHL debut scoring a goal in 5 NHL games that season. Although multiple injuries and than a personal issue has slowed Rypien during his career there is no doubt that when he is on his game he is one of the top grinders/enforcers in the league. At onle 5’10 190lbs he plays bigger than his size not only fighting but hitting guys twice his size every night. He has been a character guy and brought a lot of leadership to the Moose at the end of last season even finishing the playoffs as an assistant coach after he injured his knee. He possesses a ton of speed which happens to be a skill of his that is overlooked by most. There is no doubt that Rypien brings it every shift and will become a fan favourite among Winnipegers for his blue collar style of play.  Rypien can play both centre and right wing and you can look for him to find a home on Winnipeg’s 4^th line opening day.

For those who didn’t watch the Moose last season, they may wonder who or why Mark Flood was signed but for those that did, they will applaud him being brought in. Flood was named the Moose top defenseman during the year end awards and he scored 11 goals and 40 total points last season. On most nights Flood wasn’t only the best defenseman but the best play on the ice. He brings a smooth game to the backend and is a great puck mover. This signing is a depth signing as he should be the go to guy for the power play and penalty kill in St. John’s but don’t be surprised to see him get a call up. While he may not be projected to be a top 4 guy in the NHL he could develop into a decent bottom pairing/power play guy.

Jets sign Glass, Meech, and Gagnon

Just as was promised the Jets were very quiet for the opening day of free agency. Signing today were defenseman and Winnipeger Derek Meech, winger Tanner Glass, and centre Aaron Gagnon. True North has continues to bring in familiar faces into their organization as all three have made a stop through MTS Centre over the last few seasons in the AHL.

Derek Meech is a former 2002 7th round draft pick of the Red Wings who spent all of last season playing for Grand Rapids of the AHL. In four complete seasons in the AHL, Meech has been able to score 27 goals and 102 pts in 304 games. Meech hasn't yet been able to translate his success to the NHL as he only has 126 career NHL games and 16 career points. With Arturs Kulda, Paul Postma, and Brett Festerling already in house competing for one open spot on D, Meech will be in tough to make this team. With that said, he will provide St. John's with a vet D, a leader, and one who is capable of producing at that level.

Tanner Glass is a pure bruiser. He isn't one to shy away from throwing a hit or two every shift or drop the gloves. Glass will spend most shifts on defensive zone faceoffs or the penalty kill. The knock on his game is the offense hasn't come around scoring only 7 times in the last two seasons with Vancouver. Glass should compete for the fourth line left wing spot and will most likely play on a line with Jim Slater and Chris Thorburn.

Aaron Gagnon is a defensive centre who hasnt been able to crack the NHL full time yet. Gagnon got into 19 games with the Dallas stars last season scoring only 2 assists. This signing, like the Meech signing, seems to be more for depth. Gagnon has scored 41 goals and added 54 assists the last two seasons for the Texas Stars of the AHL and thus should compete for the #1 centre job for St. John's.

Offseason Preview!

And here it is, first major post and it comes as the most important part of the offseason begins this Friday, the free agency period! So this contains a roster breakdown of what the Jets have and it is followed by what I believe to be realistic targets for us this offseason.
I should note that I havent included any of the 7 players drafted at the entry draft last week, I used a previous top 20 for the prospect rankings I have.

Goalies:

NHL

Stater:  Ondrej Pavelec

Backup:  Chris Mason

Minor League Prospects

Peter Mannino

Edward Pasquale

Chris Carrozzi

Top Prospect Goalies

Alex Kangas (15), Edward pasquale (16), Fredrik Pettersson-Wentzel (20)

Restricted Free Agents: None

Unrestricted Free Agents: None

Kevin’s Analysis:

