Jets young D-men might finally be getting a chance Free Press readers submit their Winnipeg Jets mail By: Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe Posted: 4:13 PM CST Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 03/12/2023 (1013 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Another month. Another meaty Winnipeg Jets mailbag.

There was plenty for our puck pundits, Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe, to tackle this time around: The club’s recent three-game losing skid, the current state of the blue-line, an intriguing free agent, Nino Niederreiter’s future, forecasting forward depth, coaches calling out their clubs, penalty kill personnel and the music selection at the downtown rink.

If you’d like to submit a question for the next edition, which runs online the first Sunday of every month, email Mike and/or Ken. You can also reach out via our social media channels, if you prefer. On X, find them at @mikemcintyrewpg and @WiebesWorld.

Let’s get to it:

1. So is this it? Play great for 20 games, then crash and burn and struggle to even get into the playoffs again?

Mike McIntyre: I’d never tell someone how to “fan”, but I’d caution against jumping off the bandwagon just yet. Sure, the Jets suffered three straight regulation losses over the past week, only to snap the skid with Saturday’s 3-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Fact is, even the best teams in the league will go through skids and slumps, and I believe Winnipeg’s depth and commitment to structure and systems and details makes the success they’ve enjoyed so far sustainable. Remember: The 82-game regular-season is a marathon, not a sprint.

Ken Wiebe: Echoing Mike’s thoughts here, it’s natural for some fans to be skeptical, given how things fell off the rails after the Jets were first in both the Central Division and Western Conference in January and basically had to hang on for dear life to be the eighth seed. But when you consider the Jets foundation is in its five-on-five play and there is ample room for improvement on special teams, a lengthy swoon seems unlikely. The Jets have a high level of buy-in when it comes to their play without the puck and not surprisingly, Connor Hellebuyck has found a groove and both his raw numbers — and goals saved above expected — reflect that.

2. Is Ethan Bear someone you could see on the Jets radar?

KW: There is plenty of intrigue when it comes to the next landing spot for Bear and there figures to be plenty of interest in the player — given the shortage of capable right-shot D-men around the league. He would be someone who could help out with zone exits and transporting the puck. The price point shouldn’t be excessive either, so adding Bear wouldn’t prevent a higher impact add prior to the NHL trade deadline. He’s not for being a shutdown guy, but he could provide a boost on the offensive side of the game as a guy who is comfortable jumping up on the rush. However, one would suspect the Jets would seek clarity on pending UFA Dylan DeMelo before potentially inking Bear to a multi-year deal.

MM: He should be. The 26-year-old Regina product is working his way back from offseason shoulder surgery — reports say he’s resumed skating and could be good to go by the end of the month — and is expected to soon sign with a club for the remainder of the season and he nears a return to action. Whoever gets him will land a low-risk, potentially high-reward boost to the blue-line. Bear checks off a number of boxes, including being a good puck-mover and a right-handed shot.

3. The Jets mismanaged their young defence players last year. If they got real action and very intense coaching, would Logan Stanley or Declan Chisholm be better than some of the defence we presently use? We will never know while the Jets keep benching the ‘future’ in favour of the present unacceptably mediocre.

MM: On Saturday, veteran Nate Schmidt was a (very expensive) healthy scratch for already the third time this season. The first two times, Logan Stanley took his spot. This time, it was Declan Chisholm making his season debut (and acquitting himself quite nicely).

You obviously can’t undo the past, and while it might have been nice to see more of Stanley, Chisholm or even the now injured Ville Heinola last year, what’s done is done. However, there’s reason to believe the situation has changed. Let’s see if Chisholm can stick in the lineup for a bit, and what happens with Heinola once he’s back from his broken ankle, before declaring this as more of the “same old, same old.”

KW: Not sure I would go so far as to suggest mismanaged, but the premise that the Jets have stunted the growth of some of the prospects on the back end to a degree by leaning on more experienced players is something I can give some credence to. However, it’s important to understand the context here as it relates to the players you mentioned.

Stanley suffered two separate injuries last year and that was a bigger factor in his games or even minutes played totals last season. Stanley was in the Jets’ opening night lineup last season ahead of Dylan Samberg, but he was passed on the depth chart in the battle for the 6th spot and he hasn’t done enough to take a job from someone else yet this season.

As for Chisholm, the timing didn’t line up for him to get a recall last year because when one was available, he was injured in the AHL, which is why he went two years between NHL games. It wasn’t performance related but rather an example of bad timing for him. It wasn’t the organization holding him back. Chisholm was solid on Saturday, with his skating ability truly on display. He did enough to earn another look and now it’s up to Chisholm to see if he can make an impact consistently. If he does that, the open competition will continue.

That competition could also include Heinola once he returns from a fractured ankle, likely in the new year, after an extended stay in the minors to get back up to speed. The Jets defence corps has actually been an area of strength for the Jets in the first quarter and change, so the onus is on those young prospects to show if and when they might be ready for a larger role. It’s not incumbent on the Jets to simply hand over a job to a prospect. Ultimately those prospects will show an organization when they’re fully ready for regular duty.

