Overstocked Jets assign Tanev, Copp to Moose

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This article was published 28/12/2016 (3499 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There was no hiding the disappointment.

Brandon Tanev and Andrew Copp were clearly not happy to be skating Wednesday with the Manitoba Moose.

It’s nothing personal against the American Hockey League franchise, but rather a natural frustration that comes from playing at the highest level, only to find themselves on the outside looking in.

Tanev and Copp were both sent down earlier in the day by the Winnipeg Jets, who had to make a pair of roster moves as the holiday-season roster freeze passed. The recent return of injured forwards Shawn Matthias and Joel Armia left the Jets with 25 players; NHL clubs can carry a maximum of 23.

Copp started the year with the Moose, but was promoted after the big club sustained a number of injuries and had four goals and three assists in 25 games with Winnipeg.

“I thought I played really well. They told me I played really well. They told me to just keep doing what I’m doing. That’s kind of frustrating when you hear that and you’re not in the lineup,” Copp said after practice. “I’ve played more than 100 NHL games now. I know I’m an NHL player. This doesn’t change that.”

Tanev has played in 35 of 37 games for the Jets this season, scoring a pair of goals and chipping in two assists.

“Ultimately, management and the coaching staff made a decision. This is where I am. I want to get better as a player and get myself back where I was at the beginning of the season. That’s not an option to go out there and pout. You just have to go out and push and continue to grow,” Tanev said after the skate at the MTS Iceplex.

Tanev and Copp had recently joined forwards Alex Burmistrov and Chris Thorburn on the sidelines as the Jets’ healthy scratches. Burmistrov and Thorburn would have required waivers to be sent down, meaning the Jets could have lost an asset without any compensation; Tanev and Copp are on entry-level contracts and didn’t have to clear waivers before heading to the Moose.

“I saw it coming after I was scratched in Vancouver (just prior to the Christmas break) and was reassured (Tuesday) when I got scratched. I thought maybe there was a chance they’d keep me as a healthy and be interchanging in the lineup, but no that did not happen,” said Copp.

Moose head coach Pascal Vincent said he expects both players to have the right attitude following their demotions.

“They’ve been successful their whole life playing hockey. They were part of the best 700 players in the world at some point playing in the NHL. It’s not an easy thing for them, but there’s a reason why they’re among the best in the world. It’s because their mental skills are really strong, they know what they need to do,” said Vincent.

“Those guys want to be in the NHL. We want to help them get back there. They’re in a good mindset, those guys are mature about the game and they understand what’s going on. I have no doubt in my mind they’re going to work hard and do the right things.”

Jets captain Blake Wheeler, speaking after the club’s afternoon skate at the MTS Centre, said the solid play of both players likely created a tough decision for the organization’s brass.

“That’s when you know you’re going in the right direction when you have to make difficult decisions,” said Wheeler. “Obviously, it’s two guys who’ve done a great job for us this year. You just can’t have quality hockey players watching games, you’ve got to get them ice time.

“They’re young players. It’ll be good for them to get down there and get a lot of ice time, get a lot of exposure, so that if and when they’re back up with us they’re going to be firing on all cylinders again.”

Jets head coach Paul Maurice confirmed he’s going with the same group that returned Tuesday from the holiday break to carve out an impressive 3-1 road triumph over the Chicago Blackhawks.

A stint with the Moose is a greater benefit to Copp and Tanev than a view from the press box, he said.

“Unusual time, four days off. I know we’re planning on the same lineup for (tonight) and when you’ve got young players, they’re going to (need to) play. We don’t want to have them sitting here watching games,” Maurice said.

“They need to practise, especially with the four days off, and they need to play hockey games.”

Indeed, both players said they were looking forward to taking on a bigger role and increased minutes with the Moose.

“That’s the only way to approach it. If you approach it like poor me, it’s everyone else’s fault — that’s how your career ends. There’s only one way to take it,” said Copp.

Little more than a week ago, Tanev suited up for the Jets in Vancouver against his brother Chris in what he called a “dream come true.” Now he’ll look to his older sibling for inspiration, noting he previously played for the Moose when they were the affiliate of the Canucks and his career was just beginning.

“Looking back I see where he is now. I’m in the same situation as he is. It’s a good sign, an opportunity to play here and just continue to push and develop and grow as a player,” said Tanev. “Unfortunately, I’m down here, but it’s good for my development. I’m just going to come down here, develop my game, play a little more ice time, play in certain situations I wouldn’t have the opportunity to with the Jets, but at the same time, just stay open-minded here, continue to push and come to the rink every day and try to get better.”

Tanev and Copp are expected to be in the lineup when the Moose (12-12-4) open a six-game homestand Friday at the MTS Centre against the Charlotte Checkers.

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca          

jason.bell@freepress.mb.ca