Goaltending could very well be considered solid going into next season. Ondrej Pavelec is one of the top young goalies in the NHL today. He has played in several international tournaments as well as staring in the AHL for a couple seasons with the Chicago Wolves before making the jump fulltime last season. Pavelec’s improved play and overall talent was the reason the Thrashers dealt former first round pick (2^nd overall) Kari Lehtonen away. Despite suffering a bit of a health setback during the first game last year, Pavelec finished strong with 21 wins, 4 shutouts in 58 games. Chris Mason provides solid injury insurance as a backup and a capable #1a type guy. He had previous stints as a starter with St. Louis and Nashville in previous seasons. He has recorded 30, 27, and 24 win seasons during his NHL career. Peter Mannino and Edward Pasquale were the duo for AHL Chicago last season and should be for the Moose (where ever TNSE relocates them) next season. In fact, Pasquale got off to a blazing start before cooling off mid way through his rookie season. While neither goalie is considered a top prospect, they should be able to carry a spot start should injuries occur to either Pavelec or Mason

Kevin’s Goaltending Grade: B+

Defensemen:

NHL

1^st Pair: Dustin Byfuglien – Tobias Enstrom

2^nd Pair: Mark Stuart – Ron Hainsey

3^rd Pair: Zach Bogosian - Johnny Oduya

Extra D: Arturs Kulda

Minor League Prospects

Paul Postma

Brett Festerling

Ben Chairot

Zach Redmond

Cody Sol

Top Prospect Defensemen:

Paul Postma (4) , Arturs Kulda (5) , Julian Melchiori (9) , Zach Redmond (11)

Restricted Free Agents: Zach Bogosian, Arturs Kulda, Brett Festerling

Unrestricted Free Agents: Noah Welch

Kevin’s Analysis:

The Thrashers have one of the deepest blue line cores in the NHL. On any given shift they can employ a scorer like Byfuglien and Enstrom or a physical player like Bogosian or Stuart. Infact, one can argue either of those four and Ron Hainsey could be a top two D on some NHL teams.  Buff had a career season with the Thrashers last year coming off his Cup win with the Hawks. It isn’t very hard to see him as a consistent 45-50 point guy and power play qb for seasons to come (signed through the next four years). Coupled with Enstrom’s 30-35 pts and if Bogosian can reach his potential and score 30 pts a season this group could be deadly. Ron Hainsey, Mark Stuart, Johnny Oduya, and Arturs Kulda are more stay at home physical stypes with both Hainsey and Stuart being former 1^st round draft picks. As far as prospects go, Paul Postma is a former junior star who after two seasons of AHL hockey is coming into his own and could possibly be an NHL regular by the end of next season.

Kevin’s Grade: A-

Forwards:

Centre:

NHL

Evander Kane

Alexander Burmistrov

Bryan Little

Nik Antropov

Rob Schremp

Jim Slater

Patrice Cormier

Tim Stapleton

Minor League Prospects

Ben Maxwell

Eric O’Dell

Angelo Esposito

Top Prospect Centres:

Patrice Cormier (2), Ivan Telegin (6), Eric O’Dell (7), Daulton Leveille (8), Angelo Esposito (13), John Albert (17)

Restricted Free Agents: Ben Maxwell

Unrestricted Free Agents: Robbie Schremp

Kevin’s Analysis:

The Thrashers have done a great job drafting and bringing in depth up the middle. Drafting guys like Kane, Burmistrov, Little, and Slater all in the 1^st round picks over the years. Nik Antropov was signed two seasons ago and after having a career year his first year, he slipped big time last season scoring less than 20 goals for the first time since 06/07. I would say he is the top trade candidate on this team but with the cash and years remaining, this organization is going to have to hope he can return to his 20 goal 67 point form. The Wild card here is former Edmonton first rounder Rob Schremp. He has struggled to find his stride but seemed to come alive at the end of last season. The guy has some of the best puck handling skills in the league but at this point is still looking for the finish that could propel him to the next level.  Jim Slater and Patrice Cormier are two physical centres. Look for Jim Slater to quickly become a fan favourite with his gritty style of play. Cormier always plays with a chip on his shoulder and also has some offensive upside.  Don’t be surprised with all the depth at centre that a couple players shift to the wing. Eric O’Dell is entering his first year pro after being a monster in the OHL Angelo Esposito who was once thought as a first overall pick is looking to rebound from 3 straight injury plagued seasons that have stalled his once promising future.

