The boys are back in town

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This article was published 10/09/2024 (391 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It may feel like the middle of summer, but it’s starting to look like hockey season around here.

Two dozen members of the Winnipeg Jets organization earned a gold star for early attendance as they hit the ice Tuesday for an informal group practice despite the fact training camp is still a full week away and the new NHL campaign won’t get going for another month.

“It’s great to have a lot of guys in town,” said alternate captain Mark Scheifele.

These so-called “captain’s skates” have become a staple in most big-league markets as players look for every edge when it comes to team building and bonding. The only veterans who haven’t arrived yet are goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and forwards Kyle Connor, Nikolaj Ehlers and Nino Niederreiter.

Not surprisingly, there was plenty of excitement and optimism in the air in what amounts to a “back-to-school” feeling complete with players catching up on what they did during their summer vacations.

Scheifele, for example, was front and centre getting to know some new faces such as depth forwards Jared Anderson-Dolan and Mason Shaw, who were signed as free agents over the summer. As the hour-long skate ended Tuesday, Scheifele remained on the ice with the pair, along with forward Gabe Vilardi, mapping out some bonus drills.

“I will not be coaching after my career, that’s for sure,” he said with a laugh.

“To be honest, it’s more selfish than anything. I have thoughts about what I want to work on. Obviously with Gaber I have some thoughts for him, and for Shawsy and JAD to come in and join, I’m always welcoming guys to come and work on stuff and work on things in their game. I love when guys stay on late and try to work.”

Spoken like a wily veteran.

“I’m an old fart now,” he joked.

“I think that’s what’s exciting about the summer. You see spots open for new guys. I remember what that was like when I was younger, a spot that’s ripe for the picking and having to give it your all and everything in your power to better your game and be prepared to play in the NHL. It’s no easy feat. I think that’s what excites me the most, to see those guys, see what they’ve got and try to help as much as I can.”

Winnipeg bid farewell to free agent forwards Sean Monahan and Tyler Toffoli, defencemen Brenden Dillon and Nate Schmidt, and backup goaltender Laurent Brossoit. That’s opened doors for prospects such as Ville Heinola, Elias Salomonsson, Brad Lambert, Nikita Chibrikov and Brayden Yager to push for work.

How does a potential youth movement sit with the 31-year-old Scheifele, who starts his seven-year, US $59.5 million contact extension this coming season? Could that mean a step back, even if temporary, for a team that finished the regular-season tied for fourth-overall last year and won the Jennings Trophy as stingiest defensive squad in the league?

“I think our core here for the most part is still intact,” said Scheifele. “We just need some guys to step into roles. Obviously there’s some spots available. Hopefully some of these young guys come into camp hungry and ready to take a spot and establish their NHL career.”

Several of those young players will be front and centre this weekend at the Young Stars tournament in Penticton, B.C. They’ll hit the ice for a formal practice on Wednesday at the Hockey For All Centre before flying west to play games against the top prospects of the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks on Friday, Sunday and Monday.

Scheifele has seen plenty of teammates come and go over the years, including good friends such as Andrew Copp (whose wedding he recently attended as a groomsman) and Jacob Trouba. Schmidt and Dillon are just the latest examples.

“That’s what happens in this business. You need guys to step up and fill that role. Obviously Dilly’s a big loss. He did a lot for us, tough guy, hard to play against,” said Scheifele.

“But at the end of the day you just wish them the best. They’re all great friends. We need guys to step in and take the bull by the horns and go from there.”

Speaking of business, the Jets still have some to take care of when it comes to restricted free agent Cole Perfetti. He has yet to sign a new deal, but the fact he’s in Las Vegas this week as Winnipeg’s representative on the NHL’s media tour is a promising sign.

“I’ve gone through it. So many guys have gone through it. It’s a matter of the business. He’s got a good head on his shoulders. I don’t worry about him at all, he’s doing just fine,” said Scheifele, who is good friends with Perfetti and trains with him during the summer.

Would he like to see the 22-year-old, who set career highs in goals (19), assists (19), points (38) and games played (71) last season, sign a long-term deal rather than a bridge contact?

“That’s up to him. You never mess with anyone’s business, that’s what I’ve learned in this league,” said Scheifele.

“Everyone’s business is their business, all you try to do is be there as a friend. You don’t ask for specifics, you just want to be a shoulder to lean on, and that’s all you can do.”

NHL coaches aren’t allowed to run these pre-camp skates, but Scheifele is eager to see what new bench boss Scott Arniel can do after taking over from the retired Rick Bowness. The Jets crashed and burned in the playoffs last spring, taking their opening game against the Colorado Avalanche before losing four straight.

“Because we had him kind of like for two months throughout the year (during medical leaves by Bowness), I think we kind of got used to what he’s like behind the bench. We had some pretty good stretches when he was there,” said Scheifele.

“Obviously it’s a little bit different when you have the head coach job, but I’m expecting him to be great and am excited to work with him. He was with the D last year so we didn’t get a lot of interaction with him, but I’m excited to see what he does as a head coach.”

On-ice training camp sessions begin Sept. 19, and the Jets start their six-game preseason schedule on Sept. 21. The 82-game regular-season begins Oct. 9.

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X: @mikemcintyrewpg