Newcomers quickly embraced by Jets teammates Jets roll out the red carpet for Toffoli, Miller By: Mike McIntyre Posted: 3:20 PM CDT Monday, Mar. 11, 2024 Last Modified: 8:55 PM CDT Monday, Mar. 11, 2024 Updates

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The Winnipeg Jets welcoming committee was out in full force for Tyler Toffoli and Colin Miller.

First, the organization chartered a weekend flight so the trade deadline additions could quickly arrive in their new hockey home, along with plenty of precious cargo, which included spouses, Miller’s 11-month old child and his golden retriever.

“That’s Nelly,” Miller said Monday morning. “She’s almost four and she’s full of energy and happy to see some snow again.”

He was quick to tip his hat to the true MVP for keeping everything organized during a “whirlwind” 72 hours.

“You know, it’s a busy time, but my wife’s been great,” he said. “So, it’s been it’s been fun being able to get the whole family here right away.”

 

Then there was Alex Iafallo, who previously played 215 games with Toffoli as a member of the Los Angeles Kings, taking his new (old) teammate out for a Sunday dinner.

“We’re definitely buddies, too. Having him here has been really helpful,” said Toffoli, who broke into a big smile when asked who grabbed the bill. “He did. That’s the first time. Normally it’s me picking up the tab for him back in the day, so that’s nice.”

The red carpet continued to be rolled out Monday as the new arrivals showed up to the rink and were immediately put in positions coach Rick Bowness hopes can make them as comfortable as possible.

For Toffoli, that meant playing on a second line along with Iafallo and Sean Monahan, who he previously was teammates with on the Calgary Flames after spending two years together in junior with the Ottawa 67s, including being roommates.

“It definitely feels a little familiar. I’m just excited for the opportunity,” Toffoli said.

For Miller, that was on the third pairing beside the rock-solid Dylan Samberg, along with a spot on the second power-play unit where his blistering slapshot will be a valuable weapon.

“He’s got a heavy shot and if we can get him out there, we’re going to let him use it,” said Bowness.

Even Mother Nature got in on the act, bringing out the sun and cranking up the temperature. Someone better let Nelly know the white stuff might not be here too much longer.

It’s been said you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and it’s safe to say both Toffoli and Miller have liked what they’ve seen so far after a hectic few days.

“Thrilled to be here. And nice to be coming over with Toffoli as well,” said Miller, who is pumped to jump right into the thick of a race for top spot in the Central Division and Western Conference.

“Change the mindset a little bit. But I think you know, these opportunities don’t happen all the time in your career,” he said.

Both players are pending unrestricted free agents who woke up last Friday as members of the New Jersey Devils, only to be shipped in separate deals to Winnipeg prior to the 2 p.m. CT deadline, with three draft picks ultimately going the other way.

“Thrilled to be here. And nice to be coming over with Toffoli as well.”–Colin Miller

“You never know but I think with the state of how things were going there in Jersey and obviously with seeing Toff get traded a little bit before, you just take it in stride,” Miller said of how the day ultimately played out.

Bowness had no hesitation in throwing them right into the lineup on Monday night against the Washington Capitals with only a morning skate under their belts.

“They know how to play the game. There’s not that many different systems in the NHL. They’ll know quickly that we play a pressure game,” he said.

‘They’re veterans, they know how to play the game, they understand the league and what you can and can’t get away with, regardless of the system. I feel very comfortable throwing them right out there.”

Forward Gabe Vilardi was slated to miss a sixth straight game with a nagging upper-body injury, so the Jets lineup is still missing a key member.

“We’re not sure when he’s going to skate. It could be (Tuesday), it could be on Wednesday or Thursday. Let’s just say, we hope he skates this week,” said Bowness, who was asked how much time Vilardi might need to get game ready.

“We’re not sure when he’s (Gabe Vilardi) going to skate. It could be (Tuesday), it could be on Wednesday or Thursday.”–Head coach Rick Bowness

“We’ll have to deal with that when we see how we see him and how the game is going. We’ll throw that in when we get there.”

No doubt the additions of Toffoli and Miller soften the blow a bit, while also showing the depth of the squad.

“We’ve got a lot of games coming up and we’re going to use the bench,” said Bowness. “With 16 games total in the month of March, we don’t have another two-day break until April. It’s important that we utilize the depth that we have.”

For example, Vlad Namestnikov went from playing on the top line last game with Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor to playing up the middle on a fourth line with Morgan Barron and Cole Perfetti. Nikolaj Ehlers, who had been skating with Monahan and Iafallo recently, got the bump up as Toffoli took his spot.

Toffoli is also starting on the top power-play unit, along with Monahan, Scheifele, Connor and Josh Morrissey, playing in the same net-front spot that Vilardi typically occupies.

“We need that right-hand shot down by the net. Gabe was there and showed how effective it can be, so Tyler is good for that,” said Bowness.

Nate Schmidt, who played with Miller in Vegas during the 2017-18 season, exited the lineup to make way for the new arrival, joining Logan Stanley as a healthy scratch, along with forwards David Gustafsson and Rasmus Kupari.

“Obviously, Schmidty’s so full energy. He makes you feel welcome right away so been fun to catch up with him,” said Miller. They were on that Golden Knights team that knocked off the Jets in the Western Conference final, ultimately falling to the Capitals in the Stanley Cup final series.

“It’s always fun playing here. Obviously in the playoffs, it’s another level so look forward to being on the other side of it,” said Miller.

The 31-year-old had eight points (four goals, four assists) in 41 games with the Devils this year while also being a plus-10, which isn’t easy to do on a club with a minus-13 goal differential. Miller posted a career-high 41 points (10 goals, 31 assists) in that 2017-18 campaign with Vegas

“I’ve been put in some different situations. You know, sometimes more offensive role, sometimes defensive,” he said.

“I think I’m here to try to try to help this team however I can. Obviously, an amazing group and they’ve done so well this year. I’m really just here to help out wherever I can.”

Same goes for Toffoli, who entered play Monday with 26 goals, which had him tied for the Jets lead with Connor.

“The nerves and butterflies are going to be there, but at the same time it’s exciting,” he said. “The team’s awesome. I felt like I’ve fit in real well so far. Just excited to come here and play in a game.”

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

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