Kevin’s Grade: A+

Leftwing:

NHL

Andrew Ladd

Minor League Prospects

Carl Klingberg

Fredrik Pettersson

Riley Holzapfel

Andrew Kozek

Michael Forney

Top Leftwing Prospects: Carl Klingberg (1), Jordan Samuels-Thomas (12), Fredrik Pettersson (18)

Restricted Free Agents: Andrew Ladd, Riley Holzapfel

Unrestricted Free Agents: Andrew Kozek

Kevin’s Analysis:

Team Captain Andrew Ladd is the only big name on the left side. Ladd is only 26 and yet has already won 2 Stanley Cups and has been part of championship Canada Junior teams! While he hass more of a gritty style of play, Ladd does have an offensive side. With the lack of depth on the wing there will be pressure for him to score and score lots! Top prospect Carl Klingberg will be entering his first full season in North America. Klingberg came over at the end of last season and played a couple games with the AHL Wolves before playing his first NHL contest during the final Thrashers game. Klingberg has shown to be a dynamic player over in Sweden but at this point it remains to be seen if he can translate his game to the North American style.

Kevin’s Grade: C

Rightwing:

NHL

Blake Wheeler

Anthony Stewart

Chris Thorburn

Spencer Machacek

Minor League Prospects

Akim Aliu

Danick Paquette

Ian MacKenzie

Top Rightwing Prospects: Spencer Machacek (3), Vinny Saponari (10), Akim Aliu (14), Danick Paquette (19)

Restricted Free Agents: Blake Wheeler, Spencer Machacek

Unrestricted Free Agents: Anthony Stewart, Radek Dvorak, Eric Boulton, Akim Aliu, Ian MacKenzie

Kevin’s Analysis:

The right side is a mix of toughness, grit, and skill. Blake Wheeler has never scored less than 18 goals in his 3 NHL seasons and has topped 40 pts twice! Chris Thorburn won the unsung player award for the Thrashers last season. Thorbun is a warrior, will kill penalties and drop the gloves. He will be another candidate for fan fave in Winnipeg! Number three prospect Spencer Machacek will look to finally crack an NHL lineup full time next season.  Anthony Stewart and former first rounder of the Panthers had a breakout season last year with 39 points will look to build on his success.  He wasn’t tendered a qualifying offer and will be an UFA on July 1^st so it will be interesting to see if Winnipeg re-signs him for the same salary he had this season.

Kevin’s Grade:  B-

Forward Lines:

Kane – Little – Stewart

Ladd – Cormier – Wheeler

Schremp – Burmistrov - Antropov

Machacek – Slater – Thorburn

Stapleton

Possible Offseason pick-ups

TNSE has shown in the past they are only interested in players who show great character and work very hard for everything they have. With that in mind, I can say at this point the big name free agent isn’t an option at this point (this has been stated by the team as well) but what we can look forward to, are hard working players with strong leadership ability and work ethic! Another trait we may see are guys who have paid their dues in the lower minor leagues like the AHL. With that in mind, here are a few possible players that may be looked at . . .

C Maxime Talbot, Free Agent Pittsburgh.

This guy just has all the tools of the type of player TNSE wants to bring in. Talbot brings it every shift.  He does have some offensive skill but is more effective on the defensive side of the ice. People cannot forget his performance during the Pens cup run a couple seasons ago as he was arguably one of their most valuable players during the playoffs.

C Tim Connolly, Free Agent Buffalo

Connolly has been hampered by concussion problems during his tenure with Buffalo. However, when he has been in the line up his offensive game has finally come around. He set his career high in points two seasons ago with 65 and his career high 18 goals came in 2008/2009. A change of scenery could do him good and he will come cheap as most teams may shy from committing to a guy with a history of injuries.

