Jets Notebook: Odds and Ends from Day 3

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This article was published 25/09/2016 (3281 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Kichton the hero in first scrimmage

The first scrimmage of training camp was a low-scoring affair, with Team White edging Team Blue 1-0 Sunday afternoon.

Defenceman Brenden Kichton scored on a penalty shot that was awarded following an Axel Blomqvist infraction. He beat goalie Michael Hutchinson high on the blocker side, tucking his shot under the crossbar. Ondrej Pavelec went the distance for the winning squad.

Perhaps the most impressive player in the 30-minute running-time game was rookie Jack Roslovic. The 2015 first-round pick was noticeable on several occasions, including a nifty cross-crease pass linemate Nikolaj Ehlers just missed tapping in.

“He definitely catches your eye, just with his speed and his ability to hang on to the puck, and he makes some plays. There are those moments where you get a little excited,” said assistant coach Jamie Kompon.

Roslovic, 19, signed an entry-level deal with the Jets this summer after finishing his freshman season at Miami University.

Morrissey’s chances suddenly improve

 It’s debatable, of course, but it seems prospect defenceman Josh Morrissey stands to benefit most if Jacob Trouba’s trade request is honoured by the Jets.

Morrissey, a left-handed shot taken 13th overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, has yet to crack the big club’s lineup as a regular. After a solid second half in his first pro season in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose, Morrissey’s opportunity to work his way onto the 23-man Jets roster has never been better.

“That’s not really up to me to decide,” said the 21-year-old Sunday following his morning on-ice session. “Obviously, coming in here there are a lot great defenceman, a lot of great players.”

Thorburn feels intensity starting to pick up

Chris Thorburn has entered this year’s training camp with a few more bull’s-eyes attached to his back.

The rugged, veteran winger told the Free Press last week this training camp, like many before it, will be a battle for the 33-year-old. With three days of camp in the books, Thorburn said he felt the intensity pick up a notch Sunday.

“It was good. Camp has been upbeat and uptempo,” Thorburn said. “You go all summer and you don’t know if you’ve done enough, or too much. You get out here and you get some structure. Then with the scrimmage, it’s utter chaos a little bit system-wise. It’s just nice to be out with the guys and compete and get that competition level going.”

Head coach Maurice staying with Europe

The Jets will be without their head coach for several more days.

Paul Maurice will remain at the World Cup after Team Europe defeated Sweden in overtime Sunday, sending them to the best-of-three finals against Canada. That series begins Tuesday, with Game 2 set for Thursday night. A deciding Game 3 would go Saturday night in Toronto.

Maurice is an assistant coach with Team Europe.

World Cup players expected in camp Monday

Captain Blake Wheeler, alternates Dustin Byfuglien and Mark Scheifele and prized prospect Patrik Laine are expected at camp today. The four competed in the World Cup and were given the weekend off once their teams were eliminated.

The Jets will likely also give a hint as to the expected roster for their first of seven exhibition games, which goes Tuesday at the MTS Centre against the Calgary Flames. The puck drops at 7 p.m. The Jets will also play home games Thursday and Friday, making for a very busy few days.