There are almost always growing pains involved with the integration of young players, especially on defence. That is why many teams are reluctant to provide some of that on the job training at the NHL level. Lastly, I would counter that when the Jets were rolling last season, there were not a lot of calls for change on the back end. But have there been times, especially during the 2020-21 non-playoff season, when the Jets could or should have provided a bit more runway for younger blue-liners? Absolutely, though it can a delicate balance to navigate.

4. There was some speculation a while back that the Jets and Nino Niederreiter had some mutual interest in an extension and it could come quickly. But it’s pretty quiet now. Has something changed with one side or the other or is this just a product of every negotiation having its own unique timeline?

KW: To me, the fact things have quieted down makes it more — not less — likely the two sides could find common ground on an extension. The Jets go to great lengths to avoid contract talks to become public, that’s simply how they prefer it.

Niederreiter’s agent Andre Rufener was in town last month, but that was a regularly scheduled early-season visit — as Nikolaj Ehlers is another one of his clients. There is little doubt some conversations and negotiations probably place, but his arrival in Winnipeg didn’t necessarily mean a deal was imminent.

Niederreiter is playing great and is part of one of the most effective “third lines” in the NHL. That enhanced his bargaining position and is probably currently reflected in the asking price. Niederreiter has expressed his interest in sticking around and nothing has changed on that front. He would like to get an extension done, but he would also like to maximize his value, given his age and production levels.

This feels like standard operating procedure in a negotiation to me and I still expect a deal to get done prior to the NHL trade deadline.

MM: I don’t believe the ship has sailed, or the door is closed, or anything along those lines. The interest between the Jets and Niederreiter in continuing their relationship beyond the current season is mutual, and I’d expect further talks as the season progresses. There’s no nearly the same urgency here as there was with the likes of Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele, for example, and I think both sides are comfortable taking a wait-and-see approach.

5. With Nino Niederreiter’s agent recently paying a visit to Winnipeg to negotiate a potential new contract, I got thinking about spots to fill, and openings that need to happen for the young forwards in the pipeline. Barlow, McGroarty, Lambert, Lucius, Chibrikov, all are showing real potential, and it is not too hard to see them being “NHL ready” by the start of next two seasons. That being said, they also likely need to get more than 4th line minutes. I don’t see any vacancies coming up in the top 6 or top 9 with Niederreiter or even Morgan Barron getting a bump up from the fourth line. How much does this factor into N.N. contract, trade options, and finding the balance of roster turnover with lower priced impact players (hopefully) and the 3D chess game Cheveldayoff must be playing every day.

MM: All good points by you, demonstrating the various things that likely go through a general manager’s mind. Not only are you looking at what you might need right now to help your club, but you also have to keep an eye on both the short and long-term future, the prospect pool, salary situations and so much more.

Maybe I’m more of a “live in the moment” type, but I think if you have a player you really like who you want to keep — and I suspect Niederreiter very much fits the bill — then you try to find a way to make it work in the present, and let the future eventually take care of itself.

There are “good problems” to have sometimes in pro sports, including a surplus at a certain position. There are also, as we know, all kinds of things that can happen which you simply can’t predict, including injuries and regression.

KW: The money (AAV) should be the (relatively) easy part when it comes to Niederreiter’s next deal. The value figures to be in the $4-to-4.5 million range. The prospect pool is definitely a consideration when it comes to the term, given that Niederreiter will be 32 when his next contract kicks in. However, Niederreiter’s rugged style of play, combined with his leadership qualities are things the Jets are going to want to have in the lineup as they work to integrate the aforementioned prospects.

Niederreiter will be the bridge to some of those guys becoming key contributors. That Niederreiter has flourished with Adam Lowry and Mason Appleton might actually open the door for someone like McGroarty to play higher in the lineup when he does arrive — though Niederreiter still has the ability to play a top-six role when called upon. Not all prospects hit and it’s important to remember that if the Jets make a splash at the NHL trade deadline, either with a top-4 D-man or second-line centre acquisition, one of those high-end prospects or some draft capital is likely to be part of the package required to close the deal.

6. Last spring the coach of the Winnipeg Jets was “poo-poo’d on” for calling out the poor play and lack of pushback of some of the players of the team after losing the fifth game of the first round of the playoffs and being eliminated. Read what Jared Bednar had to say about the play of the Colorado Avalanche in their recent defeat by the St. Louis Blues. I wonder if some of the players of the Avalanche will now also “poo-poo” on Bednar for making the following comments: “(Our) third period was a joke,” Bednar said postgame. “That was the worst period of hockey I’ve ever seen from our club.” “Not good enough. It’s just guys quitting and not doing what they’re supposed to be doing. Feeling sorry for themselves.” WOW!!!!! Worse than Bowness calling out the Jets??? Yes??? No???