C Tyler Kennedy, Free Agent Pittsburgh

Kennedy was one of the shocking non tenders this week in the NHL. It’s obvious the Pens don’t want to get into an arbitration battle with him however if no deal is signed by July 1^st he is on the open market and what a pickup he would be! While the Pens had their injury issues last season Kennedy flourished scoring a career high 21 goals and 45 points. Kennedy is more of the unsung hero type of hockey players.

RW Rick Rypien, Free Agent Vancouver

An undrafted forward found by Moose GM Craig Heisinger turned NHL agitator it is hard to see how this organization will pass up a chance to sign him. Personal issues aside, the guy is a leader and hits everything in his sight. Rypien is the ultimate energy winger and if he can put together a full NHL season he will surprise. TNSE has shown a soft side to his situation by allowing him to finish this past season with the Moose after dealing with his personal issues.

RW Tomas Fleischmann, Free Agent Colorado

After scoring 23 goals and 51 points in 2009/2010, Fleischmann was slowed down big time but injuries and illness last season. There is no doubt the former 2^nd round pick of the Red Wings has a lot of talent and scoring punch to give. His numbers during his 3 full AHL seasons and two full NHL seasons prove as much. He has 159 career points in 305 career NHL games with Washington and Colorado. Fleischmann should come cheap as he is looking for a rebound year.

LW Sean Bergenheim, Free Agent Tampa Bay

Bergenheim was arguably the most noticeable player during the playoffs for the Lightning. A change of scenery did this former 1^st round pick good this season as he enjoyed a career high 29 points and solidified himself as a solid two way player.

C Zenon Konopka, Free Agent New York Islanders

This guy was the heart and soul of the rejuvenated Islanders team last season. Konopka was the leader on and off the ice and even switch the team’s long standing goal scoring song to help inflict change on the Island. He is one tough customer and will always come to the aid of other teammates. While he lacks most hockey skills, he was near the top in the league in faceoff wins and is a mainstay on the penalty kill. He was highly sought after at the trade deadline but wasn’t moved since the Islanders didn’t get the return they felt was worth Konopka.

RW Boyd Gordon, Free Agent Washington

Gordon really hasn’t ever found his offensive stride in the NHL that he had in junior or the AHL but has seemed to find a niche as a 3^rd line energy/penalty kill guy. However one may argue that being stuck behind the likes of Ovechkin/Backstrom/Semin/Knuble/Laich in Washington may kill production and icetime all together. A change of scenery could bring back the offensive touch and couple with the defensive game Gordon could be a big player here. At 6 feet 200 he is already bigger than most of the forwards on this team.

RW Byron Bitz, Free Agent Florida

Bitz is a big body at 6’03 200lbs and that’s something that is missing in the current lineup. Prior to last season, Boston relied on Bitz as an energy player and he didn’t disappoint throwing the body around and putting the pressure on other team’s top lines. Bitz had his season cut short to 7 games last year due to injury.

RW Joel Ward, Free Agent Nashville

This guy knows how to bring it! This is the best I can describe his style. Ward was one of the more noticeable players for the Predators this past season.  Another player willing to do what it takes to keep the puck out of the defensive zone and agitate the opposition. Ward is an undrafted player who worked his way up from Canadian University to the AHL and finally NHL.

RW Sergei Shirokov, Free Agent Vancouver

Shirokov has been the Moose leading scorer the last two seasons. The one thing that sticks out the most from him is his on ice vision! This guy seems to see plays develop before they happen and this is shown by his ability to stickhandle passed the opposition. While he isn’t very fast, he has improved his overall hustle during the last two years. His defensive game also came around this season after working with Claude Noel. Given Winnipeg’s thin right side, he is a great option to be brought in and compete for a fulltime spot which isn’t that far away for him. Shirokov did state that he loved it here and would play here for the NHL team if they wanted him when he was asked about fellow Russian Ilya Bryzgalov’s comments about the city.

