Jets’ 2016 highlights not reflected in points total

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 29/12/2016 (3383 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

While we wind down 2016, I’d like to take a look back at some of the year’s highlights, mostly related to the Winnipeg Jets.

It certainly hasn’t been a banner year point-wise as the Jets have been a very inconsistent bunch since last January. It hasn’t even been a good roller-coaster ride as they can’t seem to build any momentum. However, as I started writing in this space, it was easy to recall the true highlights.

I remember being grateful to write about the electrifying play of Nikolaj Ehlers — a bright light during some dark days. There was also Mark Scheifele taking over from an injured Bryan Little and showing he could flourish as a No. 1 centre in the NHL.

The Jets also auditioned a number of young players from the Manitoba Moose towards the close of the 2015-16 campaign — veteran players decided on early surgeries rather than playing out the end of the season. While this looked like the Jets were in full tanking mode and begging for that top NHL draft pick, they actually went on a winning streak, seemingly leaving Jets fans with only a sliver of hope at the coveted top draft slots (picking sixth before the draft lottery).

Years from now, Jets fans will look back to that lottery day and have their own favourite memories of fate intervening and the Jets moving up to the second pick — without that there is no Patrik Laine and a future with much less hope.

These memories may include speculating on what lucky charm general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff had in his pocket, or one of my favourites — watching the scowl on Calgary Flames President Brian Burke’s face as the Jets moved past the Flames in the selection process, with Cheveldayoff looking pleased right beside him. It probably wouldn’t have been a good idea to offer up a high-five to Burke at that moment, even though it would have been tempting to many, and very entertaining television.

Everything went as scripted on draft day, and the franchise-changing player with the gall to say what he’s thinking had landed in Winnipeg. Teemu 2.0 had arrived.

The rest of the summer was uneventful for the most part, including the non-signing of defenceman Jacob Trouba to a contract. I wouldn’t normally put this in the highlights portion of a column, but his absence allowed rookie Josh Morrissey to get the opportunity to play in a top four role and he’s flourished. Often overshadowed by the high-scoring young guns up front, he’s had as big an impact on the team as anyone, if you consider what pre-season expectations were.

Of course Trouba was welcomed back by the players and most fans. Moving on from the business side of hockey is easy, as long as the player performs well — Trouba has certainly done that since his return to the lineup.

The Jets youth movement (many who auditioned at the end of last season) was forced into high gear this fall because of injuries — and the young group from the Manitoba Moose did more than their share to keep the Jets afloat.

All of the forwards returned healthy to the lineup before Christmas — after the NHL-imposed roster freeze ended, two guys stood tall after having started the season with the Moose: Nic Petan and Marko Dano. Who knows how long that lasts though? Against Chicago, Maurice distributed the ice-time pretty evenly amongst his top nine forwards — leaving Dano with just 6:37 and Petan with 7:46 of ice-time.

Of course a highlight package of 2016 wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Heritage Classic in October. I’ve already gushed about the greatness of the event in a couple columns, but it was a blast to take part in and reconnect with old friends, teammates and foes. Having made a number of new friends in Winnipeg is just icing on the cake.

As far as the alumni goes, Jets owner Mark Chipman has followed up with the start of regular mailings to us, ensuring this rebirth continues the momentum built from hosting the many alumni that attended. I have had a number of conversations with different players, all of us promising not to let time slide by without getting together when possible.

I’ll end the Classic with a quick story. The late, great former captain of the Jets (WHA and 1.0 NHL), Lars-Erik Sjoberg, was represented at the festivities by his widow Christine and his son Magnus. He was hoping to get an old Jets equipment bag to keep his father’s sweaters in.

While the rushing around and logistics of that weekend didn’t allow it, one phone call to assistant GM Craig Heisinger’s office afterward and a bag was shipped safely to Sweden to a very grateful son of a Jets legend. Also a tip of the hat to executive assistant Katie Ferniuk — they do nice things well.

Finally, some pointers for the Jets in 2017. I’ve kept it simple so no player gets confused.

1) Play every game like it’s against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Actually, I’ll take my chances with just that.

Happy New Year. May you have a terrific 2017!

Chosen ninth overall by the NHL’s St. Louis Blues and first overall by the WHA’s Houston Aeros in 1977, Scott Campbell has now been drafted by the Winnipeg Free Press to play a new style of game.

Twitter: @NHL_Campbell