KW: Better or worse isn’t really pertinent here. Calling out a team isn’t something that is done constantly by head coaches anymore and that’s a tool that can’t really come out of the bag too often, because players will eventually tune it out.

Bednar led the Avalanche to the Stanley Cup in 2022, so he’s clearly established a standard with the Avalanche and when they don’t meet that standard, he’s not going to be afraid to provide a harsh critique. His blueprint led to a championship, so he’s got that to lean on. He’s also been around the Avalanche core group for a long team, so he knows when a pat on the back or a stern message is required.

Having watched the Avalanche plenty under Bednar’s watch and being fortunate enough to have covered the Avalanche during the Western Conference final and Stanley Cup final in 2022, I can assure you the Avalanche won’t have their feelings hurt or stop playing for their coach. That’s not the way they operate. Bowness has been around the game for a long time, but this is only his second season in this stint with the Jets, so the push to reach that standard remains a bit of a work in progress.

That doesn’t mean he’s not asking for the same level of excellence Bednar expects. It doesn’t happen overnight though and winning multiple playoff series after dealing with earlier than expected playoff exits was part of that learning process. Bowness’ blunt assessments are always appreciated by members of the media, but players don’t always share that opinion when it comes to a public dressing down at the podium.

It’s also worth noting that the Jets are probably learning why Bowness was so disappointed after Game 5 in Las Vegas, given how well they’ve started this season once again.

MM: Motivation comes in many forms, and a frustrated Bednar no doubt let his group have it after that lopsided loss.

There’s nothing wrong with ripping your team occasionally — Paul Maurice let his Florida Panthers have it during a late-season game last year — but it’s not a card you’d want to play too often. And if you don’t get the reaction you expect, then things are really dire.

The Bowness situation was unique in that it happened after the season was over, so we never had a chance to see how the players might respond to getting called out in such a public way. In the case of Colorado, they seem to have quickly gotten back on track as they are where I think most of us expected them to be, right near the top of both the Central Division and Western Conference.

7. Why don’t the Jets have a goal/victory song the fans can sing when good things happen? Most teams have this and it makes the crowd experiences much more fun. “Hey Baby”? Might improve attendance if more fun in the building.

MM: I actually love the individual goal songs the Jets (and numerous other NHL clubs) have now adopted. By the way, Morgan Barron has the best of the bunch this season (Home For A Rest), while Sam Gagner took him the title last year (Mr. Brightside).

However, I would love to see the Jets adopt a universal “singalong” tune, the way the Colorado Avalanche have utilized “All The Small Things,” for example. It’s become a staple of their games that fans look forward to, and you’d have to think Winnipeg could come up with one to claim as their own.

Finally, how about the Jets look at taking a page out of the Nashville Predators intermission playbook and start having local musical acts play a few songs in between periods. There’s more than enough talent to choose from around here, and it really adds to the ambience.

KW: I don’t have a lot of strong thoughts when it comes to the musical experience, though like Mike, I appreciate a catchy song-along during lengthy stoppages in play.

As for goal songs, the shift to individual choices is a welcome one for me. That’s part of showing a bit of personality. The Jets do play a quick snippet of a song in the building after every goal scored before they tee up the individual goal songs as well.

It’s tough to please everyone when it comes to musical taste, as the Toronto Maple Leafs found out earlier this season as they transitioned to a new goal song. But maybe you’re on to something here and a contest/poll could take place to try and determine what song fans would like to adopt.

8. If the PK continues to struggle do you foresee any changes to personnel up front? Thinking about KC (Kyle Connor) taking a few reps last year, or maybe getting Cole Perfetti’s awareness out there?

KW: The Jets have given Connor some PK responsibilities periodically, but it feels like they prefer to focus his minutes at even strength or on the power play.

Perfetti is a guy who could grow into the role eventually, but when it comes to potential personnel changes, the addition of Alex Iafallo would be at the top of the list for me. His defensive awareness is well known and he got some PK work in during the preseason and early in the campaign, but he was given addition power play responsibilities after Gabriel Vilardi was injured.

Jets associate coach Scott Arniel mentioned during the last road trip that he still has plans for Iafallo on the PK when I asked him about it and the player will welcome that inclusion as well.

MM: The penalty kill is a source of early-season concern, clicking at just 73.9 per cent through 23 games which has Winnipeg sitting tied for 26th in the league. Connor’s speed and puck skills would be intriguing, but I’m not sure he has the defensive acumen to successfully handle PK duties.

As for Perfetti, I could see it being something he eventually grows into, but I’d actually prefer to see his minutes increase through additional usage at five-on-five, where I think he can currently be most effective. But if Winnipeg continues to struggle while shorthanded, then by all means trying out some different personnel should be an option.

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X: @mikemcintyrewpg

ken.wiebe@freepress.mb.ca

X: @WiebesWorld