C Andrew Murray, Free Agent Columbus

Andrew Murray is a hometown boy who is best known for his defensive play. Murray has been used in a shut down/penalty roll with Columbus the last few seasons. At worst he would become a go to guy for AHL St. John’s and help bring up the prospects.

Minor league depth:

LW Jason Jaffray, C Marco Rosa, D Mark Flood, RW Guillaume Desbiens, C Garth Murray, RW Kevin Clark

Current Moose players all on the free agent market that have been favourites of this organization. As the Canucks have learnt, a winning environment created by TNSE for their AHL team creates NHL success so we know that TNSE will run the Moose (where ever they play) the same way! Jaffray is arguably the top forward to ever wear a Moose jersey and is a point per game player at the AHL level. Marco Rosa is becoming a very reliable AHL vet and was the top forward during the playoffs. Desbiens brings it every shift and is a serviceable injury plug in at the NHL level. Mark Flood deserves an NHL shot after back to back big AHL years. Garth Murray adds vet leadership and a few seasons on NHL experience while Kevin Clark despite being only 5’10 150lbs throws the big hit every night and has some offensive skill at the AHL level.

D Lee Sweatt, Free Agent Vancouver

Sweatt is a pure power play specialist. He is very undersized as far as NHL defensemen go, but he possesses some offensive potential and did show it with the Canucks scoring in his first NHL game this season and with the Moose. He could lead an AHL blue line in overall points during a full season which he unfortunately didn’t get last year. His season came to an end after breaking his leg during practise during his call-up to Vancouver.

D Brian Connelly, Free Agent Chicago

Connelly is a bit under-sized for a defenseman at 5’11 185, but one cannot argue against his offensive skill he has shown over the last 2 seasons in the AHL. Last season alone Connelly scored 11 goals and finished with 52 points for Rockford.  He may need to work on the defensive side of the game but at 25 years old and Claude Noel coaching a defensive first style there is some time to improve on that.

LW Alexandre Giroux, Free Agent Edmonton

Giroux has been one of the top 3 players in the AHL over the last few seasons. There isn’t any better way to develop prospects than to add the top AHL goal scorer and multi time champion to the mix. TNSE had tried to bring Giroux to the Moose in previous off seasons.

G Brad Thiessen, Free Agent Pittsburgh

Thiessen is the reigning AHL goalie of the year. Thiessen was a beast last season going 35-8-1 with a 1.94 goals against average and 7 shutouts. The cupboard is pretty bare goaltending wise and Thiessen would be an excellent addition.

G Cedric Desjardins, Free Agent Tampa Bay

Quit surprising that first Montreal and now Tampa Bay has given up on Desjardins, but the numbers do prove that he is a very capable depth goaltender. Desjardins has been a monster in the AHL the last two seasons with a solid goals against average around 2 and .920 save percentage. He made his NHL debut last season with Tampa Bay but missed most of the end of the year with an injury.

