Jets prospects eager to impress at Young Stars Classic

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This article was published 13/09/2023 (753 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The kids are alright. And the future appears bright when it comes to the Winnipeg Jets.

Many of the most promising young prospects in the system hit the ice Wednesday at the hockey for all centre for the first of two “rookie camp” skates ahead of the Young Stars Classic, which runs Friday through Monday in British Columbia.

Winnipeg’s group of 23 skaters includes 15 recent draft picks who will be trying to build some momentum before they transition to full NHL training camp next week.

“Day 1 was pretty cool. We gelled pretty fast out there,” said goaltender Dominic DiVincentiis, the reigning Ontario Hockey League netminder of the year who was selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NHL Draft.

“I think we have a really good group coming down to Penticton this week. something we’re all looking forward to. Obviously, there’s some guys’ first times down there, for others they’ve been down there a couple times. I think this week is going to be super exciting and we’re coming there to win. That’s important to us.”

The Jets face the rising stars of the Edmonton Oilers (Friday, 6 p.m. CT), Vancouver Canucks (Sunday, 4 p.m. CT) and Calgary Flames (Monday, noon CT). All games will be streamed live at www.winnipegjets.com.

Here are a five players to keep an eye on during the tournament:

1) F CHAZ LUCIUS — It’s been one painful injury after another for the 20-year-old forward, selected 18th overall in 2021. Knee surgery. Ankle surgery. And, most recently, shoulder surgery.

“It’s awesome. It’s feeling great. 100 per cent,” he said. “This is the first summer that I’ve had where I’ve really, truly been able to train the whole entire summer, which is big, on the ice.”

Lucius began last year with the Manitoba Moose, played a huge role as the United States won bronze at the World Junior Championship and then was tearing up the WHL after being re-assigned (15 points in six games with Portland) before his season ended in agony.

“I don’t want to lie. For sure, it’s obviously unfortunate, the injuries I’ve had. I don’t think anybody wants it for their careers, especially this young age, for me,” he said.

“But I’ve taken it in stride. I feel like I’ve really matured from it. At the end of the day, there’s nothing you can really do about it besides move forward. It’s not the ups and downs of it, it’s what you do with it. And the biggest thing for me is just I’ve had those lows, but now kind of building myself back up and being the best player and person I can be.”

Lucius will spend the entire coming season in Winnipeg, but whether it’s with just the Moose or perhaps some time with the Jets remains to be seen.

“That’s always the goal, to play for the Jets, for sure. But I’d say the biggest thing for me is just taking it one day at a time right now and seeing how everything plays out,” he said.

“Obviously I’m giving it my best shot, just like everyone here, and see what happens with that.”

2) F COLBY BARLOW — You forget how young he is, with the thick playoff-style beard making him seem much older than just 18. Winnipeg’s most recent first-round draft pick (18th overall this past June) has all the makings of an impact player.

Perhaps sooner than later?

“I just come with an open mind. I’m here to learn, learn from the pro guys, learn from the all the coaching staff and everything they’re teaching us,’ Barlow said of his mindset.

“It’s obviously my mission to play here someday. Just doing all I can to make them kind of want me to stay. All I can do is go out there, work hard and do all the things they’re teaching us.”

Barlow, who had 79 points (46 goals, 33 assists) in 59 games with the Owen Sound Attack of the OHL last year, said he focused this summer on getting quicker and stronger.

Now, the opportunity is there to make an early statement.

“Definitely so excited. It’s a great opportunity to be here,” said Barlow. “Just try to bring as much energy as I can to the ice at all times. Whether that’s a big hit, blocking a shot or even using my mouth. Just kind of being yappy and vocal. Trying to do anything I can to bring the energy up.”

3) F NIKITA CHIBRIKOV — He stood out in a major way during the summer development camp, showcasing a tantalizing mix of speed and skill. Now, the 20-year-old winger from Russia has the chance to put his intriguing tools to the test against North American competition for the first time.

The Jets believe they might have a diamond in the rough, having selected Chibrikov in the second round (50th overall) in 2021. He would have gone much higher were it not for concerns about his existing KHL contract and how quickly he might be able to join an NHL organization.

Winnipeg didn’t have to wait that long. Chibrikov is expected to start this year with the Moose, but don’t be surprised if he’s knocking on the door with the big club before too long.

He’s slated to play at least the first game Friday in B.C. on a top line with Lucius at centre and Barlow on the right wing. That should be a lot of fun.

4) F BRAD LAMBERT — Lambert made a dazzling first impression during Jets camp and several pre-season games last year, eventually starting the campaign with the Moose, going to the world juniors and then being re-assigned to the WHL where his Seattle Thunderbirds eventually lost the Memorial Cup final.

What might ‘Big Bad Brad’ do for an encore? The 30th-overall pick from 2022 is going to get a long look at centre — he was on a line in Wednesday’s skate between Daniel Torgersson and Parker Ford, who both played with the Moose last year — and wouldn’t you know it but the Jets have a second-line centre opening following the Pierre-Luc Dubois trade.

Cole Perfetti and Gabe Vilardi are strong contenders to fill that spot, but no doubt Lambert (just like Lucius) will want to make coaches and management look his way.

A strong showing in B.C. would be a good place to start.

5) D ELIAS SALOMONSSON — Like Chibrikov, this will be the first chance to see him in North America. The slick, smooth-skating blue-liner has already started his year in the top Swedish men’s league, playing in three games before flying to Winnipeg earlier this week.

“I think it’s good to have some games under your belt,” he said.

Truth be told, he’s hoping to stay on this side of the pond.

Salomonsson, 19, selected in the second round in 2022, is under contract in Sweden but has an out clause that would allow him to play in the NHL this year (but not the AHL).

“My goal is to have a good camp here and try to take a spot,” he said. “If not I go back home and come back strong next year.”

He’s expected to skate on a top pairing with Tyrel Bauer, who spent last season with the Moose.

“That feels pretty good. (Bauer is) a good guy in the locker room. I think we found some chemistry in the first practice,” said Salomonsson.

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @mikemcintyrewpg