Transactions

06/01/11: Winnipeg signed D Cody Sol to a 3 year contract
06/04/11: Winnipeg announced General Manager Rick Dudley will not be retained by TNSE
06/07/11: Winnipeg named Kevin Cheveldayoff General Manager and Craig Heisinger Assistant General Manager
06/10/11: Winnipeg announced a 3 year AHL affiliation agreement with the city of St. John's, Newfoundland
06/10/11: Winnipeg D Andrey Zubarev has signed with Atlant Mytischi of the Kontinental Hockey League
06/17/11: Winnipeg C Jason Krog has signed with HV 71 of the Swedish Elitserien
06/18/11: Winnipeg D Freddy Meyer has signed with MoDo of the Swedish Elitserien
06/20/11: Winnipeg announced Head Coach Craig Ramsey and Assistant Coaches John Torchetti and Mike Stothers will not be retained by TNSE
06/24/11: Winnipeg named Claude Noel as head coach
06/24/11: True North Sports Entertainment Ltd. announced the team will be known as the Winnipeg Jets
06/24/11: Winnipeg drafted C Mark Scheifele
06/25/11: Winnipeg drafted LW Adam Lowry, D Brennan Serville, D Zach Yuen, RW Austen Brassard, G Jason Kasdorf, and D Aaron Harstad
06/27/11: Winnipeg tendered Qualifying Offers to D Zach Bogosian, D Arturs Kulda, D Brett Festerling, C Ben Maxwell, LW Andrew Ladd, LW Riley Holzapfel, RW Blake Wheeler and RW Spencer Machacek
06/27/11: Winnipeg declined to tender Qualifying Offers to C Robbie Schremp, LW Andrew Kozek, RW Anthony Stewart, and RW Ian McKenzie making them Unrestricted Free Agents on July 1st
06/28/11: Winnipeg signed C Michael Kirkpatrick to a 2 year AHL contract
07/01/11: Winnipeg signed LW Tanner Glass, D Derek Meech, and C Aaron Gagnon to 1 year contracts, RW Radek Dvorak signed with the Dallas Stars, and D Noah Welch signed with HV 71 of the Swedish Elitserien
07/02/11: Winnipeg signed D Randy Jones, D Mark Flood, and RW Rick Rypien to 1 year contracts, RW Anthony Stewart signed with the Carolina Hurricanes
07/05/11: Winnipeg re-signed LW Andrew Ladd to a 5 year contract
07/07/11: Winnipeg signed LW Jason Gregoire to a 2 year contract
07/08/11: Winnipeg acquired RW Eric Fehr from Washington for RW Danick Paquette and a 2012 4th round draft pick
07/08/11: Winnipeg named Charlie Huddy as an assistant coach
07/09/11: Winnipeg acquired LW Kenndal McArdle from Florida for C Angelo Esposito
07/12/11: Winnipeg RW Fredrik Pettersson signed with Frolunda of the Swedish Elitserien
07/13/11: Winnipeg re-signed D Brett Festerling to a 1 year contract
07/15/11: Winnipeg named Charlie Huddy assistant coach, Wade Flaherty goaltending coach, and Tony Borgford as the video coach, LW Eric Boulton signed with the New Jersey Devils
07/16/11: Winnipeg re-signed C Ben Maxwell and LW Kenndal McArdle to 1 year contracts
07/17/11: Winnipeg signed LW Jason Jaffray to a 1 year contract
07/18/11: Winnipeg re-signed RW Blake Wheeler to a 2 year contract and re-signed D Arturs Kulda, RW Spencer Machacek, and LW Riley Holzapfel
07/20/11: Winnipeg signed C Marco Rosa, D Travis Ramsey, LW Shawn Weller, RW Kevin Clark, C John Albert, and C Shayne Wiebe to AHL Contracts
07/22/11: Winnipeg named Pascal Vincent as assistant coach
07/25/11: Winnipeg signed LW Ivan Telegin to a 3 year contract
08/01/11: Winnipeg signed RW Jason King, D Jake Marto, and D Jason DeSantis to AHL contracts
08/10/11: Winnipeg C Rob Schremp signed with MoDo of the Swedish Elitserien
08/29/11: Winnipeg LW Andrew Kozek signed with Nikko of the Asian League
09/08/11: Winnipeg signed C Kyle Wellwood to a 1 year contract

Salary Chart

Salary Chart for the 2011/2012 season

Pos-Player-Contract

G Ondrej Pavelec ($3.9, 2016/2017)
G Juho Olkinuora
G Edward Pasquale (Restricted FA)
G Chris Carrozzi (Restricted FA)
G Al Montoya (Unrestricted FA)

D Dustin Byfuglien ($5.2, 2015/2016)
D Tobias Enstrom ($3.75, 2017/2018)
D Mark Stuart ($1.7, 2013/2014)
D Julian Melchiori ($671,667, 2013/2014)
D Ben Chiarot ($618,333, 2013/2014)
D Cody Sol ($578,333, 2013/2014)
C Olli Jokinen ($4.5, 2013/2014)
L Andrew Ladd ($4.4, 2015/2016)
C Jim Slater ($1.6, 2014/2015)
C Mark Scheifele ($1.594, 2014/2015)
R Chris Thorburn ($886,667, 2013/2014)
L Carl Klingberg ($870,000, 2013/2014)
L Ivan Telegin ($697,778, 2014/2015)
D Jacob Trouba
R Austen Brassard
L Evander Kane
L Adam Lowry
C James Wright
D Zach Bogosian (Restricted FA)
D Grant Clitsome (Unrestricted FA)
D Ron Hainsey (Unrestricted FA)
D Derek Meech (Unrestricted FA)
D Will O'Neill (Restricted FA)
D Paul Postma (Restricted FA)
D Zach Redmond (Restricted FA)
C Nik Antropov (Unrestricted FA)
C Alexander Burmistrov (Restricted FA)
C Patrice Cormier (Restricted FA)
C Aaron Gagnon (Unrestricted FA)
L Jason Gregoire (Restricted FA)
C Bryan Little (Restricted FA)
C Maxime Macenauer (Restricted FA)
C Ben Maxwell (Unrestricted FA)
R Antti Miettinen (Unrestricted FA)
C Eric O'Dell (Restricted FA)
R Anthony Peluso (Restricted FA)
C Mike Santorelli (Unrestricted FA)
L Eric Tangradi (Restricted FA)
C Kyle Wellwood (Unrestricted FA)
R Blake Wheeler (Restricted FA)

* All contracts and player salaries from various sources including team press releases, NHL forecaster, and Capgeek

On The Farm

St. John's of the AHL


#-Pos-Player

05 L Jason King
15 L Jason Jaffray
21 C Kael Mouillierat
42 L Josh Lunden

BOLD - Players on AHL only Contract


N/A of the ECHL


#-Pos-Player

Winnipeg Jets Roster

# - Pos - Player:
00 G Juho Olkinuora*
31 G Ondrej Pavelec
32 G Edward Pasquale*
34 G Chris Carrozzi*
35 G Al Montoya

00 D Dean Arsene
03 D Jacob Trouba*
04 D Paul Postma
05 D Mark Stuart
06 D Ron Hainsey
07 D Derek Meech
23 D Arturs Kulda*
24 D Grant Clitsome
25 D Zach Redmond*
33 D Dustin Byfuglien
39 D Tobias Enstrom
43 D Will O'Neill*
44 D Zach Bogosian
62 D Travis Ramsey*
63 D Ben Chiarot*
64 D Cody Sol*
71 D Julian Melchiori*

00 R Norm Ezekiel*
00 R Jason King
00 L Josh Lunden
00 R Kael Mouillierat
00 R Ray Sawada
00 L Ryan Schnell*
00 L Joey Sides*
00 L Hunter Tremblay*
08 C Alexander Burmistrov
09 L Evander Kane
12 C Olli Jokinen
13 C Kyle Wellwood
14 R Anthony Peluso*
15 C Mike Santorelli
16 L Andrew Ladd
17 C James Wright
18 C Bryan Little
19 C Jim Slater
20 R Antti Miettinen
21 C Aaron Gagnon
22 R Chris Thorburn
26 R Blake Wheeler
27 L Eric Tangradi
28 C Patrice Cormier
40 C Maxime Macenauer
41 L Jason Jaffray
48 L Carl Klingberg*
49 C Ben Maxwell
52 L Ivan Telegin*
55 C Mark Scheifele*
56 L Adam Lowry*
57 L Jason Gregoire*
58 C Eric O'Dell*
61 R Austen Brassard*
70 C John Albert*
80 C Nik Antropov

* - NHL Rookie

Depth Chart:
NHL:

G1:
G2:

D1:
D2:
D3:
ED:

F1:
F2:
F3:
F4:
EF:

AHL:

G1:
G2:
G3:

D1:
D2:
D3:
ED:

F1:
F2:
F3:
F4:
EF:

BOLD - AHL Contracts